My Creative Life

Aodhagán Ó Ríordáin is a 15 year old traditional storyteller from the rural village of Kilnamartyra in the County Cork Gaeltacht. For Aodhagán, nothing beats the simple, age old pleasure of making an audience laugh or smile with a story.

When William McCabe joined Griese Youth Theatre in the village of Ballitore, he was terrified. At that time, he found it difficult to talk to others, but slowly through the youth theatre, he began to relax, finding joy in drama, and the friendships he made there.

Growing up with his Dad in a band, Tarach Ó Snodaigh was surrounded by music and musical instruments. Now, along with his friends, his band ‘Grooveline’ play gigs and rehearse regularly, coming up with their own original songs.

Izzy Tiernan and Tara Kennedy are committee members of a very special festival in their home city of Waterford - the Lit Festival of Reading and Writing. Not only is it an event specially designed for young people, it is also run by young people!

17 year old Liam Jones Clare loves acting. The challenge of creating a character onstage that the audience will be mesmerised by is something Liam relishes. Being in the Clare Youth Theatre has not only helped Liam develop his acting skills, it’s also given him the confidence to express himself in front of other people.

Aodhán Collins knew for sure that he wanted to play guitar, even when he was only 6 years old. He was enthralled by his Senior Infants teacher who would strum a guitar as the class worked on their maths. Ever since, he’s been strumming, learning bar chords, progressing on to trad music, and eventually singing Sean Nós too!

Louise Tormey is 16 and she loves bringing stories to life through devising with Act Out Youth Theatre, Meath, Joining when she was just 13, Louise went from feeling shy and unsure to taking on exciting roles, like in a recent play where she had to pretend to be on a strange flight where all the passengers were experiencing their worst fears!

Joshua Cullen is 17 years old and lives in Co. Kilkenny. Although Joshua always loved writing, he felt pressured to turn away from it as he grew older, but just a couple of years ago, he came across the Rhyme Rag Ensemble, a group of young creative writers, and his love for poetry was born.

Daniel Madden loves the moment on stage right before the play begins! At that time, he is backstage with fellow Monaghan Youth Theatre members. The nerves and excitement are high, as they look forward to performing in front of a live audience.

13-year-old Aoibheann Mangan from Hollymount in Co. Mayo has a passion for coding! Whether it's games, apps or websites, Aoibheann relishes the challenge of creating fun and interesting digital projects. She especially loves when she can create something that helps people, like her 'Hospital Holly and Henry' app.