The kindest thing you can do for anyone is to include them. Inclusion means that we are valued. We are part of a team, the IFA, a walking group, a drama group or a dance group. We belong.

If you love what your group does, then you are very lucky. It’s a lot of years since I traipsed around Cork to the adult education offerings looking for a drama and dance group for my son Diarmuid.

Being near the city meant there were lots of opportunities. Diarmuid was never sporty. Students with an intellectual disability usually go to a special school.

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They avail of designated transport on a bus or in taxis. It is a huge help for parents who are ferrying their other children to mainstream schools. But it takes the children away from school-based activities and they can become isolated from their siblings and parishes.

Think about exclusion for a minute. If you are not included, then you might quite well be excluded. This is not a nice place to be.

Exclusion fosters anxiety. Your palms are sweaty; you are nervous and the fight or flight mode may well kick in. A child will lash out or run away. But over time, they learn to stick around and become part of the group.

Discovering CADA

Way back then, I happened upon CADA Performing Arts. I met its founder Catherine Mahon Buckley and she became Diarmuid’s number one person.

Catherine is a teacher; an acclaimed actress – having starred in a long list of productions – and an adept communicator. She produces the pantomime at The Everyman every year.

The shows are magical, starting with the tiny tots right up to the older students. Even the little ones are building in confidence

She wants children and students to gain self esteem and confidence, and she believes firmly in the team spirit and the power of the theatre “to find out who we are and who we might become”.

Diarmuid attends CADA from 7.30pm to 9.30pm every Friday night and, if truth be told, those two hours are the highlight of the week. For him, there is one goal and that is to be an actor and to get on the stage.

Classes run all week in CADA and at the end of term, the shows are put on for parents and friends. Easter time is a particularly busy time at CADA for shows, and many of the students are taking their exams in music and drama, keeping the staff very busy indeed.

There is a lovely intimate theatre called the Cork Arts Theatre. It holds about 100 guests. This is where Unmasked 2026 was taking place for five nights. Diarmuid was confident and ready.

The night for Unmasked 2026 came. I had missed the fact that Diarmuid had a major role.

The shows are magical, starting with the tiny tots right up to the older students. Even the little ones are building in confidence. Other shows are held in The Everyman and the Firkin Crane, dance theatre.

A job well done

Under the directors Moyra O’Hare, Fionula Lenihan, Megan O’Mahony and Emma Cotter, we were treated to fun and frolics. Diarmuid’s piece was entitled Snow White and the Mighty Men.

My heart skipped a beat when he came across the stage playing the prince in the most flamboyant jacket you’ve ever seen. He did a great job of saving Snow White and was so very proud of himself. It’s so lovely to see him confident and happy.

All the other classes produced shows and plays that had appropriate messages for the groups involved. As the sun went down on Unmasked 2026, Catherine could be very satisfied on a job well done again. Diarmuid and I went off for a bite to eat to celebrate his achievement. The celebration is always hugely important for him. It makes us very proud.