On Disability Matters, John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell spoke* with operatic soloist and classical singer Catrina Scullion — a performer whose remarkable career has spanned opera stages, international tours and recital halls.
But this conversation was about something deeply personal: family, love, and using music to respond to devastating news.
A Life in Music
Originally from the North and living in Dublin for over two decades, Catrina trained in music at UCD before building an impressive career in performance and teaching.
Her journey has included performing with Opera Ireland, touring the United States with Celtic Woman and Anúna, singing at Radio City Music Hall and the Greek Theatre, and bringing opera to unexpected stages — including Electric Picnic.
“I just love music in all its forms,” she reflected. “There’s something so visceral about being able to express yourself through music.”
Alongside her performing career, Catrina teaches singing and piano in Alexandra College and St Andrew’s College, nurturing the next generation of musicians.
But three years ago, her world shifted.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Shortly after giving birth to her third child, Catrina’s cousin Sinead began experiencing weakness in her arms and legs. She was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), an aggressive and progressive neurological condition.
Catriona was pregnant at the time.
“I felt so helpless,” she said. “I just thought — what can I do?”
The answer, she realised, was the one thing she has always had: her voice.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”
The idea of recording a charity single came quickly. For Catrina, only one song felt right — You’ll Never Walk Alone.
“It symbolises everything,” she explained. “Solidarity. Hope. Standing together.”
Although the idea was initially shelved, momentum returned this year following further conversations and encouragement from friends — and after a devastating personal loss in her own family.
Determined to keep her promise, Catrina launched Sparkle for Sinead — a fundraising campaign centred around a special Celtic arrangement of You’ll Never Walk Alone, recorded with her long-time collaborator and friend, pianist Katrina McElhoney Grimes.
The single is available through a GoFundMe donation, with proceeds supporting MND charities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“To date, we’ve raised over €4,000,” she shared. “And the campaign continues through December.”
Concerts, Community and Sparkle
The campaign extends beyond the single.
Two concerts — one in Ballymena and one in Dublin — bring together choirs, musicians and community in celebration and solidarity. The Dublin concert at St Mary’s Church, Haddington Road, will also be streamed via webcam, allowing supporters around the world to join.
Sinead herself will be watching online — dressed in sparkle.
“I wanted this to be about celebrating her,” Catrina said. “She’s a young woman with a young family. This is about shining her light.”
The campaign encourages supporters to wear sparkle during the festive season, share photos using #SparkleForSinead, and donate even the price of a drink.
“Have a drink with Sinead,” she said gently.
Raising Awareness and Supporting Research
Funds raised will be divided between Motor Neurone charities north and south, supporting both patient care and vital research.
“This is Sinead’s wish,” Catrina explained. “To raise awareness. To support research. To give hope that one day this disease won’t take so much.”
Motor Neurone Disease remains incurable. It affects speech, mobility, swallowing and breathing. Increasing numbers of younger women are being diagnosed — something Catrina described as “very frightening.”
Yet through music, she is turning grief into action.
“Even in some small way,” she said, “if we can make a difference — then it matters.”
And as the final notes of You’ll Never Walk Alone ring out, the message is clear: no one should face this journey alone.
*This is an archived interview that first aired on November 28, 2024.
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud.