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Theatre school in Wexford hosts inclusive award ceremony where every student is recognised for their achievements

Theatre school in Wexford hosts inclusive award ceremony where every student is recognised for their achievements

This event marked a significant milestone for the school's 130 students, with each student honoured for their dedication and achievements in the performing arts. Presentations were made by drama teacher and creative director Lily Henrich-Doyle, dance teacher and choreographer Madison Coleman, singing teacher and musical director Richard O'Toole as well as administrative director Susan Bell Flavin.
Every student received an award of achievement, recognising their completion of one year's study in drama, dance, and singing. Additionally, each child was provided with detailed written feedback highlighting their progress and accomplishments in these areas.
A cheque presentation was made by ITS student Louis O'Driscoll to Mairead Fanning, Chairperson of Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy. The €250 donation was part of the proceeds from the sale of show programmes and raffle tickets from the schools performance of the musical Alice in Wonderland.
The ceremony also featured several special awards to acknowledge exceptional talent and effort, including; outstanding students per class which recognised top students in each class for their exemplary performance and commitment. The winners of this award were; Columbine Class: Quinn Deveney and Robyn Langrell, Scapino Class; Gemma Halnon and Zoe Hobbs, Pierrot Class; Jay Swinburne and Rebecca Hughes, Harlequin Class; Bobby Halford and Erin O'Donohue, Domino Class; Eavann Bolger and Róisín Healy and Scaramouche Class; Lapo Olival, Lauren Croke and Jade (Dylan) Byrne.
Students of the Year 2025 was awarded to the student who demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and growth across all areas of study. The winners of this award were Jay Swinburne and Keelin Kinsella. The Deirdre Shortt Memorial Award 2025; a prestigious award commemorating the late Deirdre Shortt, honoring a student who exemplifies her passion and spirit in the performing arts. Lauren Croke won this award.
The PACE Award for Performance Arts Certificate of Excellence 2025: Celebrating outstanding achievement and excellence in performance arts. Winner: Sadie Nolan
The EPIC Award for Extraordinary Performer of Imagination and Creativity 2025 was given to a student who shows remarkable creativity and imagination in their performances. The winner of this award was Danielle Mulhall.
The Anne Shumate Aurora Award 2025 which recognised a student who radiates positivity and excellence was awarded to Roisín Healey.
The Men in Black Award 2025, awarding excellent in creativity and dedication both behind and in front of the curtain. The winner of this award was Aleksandra Bujak.
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Mums share easy ways to ‘survive' the stressful summer holidays for those dreading the six-week stretch
Mums share easy ways to ‘survive' the stressful summer holidays for those dreading the six-week stretch

The Irish Sun

time3 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

Mums share easy ways to ‘survive' the stressful summer holidays for those dreading the six-week stretch

WITH the school term winding down and the six-week holidays looming, panic is setting in for mums across the country. How on earth are mums supposed to entertain the kids for 42 solid days without losing our minds, our patience or half our bank balance? 2 Surviving the summer holidays can be a difficult job for parents 2 A mum took to Tiktok to gather the best summer holiday tips Credit: Tiktok/ Ohcaroline That's exactly what one frazzled mum asked on TikTok, and boy, did other parents come through. In a now-viral video, And the TikTok tribe didn't disappoint. Mums from all over shared their best hacks, tips and tricks, from free days out to clever routines that keep things ticking over and stop everyone climbing the walls. Read more on summer holidays We've pulled together the top ideas to help you actually enjoy the holidays this year. Free activities Don't assume you have to spend big to keep them happy. Loads of mums raved about the sheer amount of free activities available if you know where to look. One genius suggestion was to apply for a Most read in Fabulous Earning one is a fun project in itself, and once they've got it, kids get free entry to hundreds of UK attractions including zoos, theme parks and museums. It's also worth checking your local council or community centre , where there are often free summer schemes, drop-in sessions or local events for families. Three new family-friendly summer events that kids will love from Disney hunt to walking tour And if you want a ready-made list of freebies, check out the Sun Club's ultimate UK guide to everything you can do for free with the kids this summer. Wednesday's off One mum swears by getting dad, or any extra adult, to take a regular day off midweek. She explained: 'We got my partner to take every Wednesday off for a family day. It doesn't have to be fancy, just a park trip, pond-dipping, or a picnic. "It broke the week up and made a huge difference.' It doesn't have to be dad - grandparents, aunties, or another mum friend could do the trick. And teaming up with another family means the kids get playmates and you get backup. Everyone wins! Big spend day Another mum's golden rule was to only have one 'big spend' day a week. That means just one outing to a paid attraction like a zoo or soft play. The rest of the time it's walks, baking, movie days, maybe a cheeky coffee shop trip or a playdate if you're feeling social. Sdhe added: 'My kids are used to it and honestly they're really chilled. We've always done it this way.' Simple, low-cost days keep expectations, and budgets, in check and make that one treat day even more exciting. Movie marathon If screen time's a worry, turn it into a full-blown themed movie marathon. One mum shared how they started at Snow White and worked their way through every Disney film in order of release, with themed dinners and snacks to match. For Alice in Wonderland, they threw a tea party. For Princess and the Frog, they made jambalaya. And the best bit is the kids rated each film afterwards, turning it into a fun activity the whole family looked forward to. She planned the meals, so it wasn't pricey, just creative. She said: 'We did about three films a week and it lasted months." Themed days A few mums use themed days to give the week some structure and help avoid the dreaded 'what are we doing today?' chaos. Think Walking Wednesdays where you explore a new park or trail, Arty Fridays for crafts and painting, or Simple Sundays where you all crash out with a film or build a den in the living room. It gives the week rhythm without becoming rigid, and gives kids something to look forward to. Invite friends over Sometimes, the best entertainment is old school. 'My four love just having friends over to play or even just playing outside on the road,' said one mum. 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How ‘mini Downton Abbey' in Cork offered quirky childhood with coach house, priest holes and over six acres
How ‘mini Downton Abbey' in Cork offered quirky childhood with coach house, priest holes and over six acres

