Tullamore singing star Tolü inspires Offaly student

Former Tullamore College student and singer-writer Tolü Makay, along with current student Jamie Larkin feature in a national campaign to highlight Ireland’s 16 Education & Training Boards which launchedthis week.

In the “ETB Heroes” video released by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), we meet the Tullamore singer whose interpretation of The Saw Doctors’ “N17” made her famous, and the current student and musician inspired by her.

Tolü says of Tullamore College, a Laois & Offaly ETB school: “It was the first place that I was welcomed and appreciated for who I am as a person and allowed to express myself.”

The video follows Tolü as she revisited the school and met with Jamie, a 5th year student and pianist from Clonygowan.

On meeting Tolü, Jamie said: “Sitting beside someone who’s actually achieved their dreams and ambitions is so inspiring.”

Tullamore College Principal Edward McEvoy said: “We are delighted that Tullamore College was chosen to feature in the national ETB Heroes video and are very proud of Tolü and Jamie.”

The video also features current and past ETB students including RTE newsreader Ray Kennedy (City of Dublin ETB), TG4 presenter and producer Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill (Galway & Roscommon ETB), Teacher Michael Farrell (Kilkenny & Carlow ETB) and Special Olympian Jack McFadden (Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB) and seeks to highlight the lifelong learning provided by Education & Training Boards though their nationwide network of schools and colleges.