Why this path? What brought me here?

Every line of work I have ever been involved in has had the same underlying goal - to serve others. In my music as well as in film & tv, the aim is to entertain the audience. In sound & lighting, we enhance the entertainment experience, i.e. we work in the shadows and seek no fame as we give a spotlight to any and all acts. Simply put - if I myself am not the entertainer, I am the one who accommodates the entertainer. As long as the observers are happy with what they have seen and heard, I have done my duty.

Over the course of 2020, during which I found myself without any outlet for entertainment, I realised that I had to go and find a new route for my abilities. I was in need of something that would allow me to both utilise my skills and provide a unique service to others. This resulted in my decision to train as a Celebrant - not an obvious choice, but it made more and more sense as I continued with my course. I never had issues with public speaking or organising events, so why not expand to creating ceremonies from scratch? I have sung at weddings and funerals for years and, in doing so, I learned to consult with engaged couples as well as grieving families, so what was to stop me from being able to offer the entire service? I am as well versed in religious services as I am in spiritual/pagan ritual customs, so where else can I create a space that includes any and/or all of these, or none? The Irish language is not always readily available in these situations by means of readings or the entire ceremony, so who will step up to facilitate An Ghaeilge if not I?

Little by little, this new calling has allowed me to pool my resources and use the best of myself in a way that no other work has before. It is an honour to be included in the happy moments, be it a couple’s special day or naming newborn babies and welcoming them into the world. It is also a privilege to have a family approach to and ask you to create, refine and lead them in a life celebration for someone who has left this world ahead of them. There is a level of trust that comes with these moments, and it is not to be taken lightly.

I ask myself why I have chosen this path, and the answer is clear - I want to. I love where the roads have led me, and I believe that I am up to the tasks, whatever way they may present themselves. To paraphrase my Scout Promise:

I will serve my community,

I will help others,

I will do my duty,

I will do my best,

On my honour.