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Time for a new stage as Fiona’s students move on

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FAREWELL: Roisin Chambers, pictured with Fiona Crowley, receiving a parting gift after graduating from the Fiona Crowley Stage School. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

By Michelle Crean

For years they have been learning how to tread the boards, enjoying singing and dance lessons as well as honing their acting skills.

But for some it was time to make way for a new stage in their lives and say goodbye to the Fiona Crowley Stage School as they graduated last week and prepare for college life.

Their teacher Fiona Crowley, who has taught them since they were very young was sad to see them go as she gave them a gift from the Kilkenny Shop and wished them well.

"I wish them well for the future," Fiona told the Killarney Advertiser.

"They will never be gone as they are always part of the Fiona Crowley Stage School."

Fiona founded her business 13 years ago, she has been acting since the age of four and has played leading roles with Killarney Musical Society over the years.

Working with Fiona Griffin and Stella O'Shea, she said they are like a family who nurture the children's talents and personalities. She runs her classes in the KDYS in Killarney as well as other centres in Kerry and says her summer camps are now booked out.

Shauna White graduating from the Fiona Crowley Stage School. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

SAYING GOODBYE

Student Brendan Casey joined the stage school at a young age thanks to some encouragement from his nana Peggy.

"She said to Fiona when I was six-years-old "will you take him" as she dropped my sister Saoirse off to Irish dancing at the KDYS. I have enjoyed every minute.”

Roisin Chambers spent many summers with Fiona helping with her summer camps.

"The confidence and guidance at the stage school has given me focus to be a teacher and I will be attending Mary I next September."

Smiles galore from Sarah Trant as her stage school teacher, Fiona Crowley, presents her with a gift, after graduating from the Fiona Crowley Stage School. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Sarah Trant said attending the classes felt like "home".
“It’s the friends we make along the way as well as the guidance Fiona gives, that’s what I will miss the most. It’s somewhat home.”

Shauna White will miss the "absolute buzz" of Fiona’s shows and "the camaraderie of like minded people at the stage school”.

Usher Titus who graduated from the Fiona Crowley Stage School received a gift from the Kilkenny Shop from Fiona. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Usher Titus added that going to stage school was the obvious choice as she loved singing and performing as a child.

"At Fiona’s Stage School I was acknowledged and enjoyed the confidence being with like minded people and the encouragement they gave. I am so grateful to Fiona and I will miss stage school lots.”

Fiona added that this year's farewell was different to other years.

"Normally we have a party but this year we had to have it on Zoom. The other kids wrote poems as well."

The final curtain at Fiona Crowley Stage School for Brendan Casey as he graduates with a gift from the Kilkenny Shop. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

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Massive Park Road housing development given green light

A private developer has been given planning permission to build 249 new residential units at Upper Park Road. The development, which will be built on a recently cleared site near […]

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A private developer has been given planning permission to build 249 new residential units at Upper Park Road.

The development, which will be built on a recently cleared site near An Post’s sorting office, will include a variety of properties from five-bed houses to single apartments, along with a crèche and over 500 car spaces and over 300 bike spaces.

The development has been welcomed by local councillor Martin Grady.

“Killarney has a massive housing shortage so this is very positive. It will retain young families in the area, stimulating economic growth,” he said. “After 17 years of different planning applications it’s finally coming to fruition.”

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Ballydribeen residents living in fear due to anti-social behaviour

Residents in the Ballydribeen are living in fear as a result of increased anti-social behaviour in the estate. Several serious incidents in the estate have resulted in several Garda visits […]

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Residents in the Ballydribeen are living in fear as a result of increased anti-social behaviour in the estate.

Several serious incidents in the estate have resulted in several Garda visits in the last week.

Local councillor Martin Grady told the Killarney Advertiser that residents are “living in fear” as a result of very serious incidents in the last week alone.

One house in the estate was badly damaged when fire crackers were placed inside a letter box.

Another house had its windows smashed in over the weekend.

“It’s a major problem,” added Grady after meeting residents there earlier this week.

One of the most serious incidents occurred on Tuesday night.

A passing motorists had rocks thrown at his car while driving along the bypass whch is adjacent to the estate.
Taking to social media, local primary-school teacher Pádraig O’Sullivan posted:

“Travelling home tonight, at 11.05pm on the Killarney side of the bypass our car was hit by a rock – not a pebble – from the Ballydribben side , which hit the passenger door.

“It was centimetres away from hitting the window where my father, who is visually impaired, was sitting.

“This could have caused catastrophic permanent injury to him.

“The Killarney Garda were on the scene within three minutes.

“They can’t be patrolling the bypass all night.

“It comes down to parenting. You should know where your children are at this hour and be able to teach them what’s funny and what ruin a person’s life or cause a fatal crash.“

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