This article is from page 37 of the 2007-05-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 37 JPG
ACTIONS speak as loud as words for Cooraclare School of Speech and Drama with five of its students win- ning awards for performing from the Irish Board of Speech and Drama. Three students won gold medals and two senior students were given special awards with distinction for their achievements after completing their final grade examinations. Grade Four student Jenny Ryan from Kilrush and Grade Three stu- dents, Saoirse Griffin from Cappagh and Breda Quinn from Cooraclare
were awarded gold medals by the board while the other distinctions were given to Kate O’Gorman from Cree and Edel Tubridy from Coora- OE NKeor
Founder of the school, Bernie Tu- bridy, said that the examiner had congratulated all of the girls on the high standard.
“They all put in a lot of work get- ting ready for the exams. Different exams consist of recitation of po- etry, reading, mime and dramatic solos. The younger students would have given an impromptu talk about themselves as well.”
Ms Tubridy added that all of the school’s students, over twenty be- tween the ages of six and 16 years, also took part in an annual show.
“All of the children performed on the stage in Cooraclare Community Centre for parents in March and there was a variety of short plays, solos and poetry that night. They all take a great interest in it- especially on the drama side of things. We put a big emphasis on that and communi- cation skills of course.”
Since 1994, the school has had many graduates from its weekly classes perform in local drama pro-
ductions.
‘“Cooraclare has a strong dramatic tradition with well-known producer Tom McNamara organising plays for the Doonbeg Drama Festival. One of our award winners, Edel, played Molly in this year’s Cooraclare Dra- ma Group play –