Offaly boy lights up the Abbey Theatre

LauraLynn is celebrating the success of its third Abbey Theatre performance which saw six of LauraLynn’s little stars take to the prestigious stage.

Eoghan Dunne from Offaly was one of the LauraLynn children who took part in this special production. Eoghan and his family has been availing of LauraLynn’s care and support for the past 10 years.

The original script entitled ‘The Invitation’, written by Paul Timoney, follows the adventures of six children from LauraLynn through a magical story filled with bravery, action, excitement and thrills. A show-stopping performance by each actor wowed the crowds while the tale of cranky grannies, Mr Tumble and a special invitation ensured this performance was anything but ordinary!

For the third time in its history, the curtains in the Abbey Theatre raised to a full accessible production, with original soundtrack, set design and costumes. This unique performance was held in conjunction with the Abbey Theatre and the National Gallery of Ireland. Each star of the performance had a costume designed specifically for their wheelchair by the National Gallery of Ireland. Parents, siblings, family and friends were in attendance, who all joined in the celebrations of this magnificent performance. Each child was given the full celebrity treatment with hair, makeup and costumes provided to jazz up the day.

Michelle Hartnett, Senior Play Therapist at LauraLynn and the Abbey Theatre Event Co-ordinator, says: “This collaboration is a testament to the resilience and spirit of these remarkable children. Our aim is to foster an environment where creativity knows no bounds, and where each child's character is celebrated. Through the magic of theatre, we aim to create memories and moments of pure joy for these children and their families.”

Family time is precious and as the only children’s hospice in Ireland, LauraLynn provides essential support to families at the toughest of times in the hospice, in the hospital, in the community or in their home, whatever the child and family wish."

Teresa, Eoghan’s Mum commented: “We are so grateful to LauraLynn for giving Eoghan the opportunity to perform on the stage. Eoghan is a right little actor anyway, so this suited him so well”.

Since opening in September 2011, LauraLynn Ireland Children’s Hospice has provided specialised hospice care to more than 750 children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Unlike a hospital, a hospice provides holistic care to each child which enables them to make the most of every day. This care also extends to the family of each patient who are often dealing with difficult emotional, physical and financial pressure.