Local talented youths dazzled their audience at a night of unforgettable song, dance and drama in Tallaght.
It was all part of Foroige Fest 2019 which celebrates and recognises the efforts, talents and achievements of young people involved in South Dublin Foroige.
The theme of this year’s festival was ‘Foroige Connects’, chosen to show that although there is a wide spread of individual Foroige clubs and projects across South Dublin they are all connected.
Celebrations began at Rua Red South Dublin Arts Centre on May 8 with the display of a giant jigsaw art piece made up of 30 individual pieces creatively decorated by young people involved in Foroige clubs and services in the area.
Guests including Mayor Mark Ward, Dave O’Reilly, Chairperson, Foroige, local dignitaries, community gardai, Foroige partners, youth workers, volunteers and young people viewed an exhibition of the diverse services on offer to young people in the area.
At 6.45p.m. guests made their way to The Civic Theatre for a gala performance by young people who had completed workshops in drama, singing, circus skills and dance.
The young performers, many of whom were performing in public for the first time, put on an amazing spectacle, wowing the audience with their newly learned talents and skills.
The show opened with a highly entertaining drama quiz show performance entitled ‘Foroige Connects’ followed by soloist Anthony McKeown who gave a unique rendition of the song ‘You are the Reason’ by Callum Scott.
This was then followed by a troop of dancers who executed a perfect dance routine to the hits of ‘Wings’ by Little Mix.
Then it was the turn of Tony Halpin who gave a very moving performance of ‘Shallow’ from the hit movie ‘A Star is Born’ to the delight of the audience.
The curtains came down on an amazing evening of entertainment with a stunning vocal performance by members of the ‘Foroige Fest’ singing workshop.
16 year old Lee McDonagh and Niamh Ready both from Spirit Foroige Club, Newcastle acted as joint Masters of Ceremonies on the night.
Andy Leeson, Area Manager, Dublin South, Foroige was delighted with the event.
“Engaging young people in youth work through the performing arts is a most enjoyable and fulfilling experience for everyone involved,” he said.
“Foroige Fest connects all of the Foroige projects and clubs in South Dublin and leaves a legacy of pride and accomplishment for the young people involved and also for our volunteers and youth workers who have stood shoulder to shoulder with young people to help them be the best they can be.”
Jake Bushe, a member of the drama workshop, said the experience was one he will never forget.
“Being on the stage and performing was amazing,” he said.
“Even though it was nerve racking, we could feel the audience egging us on so that gave us the courage to go for it.
“It is an opportunity I would encourage other young people to try out if they get the chance.”
