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Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Precious memories of the late Tommie Gorman shared at special Sligo event
Cathaoirleach Bree welcomed all attendees, with a special acknowledgment to Ceara Roche, wife of Tommie Gorman, along with extended family and friends, and those watching the live stream. Speaking at the event, Councillor Bree said: 'Tommie Gorman was many things: reporter, correspondent, interviewer, sportsman, mentor, friend, husband, father. But above all, he was a man of principle — rooted deeply in the place he called home, devoted to its people, and tireless in his efforts to shine a light on the stories that matter. 'His legacy will undoubtedly live on, not just in the archives of RTÉ, but in the heart of our county, in the stands of the Showgrounds, and in the countless lives he touched through his work and his unwavering commitment to others.' Leo Gray, retired sports editor of The Sligo Champion, and Niall Delaney of Ocean FM, joined moderator Adrian Eames, RTÉ sports commentator and producer, for a panel discussion covering Tommie Gorman's successful career as a journalist and correspondent, his lifelong love of Sligo, Sligo Rovers FC, and his unwavering commitment to helping others throughout his life. The stories, memories, and music shared throughout the evening formed a fitting tribute to this remarkable Sligo man. Contributions from the audience highlighting the support Tommie Gorman gave to numerous projects came from Kevin Colreavy, Sligo Rovers Heritage Committee; Simone Hickey, Lest Sligo Forgets; Colm McIntyre, Principal, Ursuline College Sligo; and Maura Gilligan, artist and writer. Seamie and Stephen O'Dowd provided a moving musical accompaniment, bringing the evening to a close with a poignant rendition of Thom Moore's beautiful song, 'Believe Me, Sligo.' The special edition of The Word was supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media through the Creative Ireland Programme, and can be viewed on the Sligo Libraries YouTube channel.
Dublin Live
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Celebrating Cruinniú na nÓg 2025: Youth creativity takes centre stage with free events across Dublin
Get ready for a burst of imagination and youthful creativity at Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 on Saturday, June 7. Now in its eighth year, this national celebration showcases young people's creative expression through coding, circus, music, dance and much more. There are over 1000 events across the country, with venues across Dublin getting in on the action. Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, a culture-based initiative led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. As part of the Government's Shared Island initiative to enhance cooperation and connections across Ireland, Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 will include cross-community events for children and young people from the four corners of the island, featuring strategic partner projects Circus Explored, Youth Theatre Island and RTÉ This is Art! Wonder Walls are also joining as a strategic partner for 2025. Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18, so make sure to explore what's happening in your local area! We've highlighted a few events from around the city, but you can explore the full schedule of over 1000 events at and Young People are invited to take over Swords Castle on June 7. From rising bands and solo acts to fresh new ensembles, this is a day about music, creativity and community. Watch featured acts on the Main Stage, perform on the spot on the Busking stage, step into the Chapel Session for poetry and unplugged sets, or simply craft your festival look at the Creative Village and soak in the vibes. Step right up for a magical day of family fun at the Circus Picnic in the Park! As part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Dublin Circus Project are inviting families of all ages to enjoy a spectacular celebration packed with circus skills workshops, an unforgettable show, and a colourful community procession. Whether you're learning to juggle, enjoying a bite under the trees, or clapping along to amazing performers, there's something for everyone. The Storytelling Through Photography and Presentation Workshop is a collaborative initiative between Dreamers Reality and Photo Ireland. This one-day workshop is designed to empower young people aged 10-17, particularly those from underserved communities in Dublin, by equipping them with essential skills in photography, storytelling and presentation. Following the success of The Night Is Young, a series of workshops for young DJs and bands, this showcase offers an opportunity for these young artists to showcase their talent. This concert will feature the next generation of music makers and performers along with special guests. Head along for a Cruinniú na nÓg late event in collaboration with the Night-Time Economy