Eileen Nolan
EILEEN NOLAN - FOUNDER
1934 - 2034
Eileen Nolan founded the Montfort College of Performing Arts in 1962.
Eileen qualified at Trinity College London and also at Sion Hill, Ireland. She worked as a peripatetic teacher working with students in Cork and Waterford. The school became recognised as one of the leading drama schools in Ireland and in 1963 singing and dancing classes were introduced to the curriculum.
Eileen Nolan’s influence on the performing arts and the lives of her students was nothing short of transformative. She instilled in generations of students a love of prose, poetry, drama, singing and dance in a career spanning over 70 years.
Eileen was not just a teacher; she was a visionary and a mentor who understood the power of the performing arts to shape lives and foster connections. When she founded the Montfort College of Performing Arts, she envisioned a place where creativity could flourish and where young minds could come together to explore the magic of performance. She would also be planting the seeds of lifelong friendships among her students—friendships that would grow and thrive long after they left her nurturing embrace.
Eileen believed that the stage was a place for everyone, regardless of their background, and she worked tirelessly to create an inclusive environment where all voices could be heard. In her presence, students blossomed, discovering talents they never knew they possessed and gaining the confidence to share their stories with the world.
She brought the magic of the West End and Broadway to Cork. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s producing big budget, highly acclaimed shows such as ‘West Side Story’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘Camelot’, ‘Oklahoma’, ‘The Music Man’ and ‘Mame’ to name but a few.
Her Montforts were an integral part of the three biggest shows in Cork at that time ‘Summer Revels’, ‘the Swans’ and the Opera House Christmas panto.
She produced first class dramatic productions; including ‘Proof’, Steel Magnolias’, ‘Little Women’, ‘Doubt’ and ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’.
In 1992 she established the Montfort Christmas panto, and in her owns words ‘for children by children’. 32 years later it’s bigger than ever with over 1600 children getting their chance to shine on stage this Christmas many for the first time.
She forged a successful relationship with the Little Theatre Group from Jefferson City which saw both groups perform on both sides of the Atlantic on countless occasions.
She was twice nominated as Cork Person of the Year, was the grand marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and in 2022 received a civic award from the Lord Mayor for her immeasurable contribution to the performing arts.
She even chartered a plane to Blackpool England in 1967 to compete in a choral Festival.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Eileen’s legacy is the Montfort family she built. The friendships formed in her classes and productions were not merely byproducts of the performing arts; they were the lifeblood of the Montforts. Students from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences came together, united by their love of performance and the bonds forged in countless rehearsals, performances, and shared laughter. Many of these friendships have endured the test of time, evolving into lifelong connections and even marriages that continue to thrive today.
The Montforts became a second home for many—an oasis of creativity, laughter, and friendship. The echoes of their rehearsals and performances will always resonate in our hearts, a testament to the vibrant community she nurtured.
Beyond the spotlight Eileen was a pillar of support for us all. She listened to our dreams, guided us through challenges, and celebrated milestones. She was there for us during our triumphs and our struggles, always offering a kind word, sound advice whether in person or in a card or letter that so many of us have and will treasure.
We are her encore, and we honour her every time we take a bow.
May God hold her in the palm of His hand.
Eileen passed away on the 20th November 2024
EILEEN NOLAN - FOUNDER
1934 - 2034
Eileen Nolan founded the Montfort College of Performing Arts in 1962.
Eileen qualified at Trinity College London and also at Sion Hill, Ireland. She worked as a peripatetic teacher working with students in Cork and Waterford. The school became recognised as one of the leading drama schools in Ireland and in 1963 singing and dancing classes were introduced to the curriculum.
Eileen Nolan’s influence on the performing arts and the lives of her students was nothing short of transformative. She instilled in generations of students a love of prose, poetry, drama, singing and dance in a career spanning over 70 years.
Eileen was not just a teacher; she was a visionary and a mentor who understood the power of the performing arts to shape lives and foster connections. When she founded the Montfort College of Performing Arts, she envisioned a place where creativity could flourish and where young minds could come together to explore the magic of performance. She would also be planting the seeds of lifelong friendships among her students—friendships that would grow and thrive long after they left her nurturing embrace.
Eileen believed that the stage was a place for everyone, regardless of their background, and she worked tirelessly to create an inclusive environment where all voices could be heard. In her presence, students blossomed, discovering talents they never knew they possessed and gaining the confidence to share their stories with the world.
She brought the magic of the West End and Broadway to Cork. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s producing big budget, highly acclaimed shows such as ‘West Side Story’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘Camelot’, ‘Oklahoma’, ‘The Music Man’ and ‘Mame’ to name but a few.
Her Montforts were an integral part of the three biggest shows in Cork at that time ‘Summer Revels’, ‘the Swans’ and the Opera House Christmas panto.
She produced first class dramatic productions; including ‘Proof’, Steel Magnolias’, ‘Little Women’, ‘Doubt’ and ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’.
In 1992 she established the Montfort Christmas panto, and in her owns words ‘for children by children’. 32 years later it’s bigger than ever with over 1600 children getting their chance to shine on stage this Christmas many for the first time.
She forged a successful relationship with the Little Theatre Group from Jefferson City which saw both groups perform on both sides of the Atlantic on countless occasions.
She was twice nominated as Cork Person of the Year, was the grand marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and in 2022 received a civic award from the Lord Mayor for her immeasurable contribution to the performing arts.
She even chartered a plane to Blackpool England in 1967 to compete in a choral Festival.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Eileen’s legacy is the Montfort family she built. The friendships formed in her classes and productions were not merely byproducts of the performing arts; they were the lifeblood of the Montforts. Students from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences came together, united by their love of performance and the bonds forged in countless rehearsals, performances, and shared laughter. Many of these friendships have endured the test of time, evolving into lifelong connections and even marriages that continue to thrive today.
The Montforts became a second home for many—an oasis of creativity, laughter, and friendship. The echoes of their rehearsals and performances will always resonate in our hearts, a testament to the vibrant community she nurtured.
Beyond the spotlight Eileen was a pillar of support for us all. She listened to our dreams, guided us through challenges, and celebrated milestones. She was there for us during our triumphs and our struggles, always offering a kind word, sound advice whether in person or in a card or letter that so many of us have and will treasure.
We are her encore, and we honour her every time we take a bow.
May God hold her in the palm of His hand.
Eileen passed away on the 20th November 2024