Tag Archives: Cruinniú na nÓg

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PHOTOS: Well-Attended Events For Cruinniú na nÓg In Tralee

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Fiadh McEgan (left) and Blaithin Lyons (right) enjoying the “Around the Musical in 80 Minutes” Workshop by Bryan Carrs Shannon Star Entertainment at Collis Sandes House Tralee as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg events day – Photo by Mark O’Sullivan

FOLLOWING on from last year’s resounding success, Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 took place last Saturday with events all over the county.

Creative Ireland along with Kerry County Council’s Arts Office coordinated and programmed over 70 free creative workshops and events throughout Kerry for children and young people from ages one to 18.

With over 70 events there was something for all ages and creative interests including: STEAM, robotics, art and meditation, musical theatre, dance, print-making, and creative writing.

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Siamsa Tire, Collis Sandes House, Tralee Library and Kerry County Museum were among the Tralee locations for all kinds of arts activities.

There was a great turnout on the day with events booked out well in advance. Every effort was made to cover a wide range of creative activities and children were given the opportunity to unleash their creativity.

Emma Carmody, Creative Ireland’s Creative Communities Engagement Officer who coordinated the programme of events, summed up the experience: “We couldn’t be happier with the turnout for this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg.”

“Feedback from parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive with fun had by all who participated. The children’s enjoyment and enthusiasm of the events and workshops shone through. We are already looking forward to next year’s Cruinniú na nÓg and of course we would like to thank all the artists, facilitators and organisers who worked tirelessly to make this day happen.”

The Kerry programme was coordinated by the Arts Office and Creative Ireland Kerry Office in Kerry County Council. It is funded with support from Creative Ireland through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.

Kate Kennelly, Creative Ireland Kerry Coordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council, stated: “There was something for everyone with families and young people delighted to access high quality free events in their area. The Kingdom of Kerry showed itself to be the Kingdom of Creativity this weekend.” Scroll down for photos…

Enjoying the “Around the Musical in 80 Minutes” Workshop by Bryan Carrs Shannon Star Entertainment at Collis Sandes House Tralee as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg events day – Photo by Mark O’Sullivan
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Maisie Moriarty and Lilly Malloy Husain enjoying the Art and Meditation Workshop by Hummingbird Studios at Collis Sandes House Tralee as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg events day. Photo by Mark O’Sullivan
Joseph Curtin enjoying the Clay Creation Workshop with Tralee Pottery Club owner Amy Smith at Collis Sandes House Tralee as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg events day. Photo by Mark O’Sullivan
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At the Cyanotype and Monotype Print Workshops. Photo by Mark O’Sullivan
The Youth Dance Workshop at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Michelle Breen Crean
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The Rod Puppet workshop at Kerry County Museum. Photo by Michelle Breen Crean
The Marble Run STEAM workshop at Siamsa Tíre, Photo by Michelle Breen Crean
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Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Loads Of Events For Young People During Cruinniú Na nÓg On Saturday

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Young participants in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg in 2023. Photo by Dermot Crean

CRUINNIÚ na nÓg – the day of free creativity for children and young people takes place this Saturday, June 15, and there’s a host of free events in Tralee.

While some of the events are booked out, there’s still a few you can head to if you book the free places on time. ‘Around the Musical in 80 minutes’ takes place in the Tralee Educate Together school at Collis Sandes at 10am, 1pm or 4pm.

This event is an interactive Musical Theatre experience for children giving  them chance to immerse themselves into the world of Musical Theatre performance.

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Children will work with a choreographer, voice and drama coach along with a director to work on a new musical over 80 minutes which will be presented to the public for eight minutes with the entire workshop lasting two hours. Click here to book.

Staying at Collis Wood, there’s an Art and Meditation Workshop. This workshop will guide children on how to develop their art skills through drawing and painting roses.

It will also provide them with techniques to boost their self confidence through meditation and wellbeing activities.

All materials will be provided and children will be in a covered over area in the woods for an outdoor art studio. Children will be split into two groups for the activities. Booking via text to Tricia 085 1144700.

Cyanotype and Monotype Print Workshops  also take place at Collis Sandes House at various times during the morning and afternoon.

Join ‘Me and The Moon’ to explore the possibilities of cyanotype and monotype printing techniques. Children will have lots of fun experimenting with their own ideas before being guided through the printing process and learning lots of new skills along the way.

Best suited for children aged 5-12 years. Pre-booking is required via meandthemoon.ie

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Ceol le hAoife – Tin Whistle & traditional Irish singing, will take place at the Na Gaeil GAA Clubhouse.

Immerse your child in an hour of Irish culture focusing on tin whistle skills and improvement, with traditional Irish singing. Children must have prior experience playing tin whistle, not suitable for beginners.  Please book by emailing Aoife at mrsodonoghuemusic@yahoo.com

Circus Explored with ISACS at Tralee Library invites children and teenagers to experience the thrill of juggling, master the art of hula hooping, or experience the excitement of plate spinning.

No experience necessary, tutors will be on hand to help you along. Ages 5—8 and 9–12 can attend between 2.15pm and 3.15pm while teenager between 13—15 and 16—18 can attend between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Contact the Library to book email tralee@kerrylibrary.ie phone (066) 7121200

Jam/Subh Milis takes place at the Tralee International Resource Centre where children will learn about the importance of using local and seasonal ingredients and also have the satisfaction of making their own delicious jam.

The workshop, taking place from 12noon to 2pm, also includes printing labels and block printing on fabric. It’s suitable for 13 to 18 year olds and can be booked by emailing Magda at education@tirc.ie

Marble Run STEAM Workshop takes place at Siamsa Tíre. Create a run and try to get your marble to go as far as you can.

Use all types of materials, think creatively and test how far your marble runs. Bring your own materials or use what they have – hot glue; blutak; tape; staples and more to hold the track together. This is an all day (11am to 5pm) workshop open to all ages with no booking required.

Staying at Siamsa Tíre, young people aged 13 to 18 can enjoy Youth Dance Workshops from 2pm to 5pm. Explore contemporary dance techniques including floor work, partnering skills, improvisation, choreography.

Led by Dancer Eilise Sullivan, there is no prior dance experience required for this workshop, just a curiosity to try something new. Please bring water and wear comfortable clothes.  Booking essential through Siamsa Tíre .

Mini Music Movers takes place at the KDYS on Denny Street. Sing, dance and make music with Sorcha in a fun and relaxed environment.

Children will find out lots of cool things about music, learn some great songs and also do some excellent dance moves!

Workshop 1: 12:15 – 13:00 (4 to 5 Year Olds) Workshop 2; 13:00 – 13:45 6 & 7 year olds. No prior experience needed – children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.

Finally, Kerry County Museum is hosting A Sock Puppet Workshop and A Rod Puppet Workshop, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm will see participants make their very own sock puppet and learn the basic principles of puppetry performance from puppeteer and puppet maker, Alex Hindmarsh.

Colourful socks, googly eyes and tons of decorations. You’ll be talking to your hand in no time. Booking through the museum email: education@kerrymuseum.ie

For the full list of events going on in Kerry, go to the Cruinniú na nÓg website by clicking here.

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News

Open Call To Get Involved In Cruinniú na nÓg This June

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Children at a Cruinniú na nÓg event in 2023.

