Autism Heroes variety show leaves audience screaming for more
Louise Moran (right), founder of Autism Heroes, and variety show organiser Tricia Miller at the Autism Heroes concert in the Seven Oaks Hotel in Carlow Photos: Michael O'Rourke Photography
ON the evening of 12 September, over 170 people arrived at the Seven Oaks Hotel in Carlow town to watch the variety night in aid of Autism Heroes.
“We had a full house, which was absolutely unbelievable,” said Tricia Millar, who organised the event.
The event saw a number of different local singers, dancers and bands perform. Some small local businesses also set up stalls at the event for people to browse.
“The acts were flawless,” Tricia said.
She highlighted Saoirse Moriarty (9), who sang a song from and “absolutely stole the crowd. People were on their feet giving her a standing ovation right in the middle of the show”.
Tricia also mentioned how a Frank Sinatra tribute singer “went full costume with the hat and was brilliant.” A number of bands performed, including “the man band”, who like to be referred to as such because of their age.
“They did a boy band medley and the women loved it. There was literal screaming in the audience when they walked out.”
So far, the event has raised close to €4,000 for Autism Heroes, which is a Carlow-based charity that supports autistic individuals and their caregivers. Tricia became involved with the charity two years ago as her son Harvey is on the autism spectrum.
“Autism Heroes has been a saving grace for our whole family. It’s vital, the support you get. I get to talk to other children the same age as my eldest. The siblings sacrifice an awful lot for having a child in the family with disabilities,” Tricia said.
What she really appreciates about Autism Heroes is that they put on events for the whole family, so her family can spend time together.
