Dear Members,

As the final notes ring out and we prepare to trade rehearsal rooms for sun loungers (or, let’s be honest, comfy couches), it’s time to pause and reflect on what an extraordinary year we’ve shared.

This year, we didn’t just perform—we performed with passion through four incredible shows: from the vibrant energy of our Mini Musical Festival, the heartfelt magic of Curtains Up, the fierce competition and camaraderie of Musical Theatre Intervarsities, to the unforgettable spectacle that was our full-scale production of The Rocky Horror Show. Each performance was a testament to your dedication, talent and endless enthusiasm. The countless hours of rehearsals, set building, script learning, costume fitting, and last-minute improvising — your hard work truly lit up every stage.

But our society is more than just shows. This year, we also brought the community together with inspiring workshops that sharpened skills and ignited creativity, quiz nights that tested our theatre trivia (and sometimes our competitive streaks), and lively karaoke sessions down at O'Neil's, where the only thing louder than the singing were the cheers and laughter. Those nights reminded us that this society isn’t just about performances — it’s about connection, friendship, and celebrating every voice, onstage and off.

So, as we step into summer, take a moment to appreciate everything you’ve contributed — the sweat, the sparkle, the teamwork, and the sheer joy. Whether you’ve been belting out solos, perfecting choreography, organising behind the scenes, or just showing up with your whole heart, you have made this year unforgettable.

Now, as the curtains close on this season, we hope you take this well-earned break to rest, recharge, and bask in the glow of all that you’ve accomplished.

But before you vanish into festival fields, internships, J1s or sun-soaked holidays – we've got a few final notes to share.

AGM Recap

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, threw their hats in the ring, and voted to elect our fantastic new committee — your voices truly helped shape the next exciting chapter of our society! The AGM was packed with good vibes, plenty of laughs, a few cheeky awards and of course, plenty of dancing in The Roost afterwards (because what’s an AGM without a little boogie?)

Without further ado, we are delighted to introduce our 2025/2026 committee:

Chairperson – Katie-Mai Mooney

Hey, my name is Katie-Mai (she/her) and I am a final year music and English student. I am so excited to be back as chairperson this year and can't wait for yous to see what we have in store. This year, I am most excited about meeting with our new members and welcoming back the usual suspects;) I cannot wait to see you all in September?

Productions Chairperson – Caoimhe Moore

Hi, my name is Caoimhe Moore (she/her) and I am going into my 4th year of Science Education. After my time as Secretary last year, I am so excited to get to see a whole new side of productions with a fabulous committee by my side this year as Productions Chairperson! This society, and the people within it, mean the world to me so I can’t wait to give back by doing my bit on committee!

Inters Rep/Vice Chair/Vice Treasurer – Annie Bolger

Hi, my name is Annie Bolger (she/her). I am currently heading into my second year of studying Law and Criminology in Maynooth. I am super thrilled to be a member of the MUMS committee 25/26. MUMS was simply the highlight of my first year in Maynooth and has gifted me so many incredible opportunities. My aim this year is to uphold the warm and welcoming nature of this society and I hope to sprinkle a bit of the MUMS magic on to new members of the society in the coming year.?

Secretary – Laura-Rose Kerr

Hi everyone! I’m Laura-Rose (she/her), a third-year Law (LLB) student, and I’m incredibly honoured to be your Secretary for MUMS this year. This society truly means the world to me — it’s been my home away from home, a place where I’ve laughed (a lot), grown in confidence and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. MUMS has given me so much joy, support and unforgettable memories and I’m so excited to help give that same experience to others. I’ll be working hard behind the scenes to keep everything organised and flowing, and yes — I’ll be popping into your inbox each week with all the latest updates and exciting plans. I genuinely can’t wait to see what this year brings and I’m so thankful to be part of the magic once again. ??

Treasurer – Katie McEvoy

My name is Katie McEvoy (she/her), and I am this year's Treasurer. I am a 2nd Year Accounting and Finance student so I hope ye trust me with your money! I am really looking forward to making life-long friends on the 25/26 committee and working hard together to put on some amazing shows and to give all our members a year of craic agus ceol??

Events Officer – Alanna Pepper

Hiya everyone! My name is Alanna Pepper (she/her) and I am heading into my second year of Arts studying Music and Irish. I am delighted to be taking on the role of Events Officer for MUMS for the 2025/2026 year! A bit about me, I come from a small town in Cavan, I have been performing in shows since I was 4 years old and I have been with my current society for almost 4 years! I'm extremely chatty and loud so you will probably hear me before you see me! I'm so excited already for another wonderful year with MUMS. I have some events up my sleeve so stay tuned on our socials so you don't miss out on anything! Hope you all have a lovely summer and can't wait to see you all next year??

Tech & Construction Officer – Liam Folan

Hey everyone! My name is Liam Folan (he/him) and I am one of your Tech and Construction Officers this year in MUMS. I am a second year studying International Economics and MUMS played a huge role in my first year in Maynooth and I met some of the best and most welcoming people in my life through doing it, so I can't wait to get to work this year and help make it a year to remember for everybody!

Tech & Construction Officer – Caitlyn Carroll

Hiya all! My name is Caitlyn Carroll (she/her), and I am heading into my second year of my Bachelor’s in Music degree. I am absolutely thrilled to take on the roll of tech and construction officer for the 2025/2026 year! A wee bit about me - I come from a small village in Louth, I have been singing since I could talk and I have been performing on stage since I could remember! I’m never not talking, you’ll get used to hearing me before you see me! MUMS played a huge part in my first year in college and made it a truly special experience for me altogether. I am so excited for the year to come and hope to help make your year magical with MUMS ??