CREATIVE Ireland Kerry invites proposals from creative practitioners, artists, event organisers, and organisations, for activities and initiatives to celebrate this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg – a day of free creativity for children and young people which is marked this year on Saturday, June 15.

These free events can be on the day or can be a series of workshops leading up to a showcase event for Cruinniú na nÓg.

Projects or events must take place or conclude on Saturday, June 15. Collaboration between artists, communities and youth groups is strongly encouraged.

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They also invite submissions from photographers or content creators to capture some of the events on the day.

The focus is on experiences that promote culture and creativity for children and young people from 0 to 18 years old in Co. Kerry.

Examples could include art, craft, theatre, music, street art, performance, fashion, photography, digital arts, literature, storytelling, coding, biodiversity, heritage, archaeology, landscape etc. They are looking to support events that pay the artists and creative facilitators.

Applications should aim to engage with early childhood, youth, community, arts settings, primary and post-primary schools, families and more.

Grant aid, depending on quality of proposal and overall budget, ranges from €100 to €2000. Applicants are to organise, facilitate and deliver the initiatives and activities for children and young people.

If successful, feedback following the completion of the projects must be submitted to the Creative Ireland Kerry office along with photos and video clips.

Emma Carmody, the Creative Communities Engagement Officer in the Arts Office, says; “Cruinniú na nÓg is a great way to give Kerry’s young people access to try a new creative activity and grow their creative potential.”

Cllr. .Jim Finucane, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council stated; “We welcome the annual Cruinniú na nÓg projects in all parts of the county, they give children and young people an opportunity to explore their creativity, while also giving them a fun and exciting experience”.

Further information, the application form, and guidelines are available from the Arts Office website at https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/ or by emailing arts@kerrycoco.ie. The deadline for submission of applications is 1pm on Thursday 21st March 2024.

Entertainment, News

PHOTOS: A Super Saturday Of Creativity At Cruinniú na nÓg Events In Tralee

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Emma Carmody with Braxton and Matilda at the Origami Workshop at Tralee Library as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean

CRUINNIÚ na nÓg, the national day of free creative activity for children and young people, took place on Saturday with a programme of workshops and events.

Kerry’s Cruinniú na nÓg programme offered a wide range of free activities for young people on the day and there were loads of events around Tralee as part of the fun.

There was something for all ages and interests including dance, art and music workshops at Siamsa Tíre, youth theatre performances at the Dúchas, origami in Tralee Library, drumming and dance workshops in Shanakill Resource Centre and an exhibition of Junk Kouture outfits from Tralee Secondary School students at Kerry County Museum.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Francis Flynn remarked; “What a great day for children and young people to find something new and show us what they can do. Kerry County Council is delighted to partner with Creative Ireland on Cruinniú na nÓg and would like to especially thank all facilitators, artists, and organisers who make this day happen.” Scroll down for photos…

Ciara Sheridan with Róisín at the Origami Workshop at Tralee Library as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Artist Rebecca Lyons with young participants in the Origami Workshop at Tralee Library as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aoife O’Donoghue with young participants in the Ceol le hAoife music workshop at the Na Gaeil GAA Clubhouse as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Young participants in the Ceol le hAoife music workshop at the Na Gaeil GAA Clubhouse as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
Young participants in the Ceol le hAoife music workshop at the Na Gaeil GAA Clubhouse as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Sorcha O’Connor and Andrea Caffrey with young participants in the Mini Music Movers Workshop at the Shanakill Family Resource Centre as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
Damian Greer with Ollie and Lucca at the Drum Rollers workshop at the Shanakill Family Resource Centre as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Young participants in the art workshops at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
A young participant in the art workshops at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Young participants in the art workshops at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
A young participant in the art workshops at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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A young participant in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
Young participants in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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A young participant in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
A young participant in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
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A young participant in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean
A young participant in the dance workshop at Siamsa Tire as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Photo by Dermot Crean

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News

Youth Theatre Groups To Come Together At Dúchas Centre For Cruinniú Na nÓg Event

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Kerry’s Youth Theatres will come together at the Dúchas Centre at MTU Tralee on June 10. Photo: Manuela dei Grande.

KERRY Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) at Kerry ETB has announced an event as part of Cruinniú na nÓg the national day of child and youth creativity in Ireland.

Taking place on Saturday, June 10, at the Dúchas Comhaltas Centre at MTU Tralee, all of Kerry’s Youth Theatres are coming together for a day of workshops and short performances.

“The strategy has always been about creating access to youth theatre for young people no matter where they live in the county, that a youth theatre will exist within 45-minute drive from home”, stated Deirdre Enright, Creative Youth Co-Ordinator with Kerry ETB who manages the LCYP Programme.

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To date, three youth theatres have been established, with another in development in Tralee as  a research project into youth theatre and additional needs.

Dingle Youth Theatre takes membership from across the Dingle peninsula and was established in 2021.

South Kerry Youth Theatre was set-up in 2020 and has members from the Iveragh Peninsula and Caherciveen.

The Youth Theatre for the North Kerry area is called Shout Out and works from St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre in Listowel.

As the County’s Youth Theatre groups gather on June , the general public are welcome to pop in to see the action live at the Dúchas Centre at MTU in Tralee.

Workshop sessions with guest facilitators John Doran and Aoife Spratt, run from 10.30am to 1.30pm, a chance for the visiting public to sit back and watch these sessions as they are underway.

John and Aoife are professional actors who have both worked at The Abbey and Gate Theatres, and with Lionsgate, Hallmark and RTE.

“It is the first event of its kind for Kerry and the first time the entire youth theatre membership from across the county will meet, see each other perform, and enjoy time together in a structured theatre environment”, stated Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer and Creative Ireland Kerry Co-Ordinator at Kerry County Council.

It is highlighted on social media via @kerrylcyp and @kerrycoarts and on www.kerryetb.ie/creativity For more information email denright@kerryetb.ie

Not for profit Youth Theatre in Kerry is developed as a co-funded collaboration between Kerry LCYP at Kerry ETB and the Arts Office at Kerry County Council.

Funding is provided through the Department of Education, Creative Ireland, Kerry County Council and The Arts Council. Significant development work has been done at local level to develop community-based support to youth theatres which provide opportunities for teenagers to access drama and youth theatre near where their live.

Local partners include IRD Centre Waterville; St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, Listowel; Áiseanna na hÓige, Dingle, Kerry Diocesan Youth Service, Inspired and Saint John of God’s, at MTU, Tralee.

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News

PHOTOS: Fun And Creativity At Cruinniú Na nÓg Events In Tralee

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Poet and writer Victoria Kennefick with budding writers at the workshop in Siamsa Tíre on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was a good turnout of young people for the Cruinniú na nÓg events held in Tralee on Saturday.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. There was something for all ages and tastes in this year’s programme which was held at locations around the county and online.

In Tralee, Aoife Ní Choiléain-Uí Dhonnchú held a traditional Irish music workshop for children aged between 8 and 12 years of age at the Na Gaeil Clubhouse, focusing on the tin whistle.

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Nearby at Shanakill Family Resource Centre, children were getting a lesson in percussion thanks to workshops facilitated by Music Generation Kerry’s Early Years Music Practitioner Jonathan Healy and Ray Fahy.

