Craig Fitzgerald of The Academic: ‘I didn't even know that bear claws was the name of a popular pastry in America until we toured there'
It is the stuff of rock'n'roll fantasy. Four young fellas from Westmeath, who went to school together at St Joseph's in Rochfortbridge, form a band in 2013. In January 2018, The Academic release their first album, an indie epiphany called Tales from the Backseat.
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Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Wicklow audience moved to tears as south Dublin dementia choir perform
The evening included the debut public performance of St Joseph's Community Dementia Choir, which regaled the audience with firm favourites for all to enjoy. The audience all joined in with the songs and the choir were rewarded for their efforts with a standing ovation. There were even reports of tears with the smiles from the audience who were so moved by the music. Speaking at the event, Siobhan Grant, fundraising manager at St Joseph's, said: 'We were thrilled that Frank Kelly and Bella Voce invited us to sing here and to use the event to raise funds for the dementia specific care we provide. "Our choir lead, Joan Dempsey, brought her talent and love of music to so many people at St Joseph's and the choir is open to anyone living with dementia and their loved ones, or any carers in our community, to come along every Tuesday at 2.15pm. Music brings such joy to all our singers, and it is just one of the many community initiatives we are proud to host,' she said. The concert continued throughout the evening with the talented Ballinteer Male Voice Choir, under the baton of Thomas Kehoe, and The Inver Singers, who were all invited by Frank Kelly and Bella Voce to join them in this very special event. St Anne's parish, very graciously and generously supported the concert, making An Evening of Song a true community collaboration. The event was a fabulous platform for all the choirs to showcase their talents and, importantly, raised nearly €4,000 for St Joseph's while doing so. Saint Joseph's Shankill is the largest care home in Ireland solely dedicated to dementia care. Its vision is to lead the way in dementia care in Ireland through innovation, education, and community engagement. To find out more about the other community initiatives available, or to donate, visit:
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Craig Fitzgerald of The Academic: ‘I didn't even know that bear claws was the name of a popular pastry in America until we toured there'
It is the stuff of rock'n'roll fantasy. Four young fellas from Westmeath, who went to school together at St Joseph's in Rochfortbridge, form a band in 2013. In January 2018, The Academic release their first album, an indie epiphany called Tales from the Backseat.
Extra.ie
23-04-2025
- Extra.ie
Bulmers Live at Leopardstown returns for 2025 with a line-up you won't want to miss
Bulmers Live at Leopardstown is back for 2025, and it's taking an exciting new direction. This year, some of the biggest names in Irish music will take to the stage for their 'Best of Irish' celebration. Organisers are looking to bring emerging and long-established homegrown talent to the much-loved series, which is hosted at the Leopardstown race course. The Bulmers Live at Leopardstown is back for 2025, and it's taking an exciting new direction. Starting off strong on 12 June, Westmeath group The Academic will be banging out the tunes. They will be followed by the icon himself, Mr Jerry Fish, who is sure to bring his eclectic and electric stylings to the stage on 19 June. 10 July will see DJ Marcus O'Laoire turn up the heat, before acoustic queen Allie Sherlock swaps Grafton Street busking for the main stage. The series of concerts will wrap up with Cork's finest Darren Kiely on 24 July. This year, some of the biggest names in Irish music will take to the stage for their 'Best of Irish' celebration. The refreshed site layout will feature a vibrant mix of entertainment beyond the main stage, including local food trucks and stalls, the Bulmers bar and garden area, street performers, comedy, buskers, and a dedicated games zone. Hurricane's Bar will also host open mic nights, trad sessions, and a Gaeilgeoir Corner, celebrating the very best of Irish culture. Speaking about the exciting changes, Interim CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse Vicki Donlon says: 'The Irish music and entertainment industry is thriving right now, and we are excited about our refreshed direction for Bulmers Live at Leopardstown, enabling us to champion established and upcoming Irish artists. The series of concerts will wrap up with Cork's finest Darren Kiely on 24 July. 'Our aim is to create an action-packed day for racegoers to experience the best of Irish racing, music, dance, arts & crafts, comedy and more – transforming each raceday into a mini festival.' Jane Parlon, Brand Marketing Director, Bulmers Ireland added: 'We're excited to continue our partnership with Bulmers Live at Leopardstown in 2025, the anticipation for this summer's event is already building.
