IN PICTURES: Popstar podcasts with Laois students at National Learning Network Portlaoise

Irish singer songwriting popstar Lea Heart visited a Laois training centre to record a podcast with students.  TAP NEXT or click on arrows to scroll through these lovely photos by Denis Byrne. Full story below. 

Lauren Adams with Lea Heart at NLN Portlaoise. 

The Kildare singer whose hits include IDK Why and Older, performed at Electric Picnic last year. She was back in Laois again on May 9 for a podcast interview in the National Learning Network (NLN) in Portlaoise.

Rhoda Walsh, Rehabilitation Instructor with NLN Portlaoise, had requested the visit through Lea's tour manager. Some of the students had already met Lea when they were invited as special guests to a backstage Meet and Greet at her recent sold-out show in The Academy Dublin.

"Everyone was so excited that Lea agreed to come. Many of them were fans already. Our student Martin Redmond is very interested in doing podcasts so we had installed a podcast station, to nurture his talents and help him overcome his shyness.

"She was Martin's first celebrity guest. He had good questions prepared around inclusiveness, barriers and discrimination, which our students face on a daily basis. She said they were the best questions she had ever been asked. She was so supportive, she spent time with Martin before the podcast so he was comfortable," Rhoda said.

Lea also kindly took the time to meet all the students at the centre and pose for photos with them.

"On behalf of NLN Portlaoise, we really appreciate Lea giving our students her time, making them feel comfortable, she is a great advocate," Rhoda said.

It has inspired musical students themselves at NLN Portlaoise where a music studio was also recently installed.

"From Covid, a lot of musicians were born and we nurture their talents. We saw what good musicians they are want to help them. We have a centre band now who plan to enter competitions,

NLN Portlaoise offers free, supportive training courses in an inclusive environment, to people who may have mental health issues, a brain injury, intellectual disability or autism. A particular focus is on supporting school leavers, with courses that help people prepare for careers. It is funded by the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board.

They are holding their annual Open Day next Tuesday, May 21.  

Martin's podcasts will shortly be available on social platforms via the Rehab Group.