Meanwhile, renowned poet and writer, Victoria Kennefick, hosted ‘Hide & Seek: Finding the Writer in You!’ at Siamsa Tíre. This was a fun, surprising and engaging workshop of writing prompts that inspired the participants. Scroll down for photos…

Children at the trad music workshop at the Na Gaeil GAA clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Jonathan Healy giving a workshop to young children at Shanakill Family Resource Centre on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ray Fahy giving a workshop to young children at Shanakill Family Resource Centre on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Children at the trad music workshop at the Na Gaeil GAA clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Check Out What’s On Saturday For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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Cruinniú na nÓg returns tomorrow (Saturday), with free events for young people taking place around the county and online.

There is something for all ages and tastes in this year’s programme and some of the highlights include a circus show and workshop, a youth film programme and discussion panel, music workshops and performances, creative writing and poetry workshops, painting and pottery workshops, youth theatre workshops and in person and online exhibitions.

Earlier in the year, the Arts Office at Kerry County Council carried out an extensive consultation with young people of Kerry to see what they wanted to see in this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg- and that has informed this year’s programme.

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There are a number of events taking place in the Tralee area, including the following;

• Ceardlan Na Gaeil

Taking place from 9.30am-11.30am at Na Gaeil Clubhouse, Oakpark, primary school and music teacher Aoife O’Donoghue will be holding a traditional Irish music workshop for children aged between 8 and 12 years of age.

The workshop will focus on developing tin whistle skills, while also learning traditional Irish songs. Children must bring their own instrument on the day.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Booking: mrsodonoghuemusic@yahoo.com Tel. 086 194 2921

• ‘This is Me’ Art Project

Taking place at Kerry County Museum, This Is Me is an exciting, immersive art installation that captures the essence of an art workshop, created and curated by children.

It is the culmination of a year’s work by 23 young participants who are based at Johnston Marina Hotel in Tralee and Atlas House in Killarney.

Facilitated by David Fortune, artist-director of Me and The Moon, the show runs until June 28th at Kerry County Museum Tralee. On view in the Hunter Gatherers Room and the audio visual room in the Museum.

• Early Years Music Making with Jonathan!

Taking place at Shanakill Family Resource Centre, Tralee. In these workshops, babies and young children will have a unique opportunity to explore sound, music, songs and rhythms with an exciting range of unique and accessible musical instruments.

The workshops will be entertaining, engaging and educational for babies and small children and will be facilitated by Music Generation Kerry’s Early Years Music Practitioner Jonathan Healy.

It takes place from 10.30am-11.15pm & 11.30-12.15pm. Age: 0-4yrs Email: musicgeneration@kerryetb.ie

• Hide & Seek: Finding the Writer in You!

Do you daydream at school, lose focus tidying your room… or get completely immersed in your favourite show? Then perhaps you are a writer!

Find out by joining Victoria Kennefick at Siamsa Tíre for a fun, surprising and engaging workshop of writing prompts that will inspire and send you home with your notebook full of ideas!

Workshop 1: Ages 10 – 13yrs 11.00am-1.00pm Workshop 2: Ages 14 – 18yrs 2.00pm-4.00pm. To book: info@siamsatire.ie

The brochure for all events for Kerry is available to download on: https://www.kerrycoco.ie/arts/events-festivals/

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News

Artists Sought To Deliver Events For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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KERRY County Council’s Arts Office is seeking proposals from professional, experienced practitioners to deliver events for the 2022 Cruinniú na nÓg programme.

Cruinniú na nÓg is an all-Ireland event offering free cultural and creative activities and experiences for children and young people in Kerry.

A competitive call out has been issued with limited funding and is a result of feedback from the consultation process which sought to hear the voice of Kerry’s young people.

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Based on the responses from the consultation process the Arts Office are looking for in person (or hybrid) events in the Acting, Dancing and Creative Writing artforms.

Contact arts@kerrycoco.ie for an event application form. Events must take place between 11.00am and 5.00pm and must be free to the public. Forms must be returned by 1pm on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Arts Office Looks For Feedback As It Plans Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry 2022

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KERRY County Council’s Arts Office | Creative Ireland Kerry Office is looking for feedback from children and young people themselves about what they would like see included in this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry programme.

Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people. It is happening on Saturday June 11th.

“We want to hear from children and young people themselves” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer ¦ Creative Ireland Coordinator. “This is their day for creativity, it is a chance for them to try out new things, or learn more about artforms they are already interested in.”

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The Arts Office + Creative Ireland Kerry Office also want to hear from arts practitioners and groups with proposals for this year’s event, particularly those with experience of working with young people and children.

The deadline for receipt of proposals to deliver events is Friday 1pm, March 4. The programme will be devised based on feedback from children and young people, informed by what they want to participate in, and witness on the day.

Cruinniú na nÓg 2022 will be a hybrid event with a strong focus on live events. There will be digital elements and some online offerings, to engage as many children & young people as possible, on the day, across Kerry.

Creative Ireland Kerry will focus on live events, working with creatives and organisations through the county.

The Arts Office + Creative Ireland Kerry Office have complied a short questionnaire on what activities and events you would like to see happen for Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday June 11th. It will be available on all the Arts Office social media channels:

Facebook- KerryCoArts Twitter https://twitter.com/kerrycoarts Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kerrycoarts/
Alternatively, email the Arts Office + Creative Ireland Kerry Office at arts@kerrycoco.ie for a copy of the questionnaire on what activities and events you would like to see happen for Cruinniú na nÓg 2022.

News

Young Artistic Talent Shines Again For Cruinniú Na nÓg

Music Generation Kerry released their version of Rise yesterday on Youtube to coincide with Cruinniú na nÓg.

Cruinniú na nÓg took place nationwide on Saturday with a programme of creative celebrations for children and young people.

The programme in Kerry offered a vast choice of free events and activities for children and young people.  This year’s event was entirely online with lots of opportunities for making, creating and doing.

With over 23 events taking place and in excess of 2000 participants and viewers by Saturday afternoon, Cruinniú na nÓg in Kerry received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and children.

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There was something for all ages and tastes in this year’s programme and some of the highlights included dance workshops, online circus show and workshop, short film programme and discussion panel, music and music video creation workshop and tutorial, creative writing and poetry workshops, painting, pottery and plaster making workshops, origami workshops, youth theatre screenings and kite making workshops.

“What a great day for children and young people,” said the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Counci, Cllr Patrick Conor-Scarteen. “On behalf of Kerry County Council, we were delighted to partner with Creative Ireland on Cruinniú na nÓg 2021. I’d also like to pass my thanks and congratulations on to all the artists, facilitators, participants and audience on a hugely successful online event.”

The programme was put together by the Arts/Creative Ireland Kerry Office at Kerry County Council. It is funded with support from Creative Ireland through the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

“We have learned a lot about online events in the last year,” explains Kate Kennelly, the Creative Ireland Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council. “While we look forward to live events again there is no doubt that online events have some great advantages, allowing young people to take part in events, regardless of where in the county they live.”

Bestselling children’s author Caroline Busher launched the Kerry Library Cruinniú na nÓg creative writing competition. Primary school children around the county are invited to submit a creative piece such as a short story, poem, comic strip of no more than 500 words.