PRO Design – Lenny Nyoike

Hello! My name is Lenny Nyoike (he/him) — heading into my third year of LLB Law! I cannot wait to kick into full gear as your committee’s PR design officer. I’ve already got my creative juices flowing a bit with our Gay Icon of the Day series on Instagram for Pride, and its totally got me looking forward to what else I’m able to create as the year unfolds.There’s a lot of fun in what happens in MUMS and I’m just trying to give that to the people that can’t be in the room where it happens ?????

PRO Media – Scarlett McCormack

Hi, my name is Scarlett McCormack, she/her, and I am in my second year in Maynooth, studying Music and Irish. I'm beyond excited to be a part of the committee this year as it gives me more

reason to be around my gorgeous fellow MUMSians and build connections with societies and friends across the country??

OCM – Caoimhe Callan

Hi, my name is Caoimhe Callan (she/her). I am in second year arts studying English and music. Fun fact about me is I am left-handed and I'm so excited to be this year's OCM for MUMS, it's gonna be a great year and I cannot wait to get involved with everything planned for the next year?

Productions Liaison – Becky Casley

Hi guys! My name is Becky Casley and I am stepping into the role of Productions Liaison this year! I have just completed my undergraduate in Criminology and Psychological Studies and am awaiting graduation. I was fortunate enough to get a taste of my new role while on committee last year where I served as PRO Media. Designing vision boards and making props for The Rocky Horror Show allowed me to combine my love for makeup and art with musical theatre and I knew I had to do it again this year! I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to spend my 4th year with my MUMS family and I’m so excited to see the fresh faces who will maintain the MUMS spirit I’ve so deeply fallen in love with??

AIMS Nominations

We are beyond proud to shine a spotlight on our THREE (!!!) incredible AIMS Award nominees for their outstanding work in this year’s full-scale production of The Rocky Horror Show. These talented performers poured their hearts and souls into every rehearsal, every line and every note, bringing unforgettable energy and passion to the stage.

Seán MacMathúna nominated for Best Comedian Act:

Seán MacMathúna’s portrayal of Dr. Frank N. Furter was nothing short of electric — a perfect blend of charisma, wit and boldness that truly captured the spirit of this iconic role.

“His mesmerising presence dominated the show every time that he set a stilettoed foot on stage. He was daring, he was dynamic, and he was exceptionally funny.” - AIMS Adjudicator

Annie Bolger nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Annie Bolger gave us a mesmerising Magenta, full of mystery and edge, her presence dominating scenes and musical numbers.

“Ms. Bolger was also a superb mover, standing out in all of the dance routines. She had a powerhouse vocal which was at its best in ‘The Time Warp’ and the fabulous ‘Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me.’” - AIMS Adjudicator

Cian Murray nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Cian Murray’s Riff Raff kept us captivated by his eerie presence and flawless timing. A superb performance embodying the character – and those vocals!?!?

“Mr. Murray was perfectly unhinged as Frank-N-Furter's creepy minion, bringing a dark quirkiness to this role. His vocal work in ‘The Time Warp’ was excellent.” - AIMS Adjudicator

The full public adjudication can be found at: The Rocky Horror Show as presented by Maynooth University MS

AIMS WINNER!!

A massive congratulations to Cian Murray, who took home the AIMS Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his unforgettable performance as Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show! This recognition is so incredibly well-deserved. Cian poured everything into this role—bringing eerie brilliance, pitch-perfect vocals, and a captivating stage presence that left a lasting impression on everyone who saw the show. His dedication, talent, and commitment to the character were second to none. Congratulations, Cian — we couldn’t be prouder of you!

We hope everyone who traveled to Killarney for the awards weekend had a brilliant time celebrating talent, friendship and the magic that happens when theatre families come together.

To our nominees: you didn’t just perform — you transformed the stage, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Pride Month – All the Colours of Our Stage

June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate the beautiful spectrum of identities, experiences and expressions that make our world and our society so wonderfully vibrant. Here at MUMS, we want to shout loud and proud:

? Our society is — and always will be — a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can explore creativity, identity and self-expression without fear or judgment.

We know that the magic of theatre and music comes not just from the performances themselves, but from the diversity of voices and stories behind them. Whether you’re center stage shining bright, or working your magic quietly behind the scenes, your presence enriches us all.

Here, everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self — their quirks, their colours, their truth. We celebrate every voice, every story, every fierce and fabulous self that walks through our doors. This space is yours, a place where authenticity is not just accepted, but embraced and uplifted.

We stand united in recognising that true creativity thrives when people feel safe, seen, and supported. Pride Month reminds us of the ongoing journey toward equality, understanding and love — and we commit to continuing that journey together, every day of the year.

So, this month — and every month after — Be bold. Be kind. Be exactly who you are. And if the mood strikes, throw in a jazz hand or two. Because here, you belong. ??

Until We Meet Again…

As we close this chapter and step into the sunshine of summer, we want to say thank you — to every single one of you who has brought your talent, your passion and your spirit to our society this year. It’s your energy and dedication that make this community so special.

We can’t wait to see you back, ready to create, collaborate, and celebrate in the seasons ahead. Until then, stay safe, stay inspired, and keep shining in all your unique, brilliant ways.

The committee are working hard behind the scenes to plan and prepare for the upcoming year, and we are so excited to share it all with you in due course. Keep an eye on our socials for any updates and I’m sure you will all be hearing from me again soon!

Best Wishes,

Laura-Rose Kerr

Secretary

Maynooth University Musical Society ??