A celebration of community and diversity
Unity Youth Hub hosts its first talent show
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The judges before the show - from left: Anastasiia Popova, Charles Stanley-Smith, Patricia Ahern and Brendan O’Connor.Image 2 of 5
Dancing trio Ran, Jana and Lujain.Image 3 of 5
Cultural act - Ryan Sibindi with host of the talent show, Lynn Chan.Image 4 of 5
Show organisers, judges and participants with their awards.Image 5 of 5
The dance group of Isabella Ajayi, Sekinot Bamgbose, Damilola Moses, Karimah Oloso, and Adediwura Bamgbose.The Unity Youth Hub of Silver Arch Family Resource Centre held its first-ever talent show last month, bringing together young performers, families, and the wider community for an afternoon filled with creativity, courage, and celebration.
The event was hosted by Lynn Chan, who warmly welcomed the audience and set the tone for a lively and supportive showcase. A distinguished panel of judges lent their expertise to the competition: Mr Charles Stanley-Smith and Mrs Patricia Ahern, both long-time Red Cross volunteers; Ms Anastasiia Popova of the Nenagh Choral Society, recently seen in ‘Made in Dagenham’, and Mr Brendan Carroll, a well-known singer, musician, and actor from Borrisokane.
Children took to the stage with poems, music, and dance performances—many of them appearing in front of an audience for the very first time. Goody bags, generously donated by community members, added an extra touch of encouragement for the young participants.
The show was made possible thanks to the sponsorship of Dr Pan Chien Ying of Singapore, who donated five prizes for the competition.
In addition to the judges’ awards, the audience played an active role by voting for two special categories: Best Dressed and Most Popular.
The results of the evening were as follows:
Best Dressed and €30 Gift Card: Stella Afolabi
Most Popular and €30 Gift Card: The dance group of five — Isabella Ajayi, Sekinot Bamgbose, Damilola Moses, Karimah Oloso, and Adediwura Bamgbose.
The top three prizes awarded by the judges went to:
third place (€60 Gift Card): Stella Afolabi (Poem)
second place (€80 Gift Card): Arina Serova (Piano Playing)
first place (€100 Gift Card): The dancing group of five — Isabella Ajayi, Sekinot Bamgbose, Damilola Moses, Karimah Oloso, and Adediwura Bamgbose.
Guest performer Mariia Kovalova also delighted the crowd with a special performance while the judges deliberated.
Certificates and goody bags were presented to all participants, with judges praising the courage, creativity, and talent of each child. “Every performer is a star tonight,” said Charles Stanley-Smith on behalf of the panel, reflecting the spirit of the event.
The evening concluded with an encore performance from the winning act and a heartfelt round of thanks to the judges, sponsors, organisers, and audience members, who made the event a success.
Special recognition was given to Borrisokane Players, who provided for free the venue of Clark Memorial Hall.
The Unity Youth Hub Talent Show was more than a competition—it was a celebration of community, diversity, and the bright potential of young people.
The show must go on!