Ballina students earn standing ovations for fantastic musical

St Mary's Secondary School in Ballina transformed into a pink paradise - complete with a special pink-hued floodlit entrance - for the sell-out run of its spectacular musical, All Dolled Up. 

Coinciding with Valentine's weekend, over 1,200 people attended the Transition Year-led production, and with standing ovations on both nights, the show was a runaway success.

This brand-new production was written, produced and choreographed in-house specifically for the 70-strong Transition Year class of 2025. The show was brought to life by the music department, with choral support by Second and Fifth Year students, as well as the school's traditional Irish music group.

As part of the event, a joint 'pink' fundraiser and cancer care awareness campaign also took place, supporting Mayo Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Ireland.

Prizes were also given out to best-dressed audience members as well as an extensive raffle on both nights thanks to the fantastic support of local businesses.

In his address, school principal Robert O'Reilly paid tribute to the whole-school support for the musical. 

“A production of this scale is the result of countless hours of hard work by students, staff, and volunteers. It is also a testament to the wonderful facilities we now enjoy in our new school building."

Speaking directly to the cast, he told them: “Your dedication, passion, and energy have transformed an idea into something magical. You have not only brought characters to life but also formed friendships, built confidence, and learned the power of teamwork. These are lessons that will stay with you long after the final curtain call. In the words of Walt Disney: 'All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them'.

“Each of you standing on this stage had the courage to dream, to step forward, and to create something extraordinary. Don't forget, just like Barbie, you can be anything. Your hard work, passion, and belief in yourselves have made this show a huge success.” 

Kate Buckley, who played President Barbara, made a special presentation to former principal, Sr Attracta Tighe, who produced many musicals during her time at the school and had a special cameo role in All Dolled Up.

Saoirse Allen, who held the role of Great Shape Kenneth, was also on hand to make a presentation to Minister Dara Calleary on his recent promotion.

Last year marked the golden anniversary of musicals in St Mary's since the first show Zurika back in 1974, in a tradition that has now seen thousands of students tread the boards. It remains a centre-piece of the school’s TY programme and this year is the third consecutive production in the state-of-the-art school campus, opened in 2022.