Caroline gave some brilliant tips for aspiring young writers which will be available on our website and social media.  The winners, selected by Caroline,  will receive a special Kerry Library prize pack and will also have their winning entries published as an eBook on the Kerry Library Borrowbox service for a period of 6 months.

Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry 2021 was hosted on various digital platforms on Saturday 12th June with creativity and innovation on display across all events.

To coincide with the day, Music Generation Kerry released their version of Rise, a song of hope written by local artists Noel McCord, John Buggy and Barry McGrath with beautiful vocal performances from Music Generation Kerry participants.

Check out Kerry County Council Arts Office social media channel @kerrycoarts and website www.kerrycoco.ie/arts to see images, video clips and reviews of the successes.

Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry is facilitated by Kerry County Council Arts Office/Creative Ireland Kerry Office and Creative Ireland and supported by The Culture Team of Kerry County Council.

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Siamsa Tíre Hosts Busy Programme Of Events For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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Céilí in the Kitchen is one of the events from Siamsa Tíre for Cruinniú na nÓg.

THIS Saturday sees Cruinniú na nÓg take place once again and Siamsa Tíre is heavily involved in the national day of free creativity for children and young people under the age of 18.

Delivered in partnership with local authorities and supported by RTÉ, the Cruinniú na nÓg programme includes all sorts of fun, free, and creative activities from workshops in graffiti art and stop-motion animation to coding and architecture.

Events are organised in every city, town, and village across the country.  Here in Tralee, Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland in association with Cruinniú na nÓg and Kerry County Council has organised a whole day of free online activities to appeal to all the family.

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The day kicks off with workshops in Irish song and dance.  Siamsa Tíre is known for showcasing the unique Munnix style of Irish dancing and this is an ideal opportunity to master a few simple steps or to learn a traditional Irish song from the National Folk Theatre repertoire.

Then there are online screenings, including a theatrical performance of Elfie the Pigeon, a cinematic screening of Film 134, and a concert of new and traditional Irish songs with Dervish frontwoman and multi-instrumentalist Cathy Jordan and traditional singer and flute player Nuala Kennedy.

Finally, the day ends with a Céilí in the Kitchen.  This online event invites everyone to join members of Siamsa Tíre’s Training Academy as they play music, sing, and dance to celebrate this day of creativity for children.

For more information, visit www.siamsatire.com/events.  You will find a full listing of national events for Cruinniú na nÓg at www.cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie

Entertainment, News

Something For All Ages in Kerry’s Cruinniú Na nÓg Programme

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Ballet Poulet by Fanzini Productions which will be part of online events on the day.

IT’S almost time for Cruinniú na nÓg, which is taking place all over Ireland on Saturday June 12 this year with a programme of creative celebrations for children and young people.

The programme in Kerry offers a vast choice of free events and activities for children and young people to look forward to.  This year’s event is entirely online with lots of opportunities for making, creating and doing.

Earlier in the year, the Arts Office at Kerry County Council carried out an extensive consultation with young people of Kerry to see what they wanted in this Cruinniú na nÓg Chiarraí.

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There is something for all ages and tastes in this year’s programme and some of the highlights include dance workshops, online circus show and workshop, short film programme and discussion panel, music and music video creation workshop and tutorial, creative writing and poetry workshops, painting, pottery and plaster making workshops, origami workshops, youth theatre screenings and kite making workshops.

“It’s fantastic to see all that’s on offer here in Kerry, free, for Cruinniú na nÓg,” the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Counci, Cllr Patrick Conor-Scarteen said. “No doubt it will be a great day with lots of positive experiences and great fun.”

The brochure for all events for Kerry is available to download  on www.kerrycoco.ie/arts/events-festivals/ and all events are listed on the national Creative Ireland website at https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/

The programme has been put together by the Arts/Creative Ireland Kerry Office at Kerry County Council. It is funded with support from Creative Ireland through the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

All events are online this year – some are live interactive events and workshops while others are pre-recorded sessions that will be available on the day.  The hashtag #CreativeIreland has also been set up to give us all a flavour of what to expect and what is happening throughout the country.

“While events are online for safety, children will still get a change to engage creatively, and even get outside with some activities. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience something creative, at no cost,” explains Kate Kennelly, the Creative Ireland Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.

“Cruinniú na nÓg is a welcome addition to the arts calendar here in Kerry. This year’s programme delivers a varied, exciting range of activities and I would encourage young people and parents alike to enjoy the day, online, and try something new,” says Moira Murrell CE, Kerry County Council. “Tabhair faoi rud nua agus bain sult as an lá!”

News

Over 20 Projects Planned Online For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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Ballet Poulet by Fanzini Productions which will be part of online events on the day.

CRUINNIÚ na nÓg, Ireland’s day of creativity for children and young people, returns on June 12 with a number of events planned online.

Kerry County Council’s Arts Office is in the final stages of planning and co-ordinating this year’s exciting programme.

Like last year, in light of current restrictions, all events will take place online – with over twenty projects programmed across a range of arts disciplines.

This year’s programme reflects an extensive consultation with young people that the Arts Office undertook in March.

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“We wanted to hear from our target audiences about what they were interested in making, doing and experiencing,” explains the Creative Ireland Kerry project manager Sean Mulchinock.

“So we asked a series of questions and sent it out to young people, youth groups and partner organisations. We got a great response which showed a high level of engagement from children and young people.”

Based on the feedback, the Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry programme this year features visual arts workshops, creative writing, film screenings, crafts, music and dance.

All the events that are being organised through the Arts Office can be viewed on the Cruinniú na nÓg national website cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie and searched by location, Kerry.

One of the events, Animal Grooves, hosted by Move It Dance, includes a number of free online dance workshops for children from 6 – 12 years in the weeks ahead of the day itself.

A film collating the collective creativity of the dance workshops will be shared as part of the day’s events. Email moveitireland@gmail.com for more details.

Máire Holmes, Kerry County Council’s writer in residence will also be inviting children aged 10 -14 to share their creative writing for inclusion in an e-book that will go live on the day.

For more details please email arts@kerrycoco.ie or keep an eye on @KerryCoArts social media on Twitter and Facebook.

“This is a fantastic line-up of activities provided by experienced, talented artists and facilitators,” says Cllr. Patrick Connor-Scarteen, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council.

“I hope as many children and young people as possible take advantage of these free workshops and events, and most importantly, enjoy the day and their own creativity.”

News

Young Kerry Dance Enthusiasts Wanted For Cruinniú Na nÓg Film

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YOUNG dance enthusiasts aged 6-12 years old are invited to come dance for Cruinniú na nÓg 2021.

Curated by Kerry County Council Dancer in residence Catherine Young, classes will run May 6th to May 27th over Zoom each Thursday and will culminate in a dance film with the participants.

The participative project, titled ‘Our Animal Grooves’ invites children aged 6 to 12 years old to discover the animal world through dance and movement.

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Children will be encouraged to dance, imagine and look closely at living creatures from different environments.

Through the art of dance, children will explore animals small and large, from the sea, farms, zoos, jungles and beyond.

