RED SANDSTONE VARIED PRODUCTIONS

The question was asked of
South-East Cork’s Children; ‘Have you got talent?’

Cork’s young people were invited to participate in the inaugural ‘McCarthy’s Talent Competition’ on 8 May 2009. The auditions and registration began Sunday 26th April at 1pm, in Blackrock Castle. There were no entry fees and all talents were considered valid. The final was held on Friday 8 May, 7.30pm to 10pm in Blackrock Hurling Club. Two categories, one for primary school children and one for secondary school students, were awarded a perpetual trophy and prize money of €150.

This non-profit community event was open to all children in south east Cork City (Turners Cross, Ballinlough, Ballintemple, Blackrock, Mahon, Douglas & Tramore). A panel of well known Cork professionals in the Arts presided over the auditions; Elaine Canning, Soprano; Gerry Kelly, Cork School of Music; Claire Mansfield, Seraphim Group; Jon Whitty, Cork Director & Actor; Aaron Wolfe, Playwright.

The project was organised and funded by Kieran McCarthy in association with RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions). Kieran is running as an Independent local councillor candidate in the local elections in south east Cork City. He noted: “The talent competition is a community initiative. It encourages all young people to develop their talents and creative skills and to embrace their community positively”. Kieran is a Cork historian, a youth leader, an author and a columnist with the Cork Independent. He runs the Discover Cork: Schools’ History Project in 90 schools in Cork.  

*Kieran is running in local city elections as an independent city council candidate          http://www.kieranmccarthy.ie/

Sponsor/Organiser Kieran McCarthy.

Final Judges Elaine Canning, Claire Mansfield, Jon Whitty.

Sound Engineer Chris Geasley.

Stage Manager Hannah Rose Farrington.

Stewards Sarah Hegarty, Aoife Lucey.

Production Assistant Francesca Farrington.

Producer/Compere Yvonne Coughlan.

Production Company: RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions)

Our thanks to-

 Special guest Christopher Prout and Lassie. (& Con Prout)

The Staff and management of Blackrock Castle.

The Staff and management of Blackrock Hurling Club.

Photographer John Allen.

‘Moonshine’ Children’s entertainer Victor Forja.

All the competitors, their parents, family and friends, and schools.

See Link
http://kieranmccarthy.ie/wordpress/?p=261