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Secondly, this was officially the first night for The Whale, Greystones’ shiny
There was also the not-insignificant fact that local Stepping Stones winners Taken were making their professional stage debut too, the all-girl group of Temple Carrig friends showing off their
Most importantly though, this was a night to say thank you to
Simon was here tonight, as was his brother, Adam, founder of
The night was always going to be special, 
and for quite a few reasons…
Firstly, there was the fact that this Charity Gala Screening was for Triple A Wicklow, a local autism organisation that has been doing some incredible work since its formation 10 years ago. Sweetly, €1,430 was raised on the night…
Secondly, this was officially the first night for The Whale, Greystones’ shiny 
new theatre, a chance for all the wonderful people working there – both front-of-house and behind the scenes – to put all those years of planning and months of preparation into full, glorious effect. Man, everything was just so perfect tonight…
There was also the not-insignificant fact that local Stepping Stones winners Taken were making their professional stage debut too, the all-girl group of Temple Carrig friends showing off their 
songwriting and vocal harmonising skills as they got the audience emotionally ready for an achingly moving film.
And just in case you’re wondering, that achingly moving film was the Oscar-nominated 2016 documentary Life, Animated, charting the headaches, heartaches and eventual happiness of the Suskind family, after 3-year-old Owen is, through autism, seemingly lost to them.
Most importantly though, this was a night to say thank you to 
one of the town’s quiet heroes, Alice O’Donnell, who has been a major part of Triple A Wicklow from the very start, taking the reigns from Simon Harris when that young Greystonian’s other passion, politics, kinda took off.
Simon was here tonight, as was his brother, Adam, founder of 
AsIAm, another fine autism organisation doing great work for those in need of an extra layer or two of tender, loving care. Both paid tribute to the guest of honour, merely reinforcing the strong love in the room for Alice, and for everyone involved in making extraordinary kids more welcomed and understood in the ordinary world…
Now, go give someone you love a big hug. What the hell, give ’em a tickle too while you’re at it.
1 comment
Well done to everyone on the night.
Nice set of photos Paul.