At the end of the series of workshops, a film collating the collective creativity of the dance participants will be shared on the 12th June as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, the day celebrating creativity for children and young people.

The workshops will be facilitated by dancer, choreographer and educator Monica Muňoz. Originally from Barcelona, now based in Ireland, Muňoz has worked as a dancer throughout Europe for over 20 years.

She is passionate about facilitating dance for all ages and has created dance programmes for all generations.

The workshops are scheduled for Thursday afternoons over zoom for the month of May commencing May 6th for 4 weeks and will facilitate 3 different age groups.

To register your child please email moveitireland@gmail.com and indicate the appropriate age group; 6-8 years; 8-10 years or 10-12 years.

This project is supported by Creative Ireland and Kerry County Council.

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Young People’s Creativity And Innovation Shines For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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CRUINNIÚ na nÓg Kerry 2020 was hosted on various digital platforms on Saturday last with creativity and innovation on display across all events.

This year’s event was programmed at a particularly challenging time for all. In the middle of the global health crisis of COVID-19, Kerry County Council Arts Office worked with artists and facilitators to develop a strong line up of online and digital events that would appeal to young people from the ages of 5 to 18.

“It was a learning curve for us in the Arts Service, in particular when we saw the reach of the online activity,” stated Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Coordinator.

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“Programming an online aspect to future days of creative engagement will form part of what we do moving forward, we are confident that by doing this we will reach new audiences for arts and creativity. Most importantly, we will provide greater access to young people to creativity.”

Cruinniú na nÓg in Kerry saw a strong, varied programme with film, creative writing, singing, dance, visual arts and robot building.

By noon on Saturday, Present Day Poetry Kerry has over 500 people reading the poetry written by children across the Kingdom.

The future of creativity is bright indeed. The drawing workshop by ‘Me and the Moon’ attracted participants from many counties up the country as well as children across Kerry.

With 13 events and over 2000 participants and viewers, Cruinniú na nÓg in Kerry received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive with fun had by all who participated.

Mayor of Kerry, Niall Kelleher, commented: “Creativity is an essential component in the wellbeing of Kerry communities and in particular for our young people. On behalf of Kerry County Council, we were delighted to partner with Creative Ireland on Cruinniú na nÓg 2020. I’d also like to pass my thanks and congratulations on to all the artists, facilitators, participants and audience on a hugely successful online event.”

Check out Kerry County Council Arts Office social media channel @kerrycoarts and website www.kerrycoco.ie/arts to see images, video clips and reviews of the successes.

Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry is facilitated by Kerry County Council Arts Office/Creative Ireland Kerry Office andCreative Ireland and supported by The Culture Team of Kerry County Council.

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‘Windows On Our Lives’ Project For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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KERRY Local Creative Youth Partnership has announced that ‘Windows On Our Lives’ is now live on www.kerryetb.ie and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram via @kerrylcyp and @kerryetb.

This is a video slideshow which features youth creativity in sound, song, words and images and offers up an emotional roller coaster reflecting the lives of young people during and after lockdown.

“The slideshow is an insight into the emotional observations and dreams of young people. An overarching theme of isolation comes through, especially in the words and use of song in the piece, but there is also a sense of hope, and solace found in nature,” stated Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, Youth and Music at Kerry ETB about the project.

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The slideshow features the work of 30 young people who submitted a diverse range of creative work across a seven-day period to artist Zoë Uí Fhaoláin Green, lead artist on the initiative.

“The emotional challenge of the last few months is presented in the artwork, and much reflection about the type of lives young people want, but there is also great joy, colour and life in the pieces presented. It has been a privilege and really inspiring. I hope that the young people who have contributed enjoy seeing their artwork on this platform, and feel a sense of solidarity with each other”, stated Zoë.

The slideshow can also be seen on our streetscapes for the next week, featuring on the windows of Culloty’s Music Shop in Tralee, in Jeffrey’s Pharmacy in Cahirciveen, in Grá Health Foods in Dingle and in McKenna’s in Listowel.

“We are very grateful to the shops that came on board with us for this project, ensuring that as many people as possible might get to see the slideshow is very important to us. It is the beginning of a project that will grow in the months ahead. The theme is universal and a rare chance for young people’s collective voices to be heard and seen”, stated Deirdre Enright, Creative Youth Co-Ordinator with Kerry ETB.

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Siamsa Tíre’s Free Online Classes For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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THIS Saturday you can take part in Traditional Arts Workshops with the National Folk Theatre Training Academy as part of Cruinniú na nÓg in association with Creative Ireland and Kerry County Council.

If you are aged between 5 – 18 and want to try your hand at an Irish instrument, sing a traditional Irish song, learn some Irish dance or advance your existing traditional skills, now is your chance.

For Cruinniú na nÓg, Siamsa Tíre is offering free online one-to-one classes with expert tutors and performers in the National Folk Theatre of Ireland Training Academy.

It is open to all, from beginners to the most experienced singers, dancers, and musicians.

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Just email jonathan@siamsatire.com with your name, age, preference for class in traditional instrument, song or dance and details of your level in this, the team can then match you with one of its expert tutors and you’ll have a 20 minute one-to-one video session to either dip your toe in or brush up on your skills.

So that they can schedule your session, they will need to receive your email by 5pm on Wednesday June 10th. Availability is limited, so a lottery may apply if it is oversubscribed. Classes will run from 12 noon to 2pm with 4 classes in each discipline within that time. See https://www.siamsatire.com/events/cruinniu-na-ng for more

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Young People Invited To Send Poetry For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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Máire Holmes.

Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people but of course this year things are different and events are taking place online.

One of the projects happening in the county is Present Day Poetry – Kerry. This will be a digital e-book, containing the poems of children and young people in Kerry.

“I am delighted to be working again with the young writers of Kerry,” says Máire Holmes. “It’s different this time, with the need for social distancing to keep safe. But words are always able to reach out across time and space. I have no doubt that our digital e-book will do the same.”

The themes of Cruinniú na nÓg are Making: Doing: Creating. Máire has taken these themes and teased them out into prompts to get young writers started:

MAKING – Poems on anything at all that you like to make, or something another person makes for you.

DOING – Poems about things you like to do…or things you want to do.

CREATING – Poems that imagine all the things you will do with your friends when we are together again!

“The last few months have been a lot for young people to process and understand,” says Máire. “I’m sure they have a lot of thoughts and impressions they would like to get down on paper. Perhaps there are people and things they miss, or perhaps this time has allowed them to reflect and notice things that might otherwise have gone unseen.”

Máire will edit the poems and the e-book will go live on its own WordPress site on June 13th.

“I welcome all poems – long and short, in Irish or English, and if the young people want to write on topics outside the prompts I have given, that is fine too. I am here to help them express themselves.”

Máire has many years’ experience in writing, editing and working with writer of all ages. She has previously been a very popular Writer in Residence with Kerry County Council, co-funded by the Arts Council.

Email your poems to arts@kerrycoco.ie by June 8th. More details on all events at cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/ . Cruinniú na nÓg is a Creative Ireland initative, supported by Kerry County Council.

News

Cruinniú Na nÓg To Deliver Fantastic Day Of Creativity Online

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Dancer Jade O’Connor who will lead dance workshops for young people online.

