Busy summer for Athy Sing and Sign group
Athy Sing and Sign performing at Carlow Arts Festival
THE ATHY Sing and Sign group has enjoyed a busy and successful summer, with a packed programme of events, workshops and community activities bringing together members, families and supporters.
The group celebrated its annual Certificate of Achievement Evening, recognising the dedication, progress and achievements of members throughout the year.
Among the summer highlights were performances at the Carlow Arts Festival in Bagenalstown, the "Spin and Sign" cycling event organised in partnership with Kildare Sports Partnership for Bike Week, an Irish Sign Language (ISL) learning day at Gaelscoil Athí, and a social outing for Sign Pals to The Emporium.
A standout initiative was the Crannóg na nÓg project, which encouraged the young people to explore creativity in an inclusive environment.
The programme included a freestyle dance workshop led by Ali Clarke of Art House Athy, alongside a filmmaking workshop delivered by producer Sean Herlihy, filmmaker Darwin Zapata and the creative support and video and design facilitator Omar Garcia. The project gave participants the opportunity to express themselves creatively while developing teamwork and collaboration skills.
Another major success was the Deaf and Hearing ISL Summer Camp in Galway, where great weather added to a memorable weekend of activities.
The camp brought Deaf and hearing children together through Irish Sign Language, shared experiences and team building.
Participants enjoyed escape rooms, a performance of the play, ‘Saoirse’, presented in both Irish and ISL as part of the Galway International Arts Festival, and a range of workshops designed to promote inclusion and communication.
The group extended its thanks to Christy McElliott of the FAI for delivering a football training session, Galway Hibernians AFC for the use of its facilities, and Gillian O'Connor and Greg Faherty for their support, including arranging refreshments from Dough Bros.
During the weekend, participants also visited the Claddagh Museum, where they learned about the history and symbolism of the Claddagh Ring, before touring the University of Galway with student ambassador Rafta.
A team-building workshop led by Charlie Hughes was described as one of the highlights of the camp, successfully bringing together Deaf and hearing participants of all ages in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
The group thanked the Galway Deaf Club, particularly chairperson Catriona Crehan, and the wider Deaf community for their warm hospitality.
Following a well-earned summer break, Athy Sing and Sign will resume classes in early September, with the venue to be confirmed.
The group is also looking ahead to a number of upcoming events, including Play Day in Naas on 5 September, where members will host ISL games, the "Bee Signs: Buzzing for Diversity" Culture Night event on 18 September, and the ISLA Festival in Dreamland on 27 September.
The group thanked its members, families, volunteers, partners and supporters for their continued encouragement and assistance throughout the year and said it looks forward to welcoming everyone back in September.