Irish Independent

time11-07-2025

  • Irish Independent

How ‘mini Downton Abbey' in Cork offered quirky childhood with coach house, priest holes and over six acres

Price: €795,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald O'Donovan (021) 4621166 'Growing up here, we were just like the Famous Five,' Carrie Horgan says of her family home: Ballynona Cottage, just outside Midleton in Co Cork, which Horgan says was perfect for children. With its church windows, hidden doors, priest holes, bells, gun room and 6.15 acres of idyllic tree-filled land, she says the five siblings grew up like the titular characters from the well-loved Enid Blyton novels. 'It was an endless journey of discovery. We made tree houses, discovered hidden doors, and played in the courtyard, outhouses and land around." Dating back to 1842 in its current form, the house was designed for more adult pursuits of the gentry. The Victorian-era hunting lodge was built for the esteemed Wigmore family, who lived in the surrounding 400-acre Ballynona estate. Despite being over 180 years old, the house has only changed hands four times. Captain Anthony John Charles Donelan, an Irish nationalist politician is believed to have been connected to it at one point in time. 'The lodge was used seasonally for entertaining and hunting deer, pheasant and foxes. No one from the family lived here permanently, but people would come and stay during hunting season. They'd have dinner parties and keep their guns in the gun room. It's real landed gentry stuff,' says Horgan. 'My dad kept guns there too. He had a room full of shooting rifles. We did clay pigeon shooting here, so we kept the tradition.' Their father Liam Horgan bought the property back in 1976. 'I was two when we moved here. It was pretty derelict, and he spent almost four decades working on it until he died,' she says. 'By day he was an accountant and by night, he'd restore all the original features – the sash windows, shutters, wooden beams, flooring and doors. I don't know how much he spent on it, but it was a labour of love.' Horgan says the five children found lots of hidden treasures along the way. 'There are little cubby holes, old medicine bottles, old fashioned hot water bottles...' 'One day, when we ripped off wallpaper, we found a priest hole in one of the bedrooms, just above the bedroom door." The man-sized hiding spots were used to conceal Catholic priests from the authorities in penal times. These were constructed when priests faced persecution, including imprisonment and execution. While the house is believed to have dated from later, with the country in turmoil during this period, there might still have been a need to hide away. There's a porch with Doric columns, cast-iron chimney pieces, ornate cornices and tiled flooring. The ecclesiastical ceilings and gothic arched windows are from the same architect who designed Midleton church. "In the hallway, there's a random door just floating alongside the stairs, which looks like something from Alice in Wonderland. My mum used to keep her clothes in here.' In the dining room, there's an egg collection from her dad, which he gathered and recorded over years. "The dining room also still has the old servants' bells, which you ring to tell everyone dinner is ready. There are so many fun quirks." Spanning well over 2,600 sq ft, the main house comes with three double bedrooms and a main bathroom upstairs, with a living room, formal dining room, study, sunroom, and a grand entrance hall with vaulted ceilings and marble fireplace on the ground floor. 'The three reception rooms all have fireplaces, and it's so cosy around Christmas time when they're all lit. It's like a stately home, but cosy. Like a mini Downton Abbey. The kitchen is really cosy, with an Aga and stable door leading on to the courtyard. 'All rooms have doors leading from them, which opens up the house," Horgan says. The coach house is separate from the main property and has a kitchen, bathroom and spiral staircase to a double bedroom. There is also a garage, sheds and a stone-walled courtyard which 'really catches the sun,' according to Horgan. Outside, the long driveway boasts mature trees including ash, oak, sycamore, Scots pine and Spanish chestnut. 'Dad loved his privacy, so no one could look in. We were surrounded by trees, but Storm Ophelia knocked some of them down, revealing an incredible view." The well-maintained garden is helped by Herby the goat, also known as the organic lawn mower. "Herby is a fantastic goat, who looks after the grass and the property. He's our third goat and such a valuable addition because he's munches the grass and weeds." A short distance away from the main house, there are stables with two possible floors for renovation. "Anyone who wants to buy the place could turn the stables into an Airbnb. You could also get horses. There are so many possibilities." Now it's time for the family to move on, and the house is up for sale. "We'd love someone who appreciates it and is sensitive to the preservation of the house,' Horgan says. 'It's not a listed building, but there are lovely architectural aspects to it." "When I was younger, my brother scared me that the place is haunted, but it isn't. Often these houses are filled with mildew, but this is really warm and welcoming. It's got really good vibes. You can update it, but it's really cosy. "We had an amazing childhood here,' she continues. 'There's a fantastic school in Midleton too, and it's really close to places like Kinsale, Crosshaven and the five-star Castlemartyr Resort.' Midleton is an eight-minute drive, and Cork city is only around 35 minutes away. Whiskey fans will be close to the distillery, which has been producing whiskey since 1825. It's also close to the world famous Ballymaloe cookery school. Ballynona Cottage, set on 6.15 acres, is on the market with an asking price of €795,000 through Sherry FitzGerald O'Donovan.