Advisor and YMCA Dublin. Step into Voyages, a unique exhibition curated by children, for children. Led by artist and collaborator Róisín White, a group of 12 young people took part in six creative workshops to explore The Ark's visual art collection, learn about curation, and shape the final exhibition. Voyages features artworks selected by the young curators for children aged 0–12. Voyages is an inclusive, creative celebration of children's ideas and imagination. Unsung Youth is back and better than ever! This year for Cruinniú na nÓg the vibrant sounds of young musicians from across Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard will fill the air at an electrifying open-air concert in People's Park, nestled beside the Civic Centre in Ballyfermot. Unsung Youth isn't just a music festival – it's a celebration of community and creativity, giving the talented youth of Dublin 10 a chance to shine on stage. Bands, solo artists, and music ensembles will grace the stage with a captivating mix of cover songs, original compositions, and classical pieces. From rock anthems to soulful ballads, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Unsung Youth. And thats not all: The evening will see theatrical talents on show as the Ballyfermot Youth Theatre take to the FamiliBase theatre stage to present a surprise performance! For more on these and hundreds more events around the country, visit
Irish Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celebrating Cruinniú na nÓg 2025: Youth creativity takes centre stage
Get ready for a burst of imagination and youthful creativity at Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 on Saturday, June 7. Now in its eighth year, this national celebration showcases young people's creative expression through coding, circus, music, dance and much more. Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, a culture-based initiative led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. As part of the Government's Shared Island initiative to enhance cooperation and connections across Ireland, Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 will include cross-community events for children and young people from the four corners of the island, featuring strategic partner projects Circus Explored, Youth Theatre Island and RTÉ This is Art! Wonder Walls are also joining as a strategic partner for 2025. Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18, so make sure to explore what's happening in your local area! We've highlighted a few events from around the country, but you can explore the full schedule of over 1000 events at and Carlow - The Big Dig Experience what it's like to be an archaeologist! 'The Big Dig' workshops incorporate the dig experience with educational, engaging and interactive activities. Learn about the lifestyles of our Viking ancestors, guided by a professional archaeologist. Book early as places are limited. This is an outdoor activity, so dress appropriately! Cavan - Playful Park Join the Cottage Market in Cavan for a day full of imagination, creativity and fun. This free family-friendly event invites children and young people (ages 0–18) to explore a playful park of hands-on interactive activities designed to inspire and engage. Playful Park Clare – Filmmaking Workshop Clare Youth Service invite young people to join a unique film-making workshop. Learn from Shane Vaughan for hands-on filmmaking and editing skills, learn about the film industry and start your journey to a creative career. Film Workshop Cork – Rock the Block 2025 Rock the Block returns and boldly plants itself on the Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 map, daring all young music makers to come along and be heard! Traditional Irish and folk open jam session; a pop, rap and hip hop open mic session; interactive workshops, a music showcase for up & coming artists; culminating in a guest performance by the trailblazing Hazey Haze. Hosted by The Kabin Studio, Music Generation Cork City and Creative Tradition. Booking required. Derry – Circus Picnic In Your Space Circus invites you to a smorgasbord of circus fun to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg. The Circus Picnic will be taking over St Columb's Park and is suitable for all ages. Donegal – Family Fun Day Donegal Town comes alive with a family fun day in the amazing surroundings of Donegal Castle! There'll be games to play and performances from the fabulous MakeyUppers, The Green Fairy, Cikada Circus, Paddy Picasso and Bunderella. Dublin – We Own the Castle – Live Youth Music Festival with Garageland Galaxyz Young People are invited to take over Swords Castle on June 7. From rising bands and solo acts to fresh new ensembles, this is a day about music, creativity and community. Watch featured acts on the Main Stage, perform on the spot on the Busking stage, step into the Chapel Session for poetry and unplugged sets, or simply craft your festival look at the Creative Village and soak in the vibes. Galway – Circus Picnic A world of fun and wonder for children aged up to 10 (and their grown-ups!). Try your hand at juggling, balancing and more at drop-in circus skills workshops, soar on an outdoor aerial rig and meet fantastic youth performers as they bring the park to life with colourful walkabout characters. Pack a picnic, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a joyful day of circus play for the whole family – older siblings and curious adults are welcome too! Kerry – Cruinniú Late Killorglin A special Cruinniú Late event, inviting young people aged 13-18 to take part in a variety of creative activities. Print your own tote bags or unleash your inner artist by contributing to a collaborative mini-mural. Enjoy live café music sessions or check out film screenings from the Kerry Filmmaker in Residence Jesse Gilbert and students from Killorglin Community College. Kildare – Learn to DJ Join Helena the Storyteller and DJ Seán Fitzmaurice for this fantastic workshop and pick up some tips and tricks to bring out the DJ in you! Learn about the power of storytelling through music and all about the world of DJing, then become a DJ yourself as you'll get the chance to use the turntables too. Kilkenny – Electric Bugs Science Workshop Learn about electricity, circuits and basic engineering while you build your very own electric bugs! Create little critters that light up, using the power of electricity. It's a perfect blend of fun, creativity and learning helping young scientists develop problem-solving skills, while exploring the wonders of science and technology. Laois – Get OutI! Start off the morning of Cruinniú na nÓg in the outdoors, with teen wildlife photographer, Rossa Bracken, for a fun GET OUT!! experience. Explore what's around us and learn how to preserve and protect it through an interactive nature treasure hunt. Booking via phone only – 085 1622342 Get out!! Leitrim – 24-Hour Play Extravaganza Get ready for a whirlwind of creativity! The Rabbit's Riot Theatre Company is thrilled to present the 24-Hour Play Extravaganza, an exciting theatre project for young people aged 13 to 18. Over just 24 hours, participants will write, design, direct and perform a series of short plays —created entirely from scratch! The plays will be showcased in a public performance on Cruinniú na nÓg day. Limerick – Wonder Walls Workshops Get creative at a drop-in mural session, where 12-18-year-olds can help paint a vibrant, collaborative mural with a professional artist. No need to book, just pop along! Brought to you by the team behind Waterford Walls – The Walls Project - and funded by Creative Ireland. Longford - Music Bonanza Music Generation Longford's Music Bonanza returns with a full day of music workshops, where you can try an instrument, as well as open mic performances in Longford town. Experience taster workshops in African djembe drumming, bodhrán, ukulele and early years music. There's an ASD-friendly music hour and throughout the day there will be opportunities to try different instruments. And if you're brave enough, you can take part in an open mic performance. Louth – Now That's What I Call an Album Cover Get ready for a bold and brilliant celebration of music and visual art, as Droichead Youth Theatre presents Now That's What I Call an Album Cover — a live art experience that transforms iconic album covers into powerful, living scenes on stage. A playful and imaginative tribute to the music that shaped generations, this event combines performance, design and nostalgia in a way that's both fresh and familiar. Free and open to the public – booking required. Mayo - Blooming Science Discover the magic of colour, as your flower blossoms in water. Get your hands messy and watch the colours swirl, creating a blooming rainbow. Not only will you get to create your own beautiful flowers, but you also get to decorate your own vase. Each child gets to take home their creation. This workshop is designed for children with additional needs. Meath – Toddler Twist Lively workshops full of song, dance and action songs for toddlers. Playful puppets and interactive music, the perfect way to bond, move and spark your toddler's love for music and movement. Monaghan – Circus 250 Experience an unforgettable day of entertainment at Monaghan Peace Campus. Step right up and immerse yourself in a jam-packed program of extraordinary circus performances. Offaly – Music Generation Showcase In preparation for Cruinniú 2025, Birr, Tullamore, and Edenderry Libraries hosted a series of workshops with Music Generation. Over 6 weeks, participants have been learning new skills including singing, drumming and performing. The groups will come together for a special family-friendly concert on Saturday June 7, showcasing their creativity and talent. Roscommon – Creative Nature at Knockvicar Organic Garden Explore wildlife through taxidermy and herbarium specimens of our local flora and fauna affording rare proximity to shy creatures and notorious characters. Take