I am absolutely delighted to inform you that this years Team Ireland have won numerous scholarships, trophies, medals and awards at the World Championships Of Performing Arts. The event was held in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Hollywood, Los Angeles. 5000 contestants from over 50 countries in all, competed in dance, drama, singing, modelling, instrumental and variety competitions. The 85 members on the Irish team hail from all around Ireland republic and range in age from 5-33 years.
Seana Kerslake, 18, who is a member of Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency was awarded the top Drama prize of a $10.000 scholarship to the prestigious New York Conservatory of Drama course which is 2 years long.
Darragh Kelliher from Tralee won overall Drama Performer award and performed a monologue written by the talented Martina Keogh in the final showcase.
Celtic Fusion, also a group made up of 11 of the Talented Kids students ranging in age from 10-23 years won 6 gold medals and 1 silver medal for their 5 part harmonious singing and excellent dancing. They also performed in the final showcase.
10 year old Sarah Molloy received 3 Overall Awards as well as 13 medals......most of them being gold for singing! Sarah also performed in the Final Showcase. The final showcase will be televised on FOX TV.
Fair City's Niamh Quirke (Rachel Brennan) received 2 Overall Awards for Best Actress in the Junior age category. She also won 5 medals: 3 gold and 1 silver. Niamh also received an Industry Award medal for excellence. Lorna Dempsey, 22, has been signed by Leaf Record Company who were extremely impressed with her exceptional versatility at the dance, drama and vocal competitions. She will be a part of a new girl band that will be for the international stage. She is ecstatic about the news and we wish her all the very best with it!
Roberta Fox has been asked to consider moving over to Hollywood by top agent Shele Sondheim for her to work on a cd.
Fair Citys Susie Power age 5 who is the youngest competitor who competed won 8 medals in all for vocal, drama and dance competitions.
Due to the very impressive high Irish standard in the Drama competitions, the New York Conservatory of Drama awarded all senior actors who were on Team Ireland a $500 scholarship for their 2010 Summer Course. Many of the seniors will partake in the course next year. There were many awards given.
Maureen is thrilled to bits over the Irish success. "For such a small population, we conquered the world with our Irish talent! I am so proud of everybodys achievements. We won so many awards and are still celebrating!"
The WCOPA 2009 Team Ireland will returned to Ireland on Tuesday night 21st July with their medals and awards. For more info on the award winners, please see www.wcopa.com We would be delighted if you could cover this story for us and feature it in your newspaper.
Maureen V.Ward was the National Director for the Irish team and won the award for Best National Director. The Irish team also won a Costume award for their Opening Ceremony Parade.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate in contacting me.
I hope to hear from you soon

Kindest regards,
Maureen M.Mus.Perf., B.Mus.Ed., H.dip.Hons., GRIAM

Maureen V.Ward Agent/Artistic Director
Talented Kids Performing Arts School & Agency
087-2480348 / 045-485464
www.talentedkidsireland.com