Freya
Hi, I’m Freya and I am 17 years old. I have been dancing since I was four years old. I am an All-Ireland Ballroom Champion of 3 years and a European Ballroom Champion. When I dance I feel most like myself. It is a sense of freedom and becomes a language that allows me to express emotions and ideas into words. I feel powerful and grounded. My dream is to open up my own dance school one day.
I think the best thing about Cruinniú na nÓg is that it gives young people across Ireland the chance to experience creativity in an accessible and inclusive way. It’s something that shapes our culture and future. I would encourage people to dance and explore themselves through movement to help them build confidence and self awareness.
Fionn
Hi, I’m Fionn and I am 15 years old. I love to play music. I play the Uilleann pipes, flute and guitar. I love singing contemporary but also traditional song. I’m also a hurler and play for my local club Eire Óg and for the County under 16 hurling team.
I ‘ve always got so much fun and just pure enjoyment from when I play the pipes. But lately, as I’ve gotten older and since my dad passed away, I get this sense of connection to him and peace when I play. There are times when the music reminds me of how much I’d love to be playing music with him like we used to. Mostly, it brings me a sense of being close to him. My advice to other young people is to try an instrument and to see music and art as fun.
