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Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

 

Spotlight Stage School Announces Leadership Transition as Founders Margaret Hough and  Judy O’Connor Retire After 39 Years of Excellence 

After 39 years of inspiring and shaping the lives of young performers, Spotlight Stage School  founders Margaret Hough and Judy O’Connor are retiring, marking the end of an incredible era in  the arts community in Limerick. Under the guidance of Margaret and Judy, Spotlight has had a  profound impact in fostering creativity, confidence, and a passion for the performing arts in  generations of students. 

In the spirit of continuity, Margaret and Judy are excited to announce that Spotlight Stage School  will continue its legacy under the leadership of former pupil Sadhbh McCoy. This transition  marks the beginning of a new chapter for the school, with Sadhbh at the helm, carrying forward  the values and ethos that have defined Spotlight over the years. 

As Margaret and Judy embark on their well-deserved retirement, they express deep gratitude to the many parents, students, and staff members who have supported Spotlight throughout the  years. “It has been an absolute joy to watch generations of young people grow in confidence,  creativity, and talent. We are confident that under Sadhbh’s leadership, Spotlight will continue  to thrive.” 

 

sunor Sadhbh McCoy

Sadhbh McCoy’s journey with Spotlight began at the age of five, where she attended classes until she was a teenager and developed her love for the arts. With Spotlight, she performed with  Limerick Panto Society and in many other projects over the years, later returning as a Teaching  Assistant. She holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance from Trinity College London and  a Grade 8 certification in Classical Singing from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. During her  time at Mary Immaculate College, Sadhbh directed several productions with the drama society MIDAS, including The Wedding Singer, Grease, and CATS. Following graduation, she worked with  Lime Tree Theatre, coordinating the Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival and summer camps, while  also performing with local groups such as Limerick Musical Society, Cecilian Musical Society,  Shannon Musical Society, and College Players. Notable roles include Lola in Copacabana,  Marty in Grease (both with Cecilian Musical Society), and Poppy in Noises Off (College Players). 

In 2016, Sadhbh moved to London to work with Judy Craymer, the producer of MAMMA MIA! in  the West End. In this role, she worked in marketing and producing of the West End show and international tours, and on the film sequel MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again, a major career  milestone. While in London, she was a member of the renowned choir, London Contemporary  Voices. On returning to Limerick, Sadhbh took on the roles of Senior Marketing Executive and  Associate Producer at Lime Tree Theatre and Belltable. As Associate Producer, she has played a  key role in establishing the Lime Tree Theatre’s professional pantomime, now a local Christmas  tradition. Productions include Jack and the Beanstalk (2022), Aladdin and His Magic Lamp (2023), and Rapunzel (2024). Sadhbh also worked on the world premiere of Jilly Morgan’s  Birthday Party by Liam McCarthy at Belltable in 2024. 

“I am proud and excited to continue the incredible legacy left by Margaret and Judy at Spotlight,”  said Sadhbh McCoy. “Spotlight has always been a place where young people can build  confidence and discover their passion for the arts, just as it has done for me. I look forward to  leading this wonderful school into a new chapter and continuing its success for many years to  come.”