Sharon Shannon has announced the release of ‘A Thing Called Love: Songs for Leo’, a beautiful collection of music to mark the passing of her partner Leo Healy in 2008. ‘Songs for Leo’ was recorded in 2008 when Leo died suddenly of a heart attack aged 46. During the weeks following, Sharon invited friends and musical colleagues into the studio to record an album of songs that were special to her. ‘Songs for Leo’ was intended as a source of comfort for herself and the Healy family and was never released commercially. Just one hundred copies were printed at the time and given to friends and family.
In light of Covid-19, Sharon decided that the album should be heard by everyone, especially those affected by coronavirus. Songs For Leo is available to buy in our shop. It is also available on all usual digital outlets. All proceeds will go to Rosabel’s Rooms, a charity close to Sharon’s heart and of which she has recently become ambassador.
Rosabel’s Rooms, in partnership with Irish Hospice Foundation, was established in memory of Rosabel Monroe, who died suddenly and unexpectedly aged 16 months in April 2017. Rosabel was the daughter of close friends of Sharon’s, Suzanne McClean and Gary Monroe. The charity aims to provide direct financial and therapeutic support to bereaved parents and families around Ireland.
Both Sharon and Suzanne spoke about the album on the Ray Darcy show recently. Listen back here
An ongoing project, Songs for Rosabel, a compilation of Irish artists, will be released on Rosabel’s fifth birthday next January.
