Westport’s Sacred Heart School scoop All-Ireland drama honours

WESTPORT’S Sacred Heart School enhanced their reputation for excellence in drama by scooping multiple awards at the at the All-Ireland Light Entertainment and All-Ireland Schools Drama competitions.

The all-girls secondary school were represented by two groups who were honoured across several categories, including individual awards for Best Director and Best Performer.

The students performed the much-loved Broadway classic ‘A Chorus Line’ and an original piece called ‘Dance Me to the End of Love’, which featured students from First Year to Sixth Year. The next day, five Transition Year students returned to the Cork Opera House to take part in the All-Ireland Schools Drama Competition with their original piece, ‘What If’, which saw them win the All-Ireland Champion award.

Sacred Heart Secondary School teacher Séamus Mac Eachmharcaigh was awarded Best Director for ‘What If’, while student Maud McCabe received the highly prestigious Best Performer award. The performance, devised and performed entirely by the director and students, offered an exploration of a teenage girl and her thoughts. The group was supported by a technical team comprising Ella O’Malley and Emma Ryan on lighting, with Chloe Gill on music and sound.

‘Dance Me to the End of Love’ was awarded Third Place overall while a further Special Performance Award was presented to Emma Ryan for her vocal contribution.

These honours mark a major milestone for the school, who were honoured with First Best Overall and two individual awards for their performance of ‘The Merciless Hand’ at last year’s All-Ireland 15 Minute Light Entertainment for Second Level Schools Festival.

Sacred Heart School paid tribute to the ‘unwavering support’ of staff, mentors and parents and guardians who facilitated early morning and evening rehearsals in the lead-up to the competitions.

“Their commitment played a crucial role in helping students reach their full potential on the national stage.”