Fifty years of drama schooling

Founder Eileen Nolan is still at the helm of the Montfort College of Performing Arts as it launches its new HQ, says Colette Sheridan

THE Montfort College of Performing Arts, a Cork institution, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founder, Eileen Nolan, who has taught drama, dance, and singing to generations of children and teenagers, has no plans to retire.

Raised in Turner’s Cross, but now living in Ballyvolane, Ms Nolan learned the violin as a child. She studied speech and drama at Trinity College in London, and gained a teaching diploma from Maria Assumpta College in Dublin. Ms Nolan employs 12 teachers, who instruct 600 students in 10 locations around Cork City and county.