Kilrush hip-hop artists in action

THE Clare Youth Service-run Kilrush hip-hop group will compete in the Youth Work Ireland variety show Clare heats of The Youth Factor on Saturday. Kilfenora Youth Club is hosting this year’s event.
Participants from youth clubs and projects affiliated to the Clare Youth Service from all over Clare will take part in the event under the categories of dance, song, music and performance, with the winning acts from each event going through to represent the county at the national finals to be held later in the year.
The Kilrush group has represented Clare for three years-in a-row at the national event, coming in third place in 2009 and runners-up the past two years. The group is hoping to reach the finals again this year.
The young group comprises six girls, aged between 14 and 18, all hailing from the John Paul Estate, Kilrush and the wider West Clare community. The core members of the group have been dancing together for five years under the guidance of dance teacher, Laura Jane Allis of Breakthrough Dance Company, Ennis.
The HSE-funded Kilrush Youth Project was established by the Clare Youth Service and has been running on the John Paul Estate for over eight years, with the aid of full-time youth worker and project co-ordinator, Louise McMahon.
“We work with all teenagers between the ages of 12 to 19 from the John Paul Estate. We set up different activities and programmes designed to meet the needs of the young people, both on an individual and small group basis,” Louise explained.
“Examples of some of the programmes we run each year include dance, art, soccer and a summer programme. We also provide a chill-out space for groups of young people on an ongoing weekly basis. A drop-in facility is also available at specific times where young people can pop in to access specific information and have informal chats. The buzz around the estate among family and friends leading up to the event is great to see every year,” Louise added.