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.