CRUINNIÚ na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people and this year Creative Ireland and Kerry County Council are doing things differently with everything needed for a fantastic day of creativity is available Online.

“We are delighted to be working with wonderful artists, who are fully committed to their art forms and to sharing it with young people,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council.

“These are very different circumstances to last year, and how we thought it would be this year. But children and young people need an outlet for their creativity, perhaps now more than ever, and online events make that possible.”

A number of art forms are represented in the Cruinniú na nÓg programme – dance, poetry, film and visual arts.

For DisDance, Catherine Young will curate a series of funupbeat on-line dance workshops in the run up to the day.

Via online Zoom workshops on Tues June 2nd and 9th, young people will learn a piece of choreography created from avariety of different dance styles and finally through a series ofimprovisation techniques will be encouraged to work towardsmaking their very own dance piece.

This will be an energetic fusion of contemporary dance, hip hop and Africandance styles led by Jade O’Connor.

Máire Holmes is leading a creative project called Present Day Poetry – Kerry.

She intends to have a poetry collection available to read online by the 13th June 2020. Budding poets,from the very young up to the age of eighteen are invited to write a poem and send it to arts@kerrycoco.ie.

Poets have a choice of three themes: MAKING: DOING: CREATING. The poem can be as long or as short as you want and the closing date for submission is June 1st.

Mieke Vanmechelen is running a Young Filmmakers Programme. With the permission of a parent or guardian send an email including your name, age and up to three sentences on an idea you have for a two minute film.

This can be very simple, it can be funny, about a real event or an imaginary one. Following the selection process we will contact you to let you know if you have been selected to participate. Get in touch with Mieke at info@miekevanmechelen.com

Me and the Moon will host an online workshop where children and young people will have the opportunity to make their own sketchbooks at home using basic materials.

Sketchbooks can be a tool in understanding and expressing feelings relating to current events, or just as a tool in escapism.

Different binding techniques, as well as ways of personalising each sketchbook to make it unique, will be explored.

This will be a learning experience and hopefully theworkshop will inspire young people to continue the practice of keeping a sketchbook for years to come.

For more details on all the above events, please email arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066 7183541.

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People Invited To Get Involved In Cruinniú Na nÓg

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THIS year’s Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry is happening this summer across the county and Kerry County Council’s Arts Office and Creative Ireland Office are inviting arts and cultural organisations, artists and creative practitioners, schools, youth arts organisers, communities and community venues interested in organising an event for under 18’s to get involved.

They are looking for ideas from young artists, designers and anyone working with young people for events that will take place on Saturday, June 13 between 10.00am and 5.00pm.

Cruinniú na nÓg is an all-Ireland event offering free cultural and creative activities. It is a celebration of making, doing, trying and creating fun experiences for children and young people and all events are free.

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In 2019 Cruinniú na nÓg Kerry hosted 35 events across the county with over 2,500 under 18’s participating and taking part in events such as visual art workshops, puppet shows, storytelling, drawing, sculpture, drumming, craft, collage, poetry, magic, music performance, acting & film, printing, comedy, clowning, circus, paper weaving, creative writing, balloon making, creative writing, environment and climate events, pottery and nature trails.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the call out on Kerry County Council Arts Office social media channel @kerrycoarts, on their website and in the local press. www.kerrycoco.ie/arts

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Children Around The County Take Part In Cruinniú na nÓg Events

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Children at the Me And The Moon workshop during Cruinniú na nÓg.

CREATIVITY was to the fore at Cruinniú na nÓg last Saturday where children and teenagers enjoyed free cultural and creative events across the county.

Events and workshops were all well subscribed and feedback from participants has highlighted the demand for more creative activity choices for our young people in Kerry

“Feedback tells us that there was a great choice of activity this year and parents were very pleased to be able to access quality free events for their children”, stated Kate Kennelly, Creative Ireland Kerry Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.

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The event was organised by the Arts Office at Kerry County Council and brought about as a result of Creative Ireland funding through the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Story telling at the Library.

The Mayor of Kerry Councillor Niall Kelliher acknowledged the significance of the day and the fact that in its second year there were hundreds of children and young people involved in events right across Kerry.

“We are grateful to all our creative professionals, partners and venues who organised events in many towns across the county”, Councillor Kelliher went on to say. Attendances were up on last year with some workshops over-subscribed.

Siamsa Tíre ran an environmental drawing workshop with the apt title ‘How to Save The World’ where young enthusiastic participants responded using creative materials to the big questions affecting our world.

The Wetlands had a great turn out to their pottery and bird making workshops and Kerry County Museum hosted a fully booked creative journalling workshop with Annemarie Ní Churreáin.

Drumming on Inch Beach. Photo: Manuela dei Grandi

Events at Inch Beach offered up not only creative fun but fresh air and fine appetites as a group of exuberant teens created large land art pieces on the beach. A drumming circle rounded off a day well spent in the open air.

Events in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel were all well attended and a young group of filmmakers in each town got a quick immersion into the busy world of filmmaking through film, costume and stage make up information.

Visual art, craft, puppetry workshops in Ballinskelligs, Cromane, Ballyferriter, Castleisland and Waterville were all well attended, and parents were pleased to see the results in exhibition form as well as creations ready to bring home.

Overall the day was a creative celebration across the county. With over 35 imaginative events in 13 locations, Cruinniú na nÓg is fast becoming a cultural force in Kerry.

Sand art on Inch Beach. Photo: Manuela dei Grandi
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Details Of Tralee Events For Cruinniú Na nÓg Announced

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TRALEE is just one Municipal District in the county that is putting out a great programme of free creative opportunities for teenagers and children as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, June 15 next and more details have been released about the day’s activities in the county capital.

Young people in Tralee will enjoy a one-day Filmmaking Workshop with Seán Rea. Light, Camera, Action! will take place at Tralee IT from 10am – 5pm and is designed for anyone interested in filmmaking including camera movements and script writing.  Booking essential at seanrea@yahoo.com.

Sean will also liaise with young participants who will take part in a Special Effects Make Up for Stage & Screen, also at Tralee IT that morning from 11am – 1pm where teenagers can create the effects used in the short movie that will be made in the IT on the day.

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Ronnie Moore will head up the Special Effects workshop which is not for squeamish dispositions! Booking at rgmoore@eircom.net / 086 0633618.

A Creative Journalling Session with Kerry Writer in Residence Annemarie Ní Churreáin will use the imagination to explore and invent personal writing journals at Kerry County Museum from 11am – 12.30pm.

At Siamsa Tíre, an environmental drawing workshop titled How to Save The World will be led by artist Lisa Fingleton at 11am. Young people will be asked to respond to some issues relating to climate change using eco-recycled materials.

The Wetlands will host a Pottery Workshop & Nature Trail led by Amy at Tralee Pottery and is open to all ages to enjoy time at a pottery wheel from 11am – 3pm.

The Wetlands are also hosting an origami bird making workshop with Rebecca Lyons from 1pm-2.30m. This workshop will be inspired by the birds of the wetlands area in Tralee.

A Storytelling session with Billy Teare & Kathleen O’Sullivan at Tralee Public Library will include live puppetry and magic, music, song and dance at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile out at Inch Beach land the scene is set for land artist Gerry Barry and drum master Martin Schärer to work with teens in the open air creating large pieces of sculpture and drum music and is a great day out for this age group in the fresh open air, from 11am.

