AN exciting new project is nurturing the talents of West Cork’s young musicians and giving them a valuable platform to collaborate and perform.

Called ‘Born to Perform,’ it’s the brainchild of Mary Walsh and her friend Julie O’Mahony, who describe it as being a little like a ‘musical Foróige.’

The Leap-based mothers recognised that there are lots of sporting outlets for young people in the area to get together and play, to hone their skills and show case them and to grow their confidence.

However, there are very few options, if any, for the musically inclined to do likewise.

‘When I was growing up and playing music, we had opportunities to go and perform in pubs but that same grassroots music community doesn’t seem to be as active any more,’ said music teacher Mary.

Along with Julie who is also a singer and musician, she wanted to create a space where young musicians and singers could gather, have the opportunity to get matched into a band, while also availing of proper sound equipment and crucially, have a chance to perform in front of a live audience.

‘I started by contacting national and second level schools in the area and invited any interested musicians or singers aged between 12-17 to come along to an informal gathering in the hall in Leap a few weeks ago,’ said Mary.

‘Just four came that first day, but gradually word spread and we now have a group of around 26 youngsters who have been meeting up weekly,’ she said.

The diverse group, who come from all over West Cork, is made up of drummers, guitar players, piano players, vocalists and more.

‘We had one pianist who come along initially just to watch, and who is now learning the electric guitar and playing Metallica as well as the harmonica!’ said Mary.

That’s just one example of the surprises that have been unfolding organically within the group.

‘The results have been extraordinary – and so unexpected,’ said Julie, a Skibbereen-based GP.

‘This idea of bringing these young people from playing singularly in their bedrooms to performing on stage together is fantastic. I grew up surrounded by music – my mother was a music teacher and I performed in the panto in Macroom since I was two so when you’ve enjoyed music as much as I have, like Mary, it’s great to give that gift to others.

‘The idea is to give children the same profile that someone who plays sport would have.

Every small town in Ireland has a strong GAA presence which is wonderful, but there is a group that isn’t involved and it’s great to give them a profile through Born to Perform.’

‘We are blown away by the level of talent that’s out there, and that’s something they weren’t getting an opportunity to show that often if at all, unless it was in a school musical so that’s what this is about,’ said Mary.

As well as seeing them develop musically, Mary and Julie say that it’s been brilliant to see the youngsters develop personally over the past few weeks: learning to work together, problem solving, committing to songs and seeing things through.

‘The musicians are driving the direction it’s going in. We just facilitate it and help when needed,’ added Mary.

The feedback from the musicians reflects this sense of ownership and pride. They say it’s a chance to step out of their comfort zone and use professional equipment, all while having fun and making new friends.

They are also thrilled to have the chance to perform in the iconic venue, Connolly’s of Leap this Sunday, November 30th.

‘They’ll play three hours of music – everything from The Undertones to Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, The Eagles, to Olivia Rodrigo. It’s going to be a really special occasion,’ said Mary.

Mary and Julie insist they’re getting as much out of the venture as the youngsters.

‘We are buzzing after our rehearsals –everything about this is so positive,’ said Julie. ‘It’s like this group have found their tribe – it sounds cheesy but it’s true,’ said Mary. With that in mind, the ambition is that the show in Connolly’s will just be the first of many.

‘We’d love to get other dates lined up and would welcome other venues to get in touch,’ she said.

Sponsors are also welcome to cover costs including insurance and sound engineers with Mary and Julie extending huge thanks to Ruth Field, of Field’s SuperValu, Skibbereen, Fairfield Nursing Home, Drimoleague and NF Electrical for already coming on board.

‘It’s amazing to see the next generation of musicians emerging before our eyes – they are no slouches, there’s incredible talent out there but they need to get a helping hand,’ said Mary.

‘To continue running Born to Perform as a musical youth club we’re looking for second-hand gear like PA systems, amps, monitors etc. If there are any recording studios or venues with working gear they don’t want we’d gladly take donations. Along with venues getting involved we’d also like to encourage anyone involved in the West Cork music industry to take an interest too. This is only getting started!’