CBS New Ross welcomed two past pupils, Bobby Stafford and Dakota Venn Keane, back to the school on Thursday, October 22, for a special presentation to mark the awarding of the Carol Walsh Trust Fund Bursary at individual school level.
These awards were made possible by last year’s transfer of €8,600 from the Carol Walsh Memorial Trust to CBS New Ross, with the aim of supporting past pupils who wish to further their studies, training or professional development in the Arts. All other post-primary schools in the town were similarly funded, as was St. Michael’s Theatre.
Carol Walsh (1964–1992) was a much-loved member of the New Ross community who had a particular passion for music, dance and the performing arts. A talented dancer and performer, Carol was actively involved in New Ross Musical Society and voluntary youth work. At the time of her tragic death in November 1992, she was choreographer for the CBS/Our Lady of Lourdes school musical.
The recipients were joined by family members and representatives of the school for refreshments and a presentation celebrating their commitment to pursuing further education and development in the Arts.
Both recipients are currently pursuing their passion for music at South East Technological University (SETU).
Bobby Stafford, who completed his Leaving Certificate at CBS New Ross in 2024, is studying for a BA (Hons) in Music. An accomplished guitarist, Bobby has performed with New Ross, Enniscorthy and Portlaw Musical Societies, as well as contributing to a number of other productions and musical events. He’s also composed music for theatre and hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Commercial Composition at the Cork School of Music.
Dakota Venn Keane, a member of the CBS Leaving Certificate class of 2023, is studying Music and Technology at SETU, with a particular interest in music performance and recording. Dakota has already released an original single on major streaming platforms; reached the finals of the Irish radio competition, A Local Hero, and the semi-finals of Wexford’s Got Talent. Dakota hopes to develop a career in music, with ambitions to release further original material.
Following a formal application and selection process, Bobby and Dakota were awarded bursaries of €2,150 each to support their continued development in the Arts.
Speaking about the awards, principal Sarah Rice said: “It is a real pleasure for us to welcome Bobby and Dakota back to CBS New Ross and to recognise their commitment to the Arts. We are particularly proud that this bursary allows us to support our past pupils as they pursue their ambitions, while also remembering someone who gave so much of herself to the young people of New Ross.”
Also adding to the principal’s comments, the school’s board of management chairperson, Billy O’Shea, said: “Carol’s contribution to the arts in our community was very special, and we hope that her name will continue to be associated with encouraging young people to develop their talents.”
Ms Rice expressed appreciation to the Trust while also acknowledging Carol’s loved ones: Her husband, Joe, mother, Teresa, her late father, Tom and her siblings, Anne Marie and David.
“It is our sincere hope that, through this bursary, Carol will continue to be remembered with the warmth and affection she deserves,” said Ms Rice.