In our series, Growing Up Irish we chat with Irish people of note on their upbringing in Ireland and how it shaped them into the person they are today.
Orla Casey is an actor who’s appeared in TV and film including Bodkin, Clean Sweep and Grace. Orla is also a member of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council, which steers the organisation. Growing up in Dublin’s Terenure, Orla knew from a young age that she wanted to be an actress and has spent her adulthood fulfilling her childhood dream. With her family, she embraces many Irish traditions, including celebrating the Gaelic festival Samhain, otherwise known as Halloween. Here, she shares her thoughts on Irish culture and the vast pool of acting talent Ireland has produced.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe that place to someone who has never been before?
So, I grew up in Terenure in County Dublin. Terenure is a big friendly community. Some of the local celebrities from Terenure include the members of the Coronas, and Michael McElhatton from Game of Thrones
What’s your earliest memory of growing up in Ireland?
When I was a child, my dream job was to be an actress because I always wanted to act, no matter what. I like the fact that acting can bring joy and excitement to other people. To see that I have this ability and know that I can achieve it. Even though I have Down syndrome, I can do anything I can set my mind to.
What is your favourite thing about being Irish?
My favourite thing about Ireland is the culture and the people. Halloween is my favourite season in Ireland because Halloween is a big part of our culture. The reason why I enjoy Halloween is because we can dress up and carve up pumpkins while listening to spooky Halloween music. Some people like to dress up and go out with their friends or stay in your house and watch a spooky Halloween movie. My favourite Halloween movie franchise is the Scream movies because of the jump scares, that always gets my adrenaline up!
Are there any particularly ‘Irish’ traditions in your family?
Our traditions that me and my family do, we always carve up pumpkins on Halloween morning in our pjs, while listening to a Halloween music playlist. Every year me and my family always watch the Late Late Toy Show in Christmas PJs. We get a takeaway, and I make my hot chocolate and have treats. On the 17th of March, we have to wear any shade of green and for that day I have to make a matcha since it is green!
Do you think Ireland is a good place to live?
It’s great place to live in Ireland. It is a beautiful country, and everyone can come and visit and see all the amazing views and history and visit iconic landmarks. Places such as Newgrange and the Hill of Tara or the Blarney Stone, the Guinness storehouse and the Rock of Cashel – there’s a lot to choose from.
What Irish people do you most admire in film and tv?
The people I admire the most in film and TV include Maria Doyle Kennedy from The Commitments. She is a very close friend of mine. I also admire James Martin from an Irish Goodbye, which won an Oscar. James Martin is the first person with Down syndrome to win an Oscar. I look up to him as a role model and hopefully I could manifest and eventually achieve something like that.
Help support children and adults with Down syndrome across Ireland with services such as speech and language therapy, early intervention and employment. Donate at downsyndrome.ie.
