Aideen O’ Grady
Managing Director
Hi ALL and welcome to the wonderful world of STARCAMP!
I started out in Stage School at the tender age of about 3 where I sang like Mariah, danced like J-Lo and acted like Julia Robert (or so I thought!!!). I have performed in and worked on many shows and pantos in Cork Opera House, The Everyman Palace, The Gaiety Theatre and The Olympia amongst others. I completed exams in Speech and Drama with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, singing and piano with the Royal Irish Academy of Music and won many prizes in Feis Maitiu and various other competitions for all performing arts subjects. Being involved in performance from a young age gave me the confidence to achieve whatever my heart desired and I benefited greatly from being involved in all 3 aspects – singing, dance and drama. After school I began a career in the media – I worked in various aspects of publishing, TV and radio. I have travelled the world, lived and worked with celebs in LA, run music festivals and done so much more to date – all of which have lead me to where I am today. I am now delighted to be a part time panellist on TV3’s Midday and I also occasionally contribute to radio. I was absolutely thrilled to successfully secure backing on Dragons’ Den. About 15 years ago I had the idea for a children’s performing network built around making children believe in themselves and reach their full life potential through performance. I finally began work on it in 2007, and today I am finally doing exactly what I should be with an amazing team around me – running the dream company that is STARCAMP and bringing confidence and self-belief through performance, special techniques and laughter to children nationwide.
Aideen
Louise Greaves
A.U.T.D
Hi All
I am a dancer since the age of two when my mother decided she had had enough of my daily performances and sent me off to my fist tap class which I adored. At age three I was a munchkin in the Wizard of OZ in Cork Opera house and I never looked back.
My teenage years were spent competing nationally and internationally and the highlight being representing Ireland in Germany for the European Dance Championships at the age of 16. Since hanging up my competition shoes I have been teaching children Modern, lyrical and commercial dance. I have worked with many of fantastic schools here in Cork and I also teach adult hip hop classes.
I’m an associate & member of the United Teachers of Dance an internationally recognised examination board. I enjoy working with Starcamp and absolutely adore being part of such an amazing team where building childrens confidence and self esteem is at our core.
Louise
Niamh Howard
Hello
A born and bred Cork girl, I was involved in a local amateur drama group as a child ( a long time ago!!).
I starred in several shows, including Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan (people still call me Tinkerbell!).
School and study then took over in my mid teenage years. Instead of acting and singing I did some public speaking for my school.
It genuinely is a pleasure to come to work each day to be part of such a caring and hardworking team at Starcamp. The best part is where we see the children having so much fun and their confidence growth is fantastic!
Niamh
Gretta O’Grady
Camp Manager
Hi All Starcamp Fans,
My name is Gretta, Mom to Aideen who is now my boss, (role reversal). I clearly recall Aideen’s first words ‘NO WAY’ at the tender age of 1…. I always knew she was marking my cards! I was reared in a country home where music was its soul and I always adored to sing and dance, as did my mother before me. Sing-songs were the norm and to this day I am an advocate of bringing back the dance hall (don’t laugh!). While performance is in my core – business and catering is where I have grafted, previous ventures include owning and running a busy city centre restaurant and a successful hotel on the outskirts of Kinsale. Since the inception of Starcamp, I have been wholeheartedly involved, giving Aideen and the team a helping hand wherever possible. It’s wonderful to be part of a team where positivity oozes and the atmosphere in the office is electric . It’s heartwarming to think that so many children’s lives will benefit so much, from the happy, caring and encouraging environment that is Starcamp, and know that we enrich the lives of our children and grandchildren with some real important values for life.
Gretta…
Paul Aherne
Director & Financial Controller
Hello All
Unlike the rest of the Starcamp Team I can’t Sing, Dance or Act! However I am a qualified accountant so maybe that explains why I can’t…My previous role for the last ten years has been as financial controller for a munster based property developer, so as you can imagine I am enjoying my time with Starcamp so that I can escape the world of bursting property bubbles!
Starcamp is now Irelands Leading and Largest Fun & Games Performing Arts Summer Camps and we strive every year to keep the programme fresh and maintain the highest possible standards.
We take pride in implementing systems and controls which ensure all information and communications are dealt with in a professional and confidential manner.
We are honoured that a growing number of parents and children re-book a camp with us every year and we have become their preferred choice in Summer Camps
Paul