Nepo-baby daughter of A-list actress and Hollywood director wows at exhibition – can you guess her famous parents?
Nepo-baby daughter of A-list actress and Hollywood director wows at exhibition – can you guess her famous parents?

The Irish Sun

time12-06-2025

  • The Irish Sun

Nepo-baby daughter of A-list actress and Hollywood director wows at exhibition – can you guess her famous parents?

THIS nepo-baby looked incredible as she appeared at an exhibition in London last night. And it's no surprise, as the actress has grown up with very famous 5 This nepo-baby looked incredible as she appeared at an exhibition in London last night Credit: Splash 5 She has very famous Hollywood parents Credit: Splash 5 Nell pictured beside her famous mother Credit: Getty The 17-year-old was snapped in London at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Party. And she looked absolutely stunning as she posed in a sweet pink dress beside her famous mother. But can you guess who she is? Or who her famous parents are? The young lady in question is Nell Burton , the daughter of Nepo Babies Nell made her first movie appearance as a toddler, as a Baby at Dock in the movie 'Alice in Wonderland', directed by her father Her mother, Helena, played the Red Queen, starring opposite Johnny Depp as a Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as Alice. Nell was then seen as a Little Girl at the Train Station in the 2012 fantasy comedy 'Dark Shadows'. She also made an appearance as Girl at Park in the biographical drama 'Big Eyes', about the life of the painter Margaret Keane. Most read in Celebrity And she appeared as Unnamed classmate in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Tim and Helena met for the first time when he cast her to play in his 2001 movie 'Planet of the Apes', during which the two began their relationship. The Crown star Helena Bonham Carter says 'it's our duty' to tell viewers it's fiction Sweeney Todd actress Helena, 59, and Tim, 66, went on to have an unconventional marriage. The couple famously lived together in adjoining houses in , North London, before knocking them together. They had two children Billy, 22, and Nell, 17, but split in 2014. They remained friends after the split with She said at the time: 'You go through massive grief — it is a death of a relationship, so it's utterly bewildering. 'Your identity, everything, changes. 'Luckily I've kept both houses. He was very generous.' Helena is now with writer and academic Rye Dag Holmboe, who at 37 And Nell's older brother has also made appearances in several of their 5 Both children have made appearances in their father's films Credit: Getty 5 The pair were visiting a London arts exhibition Credit: Splash

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