“Cruinniu na nÓg in Tralee has something for all ages throughout the day and is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to get out and about and enjoy a creative experience, improving their skills and making new pals along the way,” stated Kate Kennelly, the Creative Ireland Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.

All events for Kerry are listed on http://www.kerrycoco.ie/arts/ where you can view or download the programme. Some workshops must be booked in advance. Events for Kerry are also listed on the national website https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/

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Events Planned In Tralee For Cruinniú na nÓg This June

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Launching the Cruinniú na nÓg programme were Deirdre Enright Arts Office KCC, Michael Scannell KCC, Cathaoirleach of KCC Norma Foley and Arts Officer KCC Kate Kennelly. Photo: Domnick Walsh.

CRUINNIÚ na nÓg is taking place all over Ireland on Saturday  June 15 and there’s no shortage of free events in Tralee for young people.

A full programme of creative celebrations for children, teenagers and young adults is planned.  The programme in Kerry offers a vast choice of events and activities for teenagers, tweens and children to look forward to.

All events for Kerry are listed on http://www.kerrycoco.ie/arts/and are on the national website for the event at https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/

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The Kerry programme was launched this week and the brochure for the event is being distributed to all libraries across the county as well as to shops, cafés, arts centres and visitor attractions in the county.

There are twelve towns taking part, and they are hosting thirty-five events between them. All events are free to the public, though some events must be booked in advance.

Events in Tralee include a Special Effects Workshop for Stage & Screen will take place at the Institute of Technology Tralee and in Siamsa Tíre an environmental drawing workshop will ask young people to respond creatively to the big questions affecting our world.

Tralee Bay Wetlands will host a pottery workshop and nature trail while an origami bird-making workshop will explore the birds that live in the Wetlands. There is also free entry to Kerry County Museum.

The programme has been put together by the Arts/Creative Ireland Kerry Office at Kerry County Council. It is funded with support from Creative Ireland through the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

All events take place between the hours of 11am and 5pm on Saturday, June 15 and places such as Tralee, Inch Beach, Dingle, Ballyferriter, Ballinskelligs, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Killorglin, Kenmare, Killarney, Castleisland and Listowel are all hosting events this year.

Information updates and promotions can be found via @KerryCoArts and @CreativeIrl on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The hashtag #CruinniuToCreate has also been set up to give us all a flavour of what to expect and what is happening throughout the country.

“There is something for everyone in this year’s programme. There are opportunities for participation and self-expression through creative activity. This is very important for our youth and we encourage parents to get involved and to find out what is happening in your local area”, stated the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Norma Foley.

“We are delighted to see Creative Ireland reaching out to communities through Cruinniú na nÓg and so pleased that our communities, arts venues and artists are getting involved. All communities are welcome to create an event locally and the Arts Office issues a call out for events annually,” stated Moira Murrell, CE, Kerry County Council.

Events at Inch Beach include a day out in the fresh air for teenagers creating art pieces on the beach with land-artist Gerry Barry, this is followed by a drumming workshop with Martin Schärer.

In Dingle storytelling sessions in the Library can be enjoyed along with a Great Little Masters Art Workshop on Green Street.

In Ballyferriter a Ceardlann Ealaíone (art workshop) with artist Áine Ní Chiobhán and potter Lone Beiter is open to young people. Meanwhile in Cill Rialaig children in Finland and France will share a virtual reality workshop with children in Kerry.

In Cahirciveen Innabubble Theatre Company present their new show ‘The Mergle’s Tale’ and storytellers & musicians Billy Teare and Kathleen O’Sullivan will visit four Libraries throughout the day.

Killarney House will host a Youth Film Exhibition, a film making workshop and a Nature Scavenger Hunt. They will also host Ballet Poulet, a new performance by the National Circus Festival.

A Costume Design for Stage and Film takes place in the Killarney Avenue Hotel and Film making workshops will be open to teenagers in Listowel and Tralee throughout the day.

The Medieval Living History and in Listowel Kerry Writers Museum and Listowel Writers’ Week are hosting events. Kerry Diocesan Youth Service have scheduled two creative workshops for young people and St. John’s Theatre is hosting a show titled ‘The Man Who was Magic’

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our teenagers to get together and experience something creative as well as for young children to get out and about with their families to enjoy time together experiencing an arts event”, stated Kate Kennelly, the Creative Ireland Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.

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Early Call Out To Plan Events For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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Cruinniú na nÓg will take place all over Ireland later this year and the Arts Office at Kerry County Council would like to hear from communities, artists, schools, groups, community venues, arts and cultural organisations who would like to organise an event for young people.

This is the national day of creativity for children and young people, and the staff at the Arts Office/Creative Ireland Kerry have commenced co-ordinating the programme for the day which takes place on Saturday, June 15. The Arts Office welcomes input from young people and artists as well as youth arts organisations and schools.

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“Ages 0 to 18 are catered for on the day and it is very much about engaging with and encouraging young people to get involved in all things cultural and creative. We would particularly like to hear from young artists and young designers and encourage anyone working with young people in the County to contact the Arts Office”, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Norma Foley stated.

Creative Ireland Kerry aims to support and promote as many events, workshops, performances and cultural experiences as possible and has a budget of approximately €8000 to spend directly on events that provide creative engagement for young people.

An event form application is available online to those interested in organising an event in their local area.

To download a form, go to http://www.kerrycoco.ie/home3/arts/arts-forms/ The closing date for return of event forms is 1.00pm Thursday March 14.

The day is funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht under the Creative Ireland programme.

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PHOTOS: Great Fun At Cruinniú Na nÓg Around The County

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Children listening to some stories read by Roisin Meaney at Tralee Library during Cruinniu na Nog storytelling event at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Cruinniú na nÓg took place all over Ireland on Saturday and there was a host of events in Kerry.

Billed as the national day of creativity for children and young people, the programme of free events in Tralee drew young people to a number of venues.

Tralee Library hosted a Storytime session called Rainbows, Wolves & Bumblebees and a Creative Writing Workshop called ‘Pull A Story From Your Head’.

A Horrible History Tour took place at the County Museum as did a Punch & Judy Puppet Show, while there was a dance performance outside the front entrance to Tralee Tourist Office featuring students from Ardfert National School who have been working with dance artist in residence Maria Svensson.

