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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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New St author brings Fitzgerald’s story to life

Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong […]

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Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong anecdotal evidence that the great American wordsmith had Kerry roots.

There has been suggestions that Fitzgerald’s family can traced to Horse Island off Ballinskelligs and research is ongoing to determine if the famous novelist, essayist and short story writer gave any indication of his Kerry connection during his lifetime.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, formerly of New Street, Killarney and now residing in Beaufort, is the author of Gatsby: Death of an Irishman which was released in March to coincide with the 100th anniversary of publication of Fitzgerald’s most famous work.
O’Sullivan Greene’s research found that Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was initially deeply ashamed of his Irish connection but his views softened when he took an interest in revolutionary politics.
The Killarney man’s book guides the reader through F Scott Fitzgerald’s troubled upbringing, his quest for status, his ambivalence towards his Irish heritage, the socio-political climate of early 20th-century America and the careless jazz era excesses portrayed in The Great Gatsby.
The book peels back the intricate layers of Fitzgerald’s character, revealing the underlying themes of identity and self-rejection in his work, his shifting views of Irish issues and how his personal battles influenced his writing and contributed to his tragic life.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene will deliver what promises to be an engaging talk on the life and times of F Scott Fitzgerald in the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney on Thursday, July 3 at 6.45pm.
Part of the Celebration of Irish and American Friendship programme, the free lecture is titled Revolution, Rejection and Revival and it will mark a celebration of 100 years of The Great Gatsby.
The event will also include a glamorous 1920’s dance spectacular, tuition on how to dance the Charleston and a live performance by Killarney’s own Liberace, Jack Patrick Healy. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.
The author will also share the story of how F Scott Fitzgerald’s grandson, Thomas Manhan, came to Ireland to learn Irish following his graduation in 1964.

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U2’s The Edge among new Irish Citizens

U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC. The ceremonies took place on Monday and […]

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U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC.

The ceremonies took place on Monday and Tuesday this week
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island of Ireland are making a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State to become Irish citizens.
Seven ceremonies were held over the two days. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, is joined by Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, and Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins.
“Today’s ceremony was very moving, the room was full of so many people, everyone from different backgrounds, with different stories. It was a privilege to be a part of it and to experience the collective joy as we all became citizens together. I moved to Ireland with my parents as a baby, so it’s not a stretch to say that this is long overdue! I have always felt Irish, Ireland will always be home to me and I’m so grateful for that,” said The Edge.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said:: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship. For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation. I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society.”
Minister Brophy congratulated the new citizens, adding: “Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”
Judge Paddy McMahon was the Presiding Officer for the ceremonies. administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, where new citizens commit to observing Irish laws and respecting its democratic values.
The Citizenship Division has seen a significant increase in applications, processing over 20,000 in 2023 and nearly 31,000 in 2024, up from around 12,000 annually just over two years ago.

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