TU Dublin Students Lead Post-Show Discussion After Powerful Performance of Ireland’s Call
.jpg)
TU Dublin students of Advertising & Marketing Communications and Marketing played a central role in a successful night at The Civic on 20 November, where John Connors’ acclaimed play Ireland’s Call returned for a special one-night performance. The event drew an engaged audience and concluded with a student-curated post-show discussion that encouraged meaningful reflection on the themes raised in the production.
The play, which follows the life of a young working-class man from Dublin’s Northside, captivated audiences with its exploration of addiction, violence, masculinity, and generational trauma. Delivered through a series of characters and pivotal life moments, Ireland’s Call offered a striking portrayal of the social realities facing many communities across Ireland.
After the performance, the students who are studying the programmes of Marketing and Advertising & Marketing Communications on the University’s Tallaght Campus hosted a lively Q&A session with local representatives and audience members. The audience and the panelists, Jonathan Smith (Co-founder of mental health group Blue Balls Ireland), Jigsaw's Barry Dempsey and Leah Whelan (feminist activist and teacher), were invited to share their reactions, comment on the play’s themes, and consider the wider issues of class-based oppression, institutional neglect, and the pressures placed on young men in marginalised communities.
“We first encountered Ireland’s Call at the beginning of the academic year,” said student representatives Caoimhe Moore and Jane Kerrigan. “Seeing the audience respond last night made all the preparation worthwhile.”
The students’ interest in the production deepened throughout the semester, especially after meeting John Connors.
“His passion for the project was evident from the start,” they said. “It left us motivated and eager to contribute something meaningful to the event.”
In preparation for the event, the student team managed all aspects of organising the post-show engagement, from researching the play’s themes to planning campus promotional activities. With a limited budget, they set up a reception-area stand and distributed flyers to students to raise awareness.
Coordinating schedules, delegating responsibilities, and balancing creative ideas with practical limitations were among the challenges they overcame.
“We learned so much about teamwork, communication, and professional standards,” Caoimhe and Jane reflected. “It was a journey that pushed us, but last night showed us how worthwhile it was.”
Niamh Honer, Engagement and Marketing Manager at The Civic, praised the students’ efforts:
“We sincerely thank Patricia Medcalf and Hilda Burton for facilitating this experiential learning experience for the student and appreciate their valuable input.”
Caoimhe and Jane also expressed their appreciation to John Connors, lecturers Patricia Medcalf and Hilda Burton, the Civic Theatre team, especially Niamh Honer, their peers, and the audience who contributed to the discussion.
Are you interested in a career in Marketing, Advertising or Marketing Communications?
Register now for our TU Dublin Open Day on Saturday, 06 December 2025, on our Grangegorman Campus and discover exciting opportunities available in the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship.