Meet our Team

Eileen Fitzgerald

Eileen Fitzgerald A.I.B.S.D., L.T.C.L. runs a very successful Speech & Drama School which was established in 1992. Eileen has been involved in and studied speech & drama from a young age. She teaches all aspects of communication skills and drama from 4-year olds to 85-year olds!

Eileen studied with Trinity College London attaining a Licentiate Teachers Diploma. She has an Associate Diploma with the Irish Board of Speech & Drama.

In 1995 she was appointed an examiner with the Irish Board of Speech & Drama and travels throughout the country examining students. Eileen also examines diploma students with the Board.

Currently President of the 75th Feile Luimnigh, the largest voluntary festival of its kind in the North Munster area, Eileen (together with her team) are presently organising 7000 competitors between Instrumental, Vocal, Speech & Drama and Roinn na Gaeilge.

Along with her colleague Ailbhe Donnelly Flanagan, Eileen has also been running the popular and friendly Cratloe Speechfest for the last eight years. She has adjudicated at feiseanna throughout the Island of Ireland.

Ciara Felle

Ciara Felle began her speech & drama training at a very young age.

In her final year in primary school she moved to the Eileen Fitzgerald School to complete her studies. After finishing her secondary & university years, Ciara spent a number of years living and teaching in Edinburgh. Her passion is travel and at last count Ciara has travelled to 60 countries.

In 2010 Ciara returned to Ennis to live and studied for her Speech & Drama diploma. She has been an integral part of the school since 2011 and loves teaching drama.

Testimonials

I attended Eileen's school for many years and I have found the experience I gained there has benefit me so much in college and work life. The skills I have learnt in public speaking make giving presentations an enjoyable experience and job interviews a much less daunting thought. Excellent school and an excellent teacher!

Had many a wonderful year at this school under the guidance of Eileen Fitzgerald. Eileen creates a warm and friendly environment where all students learn different acting traits in a fun and enjoyable way. She also continues to keep a very close relationship with all her students many years after you have completed your degree. Speech and Drama provides brilliant opportunities to improve in public speaking and acting where your social skills automatically develop also. It is an excellent hobby for any young child and The Eileen Fitzgerald School is a superb place to master this hobby.

I attended this school for over 10 years and had the most amazing time. Speech and drama has always been a very special part of me since attending. Eileen is the most fantastic teacher and a true friend to all of her students.

I just finished my 13th year with Eileen and would highly recommend. It has helped me so much with my confidence in such a friendly environment. I have made great friends though class and competitions. Eileen always has great time for all her students.

The Eileen Fitzgerald School of Speech and Drama gave me some of the most memorable years of my life. From Junior Infants all the way up to Leaving Cert, I was with Eileen competing in Feile Luimnigh and completing my grades with the Irish Board. Classes with Eileen and Ciara were always a positive and banterful experience, with an emphasis on a wide range of important skills that I've come to realise are so very prominant in our everyday lives.

I am most appreciative of all the work that Eileen and Ciara have put into me over the years. Many a time I was nervous to go up on stage, and now what I would do to relive some of the glory. I would highly recommend these classes as there is so much to gain.

Eileen Fitzgerald is a wonderful teacher and a great communicator with students of all ages. She is an empathetic leader who cares about her students and their experiences in her class. It is no wonder that Eileen remains friends with many of her past pupils.

I attended classes with Eileen for 10 years and I am so glad I did. It gave me confidence to be able to get up and speak in front of people and it was always great fun too :) Eileen is a fantastic teacher, who was very patient with me and very encouraging :) I really enjoyed my time in the class and recommend it to everyone

I became a student of the Eileen Fitzgerald School of Speech and Drama over fifteen years ago and I am all the better for it. Eileen is a wonderful teacher and mentor. She is completely devoted to her students and has been a great support to me in projects I’ve taken on after attending her school. The teaching I received from Eileen has made a great and lasting impact on my communication and performance skills. Eileen creates a learning environment that is friendly, fun and wherein all students feel encouraged to reach their full potential. I can’t recommend Eileen and her school of Speech and Drama highly enough.

I was a very shy and nervous nine year old going into my first Speech & Drama class with Eileen. I did not expect that very soon, Tuesday evenings would be my favourite time of the week. The hour we spent in Eileen's class each week helped me to grow my confidence, communication and storytelling skills all through games and creative learning. As a storytelling and presentation skills trainer now at Google. I am so grateful for all those years of learning what is now one of the most sought after skills by employers. And all in the most nurturing and encouraging way thanks to Eileen's techniques and teaching style.