Waterford Youth Arts

The creative writing groups, as run by Mary O’ Donoghue, will have a strong focus on the expansion of creativity, the exploration of what and why we imagine, how to put it all on a page - and most importantly, how to do it while having fun. From the very first step in a young writers journey to whatever path they wish to follow, Mary hopes to help young people harness the bubbling mass of ideas, imagination and creativity in their heads and funnel it into positive experiences and exemplary works of fiction, prose, poetry, script, and more. Mary is recognized for her poetry and performance poems and has appeared in online content for Poetry Day 2021. In 2022, Mary was commissioned by Waterford Youth Arts to write the short play The Fir Grove for younger performers and outdoor performances, directed by Sinéad Hourigan and performed by the 12 - 14 yrs at Wyse Park, Johns Lane, Waterford. Mary performed her poem at the launch of ‘Youth Arts Now’ Research report by John O’Brien at Smock Alley, Dublin on 31st January 2023. In theatre, she has appeared in productions with Waterford Youth Arts including Animal Farm by George Orwell directed by Rhiann Jeffreys, in 2021 Mary played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet directed by Jim Nolan for Waterford Youth Arts, Mary was nominated for a Waterford News & Star Green Room Award for her performance in the role.