KILDARE: Naas students earn awards at national competition
A group of Naas speech and drama students enjoyed success at the recent SDTOI (Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland) feis – a national competition that receives thousands of entries from all over Ireland each year.
The hybrid format of the competition required competitors to submit a video recording for the initial heats in February, with all successful finalists subsequently invited to perform in the live finals in Dublin.
Some 21 students from Naas-based Carol Gleeson School of Speech and Drama, which holds classes in Naas GAA, were selected as finalists and went on to win 16 prizes on the day ranging from gold medals to highly commended places.
Notably, the Naas students took home gold medals in the solo drama competitions for ages 11, 12, 13/14 and 15/16. Robyn Feely was awarded the solo drama under 12 Performance cup and Kate Monahan won the highly coveted Montaine Cup for solo performance 15/16.
“The students had an amazing time at the feis,” said Carol Gleeson, “and the excitement throughout the venue was palpable. The standard was high as all finalists had already come through the heats to reach the live final in Dublin. The feis is a credit to the SDTOI committee and an opportunity for students to shine; it really helps to build their confidence and performance skills each year.”