Transition Year students from St Mary’s CBS have launched the first episode of their new school podcast.
The students wrote, recorded, edited and directed their own podcast series during lockdown from January to May 2021.
With themed segments such as ‘Music Recommendations’, ‘Lessons in Lockdown’, ‘Why We Love Laois’, and ‘What We’re Grateful For’, the students address topics such as mental health and wellbeing, as well as the lived experience of adolescence in Laois.
The first episode features an interview with actor Shane Casey aka Billy Murphy from ‘The Young Offenders’.
Future episodes boast interviews with; award-winning DJ Ann-Marie Kelly from Midlands 103; virally successful musician ‘There’s Only One Conor McGregor’ Mick Konstantin; DBT therapist Nollaig McSweeney who specialises in working with teenagers; and Republic of Ireland footballer Della Doherty
The podcast is recorded, edited and directed by tech-wizard Cormac Allen, and co-hosted by inimitable duo Luke Walsh and Finn Brophy.
Featured contributors to the first episode are Noah Thompson, Ben Doyle, Callum Leonard and Aaron Dooley. Third year student Karl Mulligan composed and recorded the jingle.
Commenting on the announcement, teacher and producer Ms Evelyn Quinlan said: “I’m so proud of the lads, they have made a strong piece of work and I’m excited for audiences to have a listen and enjoy.
“Many thanks to teacher Mr Glavin for taking part in the Quick Fire Teacher Quiz and Transition Year Co-ordinator, Mr Paul Cahillane for supporting the production.”
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