Wicklow teen who performed at Ed Sheeran show to star at Cruinniú na nÓg

Irish Independent

20-05-2025

The national day of creativity for children and young people features a diverse and extensive line-up of events, activities and workshops – and better still, all events and activities are free.
Talking place across the county on Saturday, June 7, the many events aim to enable, celebrate and encourage the creative potential of young people through creative activities.
The theme for this year is 'Unleash Your Creative Spark!' and children and young people can look forward to engaging in a day of music, dance and song performances, as well as creative workshops throughout the county.
One of the stars this year is 14-year-old singer-songwriter Fionn Whelan, who is Wicklow's ambassador for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025.
He began playing the bodhrán and tin whistle at age five, picked up the guitar two years later, and busks on Grafton Street whenever he can. Fionn's creative hero is Ed Sheeran, and he had the opportunity to perform at Ed Sheeran's concert in the Czech Republic in 2024.
Fionn believes creativity is about 'expressing yourself in your own way and using your imagination to turn your ideas into something real.'
When asked about the best aspect of Cruinniú na nÓg, Fionn said: 'It is giving kids an opportunity to show off their talents and creativity. A lot of the young people participating might not be experienced in performing or standing in front of a crowd, and I think it's a great way to build their confidence.'
There are more than 30 events, performances, and workshops taking place in 12 locations across the county, with some of the highlights including:
Mr Sands Youth Theatre will host an open day drama session at Wolfe Tone Community Centre, in Bray, where children can play games, interact with theatre members and experience the excitement of youth theatre first hand.
Music Generation will visit Rathdrum Hall to showcase two special performances by local children, featuring original poetry and music created during workshops with poet Colm Keegan. The premiere of Rathdrum Rhapsody by composer Fionn Foley will also take place.
Arklow Library will be facilitating workshops promoting various aspects of the arts for young people for young people, including song, music, dance and drama.
Dunlavin Library will host as a 'Gothic Fiction Creative Writing Workshop' with author Caroline Busher, which will allow children to explore how classic gothic novels influence children's books and learn to create a gothic atmosphere by focusing on setting and character development.
Enniskerry Library will be home to a musical theatre session with Róisín Bullock, which will encourage children learning a dance routine and singing together as a group.
The Courthouse Arts Centre is the venue for 'Atmosphere', a musical workshop led by Irish/Dutch singing duo Juliana and Remco, where children will collaborate to create a song before performing at the end of the workshop.
Meanwhile, to celebrate 'Creative Places Baltinglass', a community-led three-year project that celebrates Baltinglass people and place, Wicklow County Council's Arts Office has curated a unique Cruinniú na nÓg programme for the area. This includes Giant Dreams, an enchanted performance featuring magical music and dancing fairies, along with local students and a special guest.
Other local artists will lead workshops and activities, such as 'Bubbleéire's Bubble Show', the 'Battle of the Baltinglass Fairies', an open painting workshop, and an 'Archaeology Egg Excavation'.
Alongside performances by Fionn Whelan, concerts will also include the Gohery School of Irish Dancing and the Slaney Court Drummers.
All activities will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the Tearmann Community Garden. Later that evening, 'Cinema Night', a local youth-led initiative, will screen Sing Street and showcase the winner of the West Wicklow Short Movie Competition at The Lalor Centre.
Some events require advance booking while others are drop-in activities. To see the full programme go to: cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/wicklow/