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Meanwhile a Create in the Park event with Kingdom Party Pals took place in the Town Park which included craft activities, a Kids Karaoke and a Mad Hatters Tea Party with face painting. Events also took place in towns around the county. Scroll down for photos by Don MacMonagle…

Martina, Mark and Anne Marie O’Sullivan and Craig O’Rourke from Killarney at the Madala Making Arts event at the South West Counselling Centre in Killarney during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle
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Roisin Meaney reading some stories to children at Tralee Library during Cruinniu na Nog storytelling event at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Parents and children enjoying the ‘Wild Things’ event at Killarney House during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Parents listening to kids perfoming their songs during the ‘Singathon’ in Tralee during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Lucy McCarthy, Lily McCarthy, Molly Reidy, Abbie Reidy, Nikki Roberts and Daisy McCarthy from Killarney at the Madala Making Arts event at the South West Counselling Centre in Killarney during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle
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Grace Costelloe and dad Denis from Firies enjoying the ‘Horrible History’ tour of Kerry County Museum with the ‘Deise’ medieval group during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Angela Nagle and Robin Kennedy from Killarney enjoying the ‘Wild Things’ event at Killarney House during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend.Photo: Don MacMonagle
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Children pictured perfoming their songs during the ‘Singathon’ in Tralee during Cruinniu na Nog at the weekend. Photo: Don MacMonagle
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Family Fun Around Tralee This Saturday For Cruinniú Na nÓg

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Pupils from Ardfert National School, rehearsing their dance movements with Kerry County Council Dance Artist Maria Svensson in Ardfert Cathedral ahead of Saturday’s main event in Tralee. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

AFTER the family excitement of Féile na mBláth last weekend, there’s another great event to look forward to on Saturday around the town.

Cruinniú na nÓg is taking place all over Ireland on Saturday June 23. As the national day of creativity for children and young people, the programme in Tralee looks set to enthuse young people of all ages and families throughout the day. Also, the events are free!

Organised by Creative Ireland Kerry, all events are free and the full county programme is available on  www.creative.ireland.ie/cruinniu but if you are planning on staying in Tralee here is the listing to help you plan your Cruinniú.

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The programme opens at Tralee Library at 11.ooam for 3-6 year olds with a Storytime session called Rainbows, Wolves & Bumblebees.

For those slightly older, Horrible History Tours commence at the County Museum at 11.00am, 12noon, 2.00pm and 3.00pm and the event we are told has been fashioned with additional medieval characters and goriness.

Pupils from Ardfert National School, rehearsing their dance movements with Kerry County Council Dance Artist Maria Svensson  ahead of Saturday’s main event. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan

A ‘Sing Together’ showcase with young choral singers takes place at the Winter Garden Room in the Brandon Hotel at 12noon.

Participants will showcase what they have learnt from a week of immersion in the art of contemporary singing and will lead the audience in a sing-along to open and close the show.

There is a Creative Writing Workshop called ‘Pull A Story From Your Head’ at 2.00pm at Tralee Library where participants will devise a plot, create a main character and write an opening and closing paragraph.

Pupils from Ardfert National School, rehearsing their dance movements with Kerry County Council Dance Artist Maria Svensson were Mia Fitzmaurice and Hazel O’Sullivan, in Ardfert Cathedral ahead of Saturday’s main event.Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan/FREE PIC***

Back at the County Museum a Punch & Judy Puppet Show commences at 2.00pm and 3.00pm. There is a dance performance taking place outside the front entrance to Tralee Tourist Office and will feature students from Ardfert National School who have been working with dance artist in residence Maria Svensson.

This will take place at 3.30pm and will relocate in the event of rain to the Siamsa Tire Theatre and Arts Centre in the Town Park.

Meanwhile a Create in the Park event with Kingdom Party Pals will take place in the Town Park opposite the Tourist Office entrance from 2.00-4.00pm and will include craft activities, a Kids Karaoke and a Mad Hatters Tea Party with face painting.

This event will also take place in Siamsa Tire if rain comes down on the day. Meanwhile in Brosna the Con Curtin Music Festival is hosting a Young Musician Polka and Slide Session at 2.30pm at the Three Counties Bar and a Fiddle Recital with leading Irish Musicians will perform for young and old at 5pm in Kate Pat’s Bar in Brosna.

All events are free and run from 11.00 to 5.00pm. Brochures and posters are being distributed across the county this week and the events are listed on www.creative.ireland.ie/cruinniu with updates provided on Facebook and Twitter through @KerryCoArts and via @creativeirl #mycruinniu

Co-ordinated by the Arts Office at Kerry County Council with support from Creative Ireland, the day is set as an annual celebration nationally from this year onwards. “It is a great opportunity for our young people to get creative and meet new people. Communities and organisations across the county are set to take part and it is also a chance to connect and celebrate our individual creativity”, stated Kate Kennelly, the Creative Ireland Kerry Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

Great Events In Tralee For Cruinniú na nÓg Next Month

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Cruinniú na nÓg is taking place all over Ireland on Saturday June 23 and as the national day of creativity for children and young people, the programme in Kerry looks set to enthuse new comers and creative enthusiasts alike.

The programme offers a fine selection of free events from 11.00 to 5.00pm in the towns of Tralee, Killarney and Listowel with events also taking place in Dingle, Sliabh Luachra, Milltown, Brosna, Cahirciveen, Killorglin, and Kenmare.

Brochures and posters are being distributed across the county this week and the events are listed on www.creative.ireland.ie/cruinniu with updates provided on Facebook and Twitter through @KerryCoArts and via @creativeirl #mycruinniu

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Co-ordinated by the Arts Office at Kerry County Council with support from Creative Ireland, the day is set as an annual celebration nationally from this year onwards.

“It is a great opportunity for our young people to get creative and meet new people. Communities and organisations across the county are set to take part and it is also a chance to connect and celebrate our individual creativity”, stated Kate Kennelly, the Creative Ireland Co-ordinator and Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.

In Tralee the day includes Storytime at Tralee Library and a creative writing workshop while a Horrible History Tour as well as a Punch and Judy Show will take place at Kerry County Museum.

Between Siamsa Tíre and Tralee Town Park there are youth choral performances, a Create in the Park event and a youth dance performance with Dancer in Residence Maria Svennson.

Meanwhile in Listowel a Fighting Words Creative Writing Workshop will take place at Seanchaí-Kerry Writers’ Museum alongside a giant balloon art sculpture. Balloon art workshops have been organised and a youth choral performance will take place at St. John’s Theatre.

Theatre, music and film workshops will take place throughout the day at St. John’s and meanwhile there is plenty for young musicians at the Con Curtin Music Festival in Brosna. In Milltown, Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí will host a family playshop while the Iveragh Youth Choral will perform in Killorglin.

Cahirciveen plays host to a number of events including a Storytime and Arts & Crafts at the Library, while Innabubble presents a multi-sensory interactive theatre show also at Cahirciveen Library. On the streets of the town puppet shows, face painting and drumming workshops will take place.

In Kenmare Theatre Games Ireland present ‘How to Eat a Child’ at the Carnegie Arts Centre and An Diseart in Dingle plays host to a youth choral performance inspired by Irish and Hungarian folk and classical music.

Killarney hosts a full programme of events starting off with a games, film and writing workshop at the Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms. Back in the town a Mandela workshop has been organised by Southwest Counselling and KDYS who are also hosting a Sing Together Youth Choral performance at their premises in Fair Hill.

An Adventure in Science activity based programme will take place at Killarney Library at 2.00pm.  There are video art film screenings at the Schoolhouse at Muckross Traditional Farms and Wild Things at Killarney House have organised a creation station for an afternoon of WildArts and Explorations from 2.00-5.00pm.

“There really is something for everyone and we encourage young people and families alike to get involved and take part in events which have been organised free to the public”, stated the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. John Sheahan.

“We are delighted to see Creative Ireland reaching out to communities through the Cruinniú na nÓg festival and delighted that our communities, our venues and our artists in Kerry will benefit from the national programme”.