Welcome to SHSS Alumnae Link!

This is where we connect with past pupils and find out what they’re up to now.

This week we linked with Niamh Kirby who graduated in 2017.

Name and position:

Niamh Kirby – Health & Safety Advisor / Singer, performer.

Lives:

Ballinascarthy.

Best memory of Sacred Heart:

There are too many to choose from!

Cappanalea in fourth year, all the school show productions, eating ice-cream with my friends outside during sunny break times.

What were your favourite classes?

Biology with Ms. Mayock, Geography with Mr. Daly, English with Ms. O’Donoghue and of course, Music with Ms. Hayes.

Tell us about your career progression to date:

I was always singing and playing music from a young age. Throughout my school years, I was fortunate enough to perform on The Late Late Toy Show, The Ray D’Arcy Show and a TG4 programme called ‘Busker Abú’.

When I was completing my CAO in Leaving Cert, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to do more than progress with my music career. I knew the opportunities in our small island weren’t huge, so I took a leap of faith and applied to UCAS, where I received an unconditional offer to study BMus Popular Music Performance in Vocals at BIMM London. Those three years studying and living in London were without a doubt the most incredible years of my life which has shaped me into the woman I am today. While living in London, I played gigs most weekends in various bars and venues and sang for countless weddings. While studying, I also picked up a job as an administrator for a big construction company in London where I worked outside college hours. I loved this job and gained an interest in construction also. Especially when my dad has his own construction company, I was exposed to it at a young age.

After three wonderful years spent in London, it was time for me to come back home as Covid-19 had hit. All weddings were postponed, gigs were cancelled, the entertainment sector had taken a huge hit. I decided to follow my second interest, where I was employed as a Health & Safety Advisor for Cahalane Bros Ltd, which I really enjoy.

With restrictions now lifting, I am still able to do what I love. I’ve been fortunate to be back gigging and singing for weddings again. Most lately, I got to perform for Conor McGregor in his bar in Dublin twice in December and about to play in the iconic J.M Reidy’s in Killarney.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

If I couldn’t do music or health & safety, my next occupation would definitely be a midwife.

Advice you would give your teenage self:

Be who you are, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.

Favourite quote or motto?

What’s meant for you, won’t pass you by.

What is your hidden talent?

I can play Twinkle Twinkle on the violin.. it’s epic.

Huge thanks to Niamh for answering our questions!

See you soon for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae LInk!