part in simple clay and charcoal activities, to learn and appreciate the nature we are lucky enough to share space with. Places are limited, so book early! Sligo – Youth Theatre Taster Workshop A fun and energetic introduction to drama. One-hour taster workshops offer young people a chance to explore theatre games, storytelling and creative expression in a relaxed and welcoming environment. No experience necessary! Tipperary – Summer Block Party Clonmel Applefest is throwing an epic youth takeover at Kickham Plaza – and you're invited! It's a full day dedicated to youth creativity, packed with live music and dance vibes from every corner of the scene – think hip-hop, rock, pop, trad and more. Catch high-energy dance and music performances that'll have you dancing along – featuring DR2, Kool Skool and Music Generation. This is a nighttime event for ages 13+ Waterford – Break from the Books Exam students are invited to take a break from the books with a creative reset. Join holistic wellbeing practitioner Lucy Hyland in the gorgeous surrounds of the Coastguard Cultural Centre for a morning retreat of breathing, slow crafting and soul nourishment. Wexford - Red Moon Theatre Company An island has mysteriously arisen off the coast of Blackwater... Participants will form small groups and secretly gain access to the island to find out what is going on. Each group is suspicious of the others, but when a storm arises they have to take shelter together. They are trapped unless they can create a 'Golden Code' which ensures each and every individual on the island can be safely rescued – or can they? Wicklow – Bug Art & Bug Hotel Making Workshop Join local artist Tina Mouritzen in a fun art and creative session. Learn how to draw a bug of your choice and make your own bug hotel using natural and recycled materials. Take your finished hotel home and watch the bugs get comfortable in your garden. Fun and educational workshop for children of all ages, no booking required.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath prepares for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 with line up of free events for young people
This year's programme promises an exciting array of workshops and events, with East Meath and Trim serving as creative hubs. From hands-on arts and crafts to performance and storytelling, every activity is said to be designed to inspire young minds to 'unleash your creative spark,'. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme as the only national day of free activities for children and young people under 18. The launch event, held on Thursday at the East Meath Civic Centre in Bettystown, was attended by Barry Lynch, Director of Services at Meath County Council, along with Creative Communities Engagement Officer Emma Prunty, Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa Principal Maria White, teacher Victoria Cosgrave, and a group of enthusiastic senior infants. All events are free, activity-based, and open to children and young people of all ages. Booking for all Cruinniú na nÓg events is now open.
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Budding musicians urged to enter ‘Sligo's Got Music' competition
The project aims to showcase the Northwest's wide range of musical talent. The project is being coordinated by Ballygawley Music Festival who have partnered with Ocean FM and is supported under the Creative Ireland Programme. Six finalists/songs will be chosen from the entries to sing live on Ocean FM over June. The winner will receive a full day recording day at Blue Room Studio in North Sligo and will sing at Ballygawley Music Festival in July. The winner will be announced on Ocean FM on July 11th. Speaking at the launch, Thomas Walsh from Ballygawley Music Festival said:, ''We are really excited about this project. We are eager to give a space to up and coming artists and to showcase the vast musical talent that we have across this region. Patricia Keane, Acting Creative Ireland Coordinator said, 'Sligo County Council are pleased to support Sligo's Got Music through the Creative Ireland Programme. Sligo's Got Music allows artists an opportunity to develop their creativity by composing original compositions or interpreting previous recordings. The initiative is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the community to experience local artists performing live music'. Mark Halton, Creative Director Ocean FM, said, ' We are delighted to be involved in this great initiative with Ballygawley Music Festival. Ocean FM has always prided itself on supporting both local and Irish artists. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with IBI, Hot Press and Coimisiún na Meán to help promote Irish artists via the Irish Music Months 'New Local Hero' that has seen local artists such as Paddy Keyes receive national acclaim'. Entries must be submitted to ballygawleymusicfestival@ in *wav or *mp3 format. Entries open on May 1st and close on the 6th of June. For more information visit
