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EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

The father of a four-year-old Killarney girl who suffers from a rare condition has released his first online album to raise funds for his daughter.

Alexis O’Mahony, from Woodlawn, and her parents, urgently need a wheelchair accessible vehicle as she has outgrown her car seat making it difficult and uncomfortable for her on long journeys to Dublin for necessary appointments.

Steve and Teresa are 24 hour carers for the little girl who has a rare primary metabolic condition called Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency which has led to a brain abnormality called Ventriculomegaly as well as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, double hip displacement, cortical visual impairment and sleeping difficulties.

Steve is a DJ and is well-known for his work in local night clubs as well as occasional behind the scenes work with Radio Kerry.

He has not worked since March as he needed to cocoon to protect his daughter, and with the bars and hotels closed there was no work available.

Instead, he used the lockdown to complete his first album – titled ‘Mid 11’ – which has now been released on Spotifyand other online platforms. He will put the donations from the album's sale towards an upgraded car.

“'Mid 11’ consists of 11 dance tracks across various electronic genres. Some of these tunes were lying around unfinished for up to five years but from last March the necessity to stay at home helped me create new habits and refocus on music,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“This was produced entirely between March and September at home in the small hours when the house settled down and quietened after a busy day. ‘Aalexis’ is my artist name, a slight deviation from the small girl who shaped my life experiences and influenced me. This is also my heartfelt way of just saying a small thank you to everyone who has donated to Alexis's campaign to date. It is my gift to you for your kindness. Lots more music will be released in the weeks and months ahead, both commercial and underground, so stay tuned. It is difficult not be able to road test tracks these days in the clubs but without a shadow of a doubt those clubbing days will come back too.”

DOWNLOAD

The album can be downloaded on various music streaming Apps including Spotify (by searching Aalexis) or Apple Music, Beatport, Deezer, Tidal and iTunes. From there it will be possible to reach the ‘LetsHelpAlexis’ link where funds can be donated.

“If you like what you hear all I ask is that you hit the donate button on my artist page which links to the GoFundMepage for my brave daughter's campaign,” he added.

Steve also has a message to people who are finding the current Level 5 restrictions difficult.
Unlike the first lockdown between March and June, people are not able to get out and about as much during the shorter winter days.

“This year is testing for many. Do something creative. Paint, write poetry, learn an instrument, write a song or a book, produce music, cook, learn how to be a tattoo artist, get the fingers dirty in the garden,” he said. “Basically whatever floats your boat. It is so therapeutic and you will discover some hidden talents inside that you can grow and foster and improve overtime. Rome wasn't built in a day!”