Ciarán Sears.A MAN from Tralee who progressed through Bronze, Silver and Gold Gaisce Awards and now helps others begin their own Gaisce journey is at the centre of a new short film premiering in Tralee this month.
‘Ciarán – A Pal’s Voice’ will be screened at Inspired Day Service, Brandon Court, Basin Road, Tralee, at 12 noon on Thursday, September 24.
The film follows Ciarán Sears, whose involvement with Gaisce – The President’s Award has become an important part of his life.
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“Growing up in Kerry, I was sometimes faced with very real physical and personal challenges, but my participation in Gaisce at Bronze, Silver and Gold level helped me realise that anything is possible if we are determined about it,” said Ciarán..
Having completed his own awards, Ciarán is now a Gaisce President’s Award Leader (PAL), supporting other young people as they begin their Gaisce journey.
The short film explores the impact Gaisce can have on confidence, independence and participation through the experiences of young people in Kerry. It also follows new participants taking their first steps in the programme with Ciarán’s support.
The project was developed by Kerry Education and Training Board’s (Kerry ETB) Local Creative Youth Partnership in partnership with Inspired Day Service, giving participants an opportunity to tell their own stories through film.
Kerry filmmaker Seán Rea facilitated the project and worked with Ciarán over 12 weeks to develop the film.
“Over the past 12 weeks, I have had the privilege of supporting Ciarán as he explored the people and experiences that have shaped his time with Gaisce. What stood out to me was his curiosity, determination and genuine interest in the stories of others.”
Deirdre Enright, Creative Youth Coordinator with Kerry ETB, said the film puts Ciarán’s voice and creativity at the centre of the story.
“I would encourage everyone to watch ‘Ciarán – A Pal’s Voice’. Ciarán’s story is about what can happen when a young person is given the opportunity to build confidence, develop their abilities and then use that experience to support others. The film is his story, but its message about believing in what you can achieve will resonate with many people.”
Liz Maher, CEO of Inspired Day Service, said the organisation was proud of what Ciarán had achieved.
“We are incredibly proud of Ciarán and what he has achieved through this project. What makes the film so special is that it is very much Ciarán’s story, told through his own curiosity, experiences and perspective.
Gaisce has played an important part in his own journey, building confidence, independence and a real belief in what he can achieve. To now see Ciarán using that experience as a PAL to encourage and support other young people is wonderful.
This project reflects what we believe strongly in at Inspired: when people are given the right opportunities and support, their abilities come to the fore and they can inspire others in ways we might never have imagined.”
‘Ciarán – A Pal’s Voice’ will be submitted to the Fresh Film Festival in January 2027 and will be available on YouTube @kerrylcyp platform in late March 2027. For more information, see @kerrylcyp on Facebook, and Instagram.
