Scoil Mhuire student's Halloween creation lands her a leading role at Púca Procession

Aishling Monaghan

What started with a proud mum sharing a photograph of her daughter's homemade Halloween costume with the Meath Chronicle led to an extraordinary invitation for a talented Trim teenager.

A fifth-year student from Scoil Mhuire, Trim, took centre stage at the Púca Procession on Friday after her spectacular homemade Halloween costume caught the attention of the festival's Creative Director.

Sophia Connolly Deane has been creating her own costumes since primary school, using everything from cardboard and vacuum cleaner hoses to discarded household materials to bring strange and mythical creatures to life.

But little did she know that her latest creation, inspired by the mythical Wendigo, would lead to an invitation to take a leading role in one of Meath's biggest Halloween celebrations.

It all began when Sophia's mum, Michelle, sent a photograph of her daughter's costume to the Meath Chronicle's Chalk Talk page as part of its Halloween coverage.

The photograph attracted a wonderful response, but among those who spotted Sophia's work was Claire Morrissey, Creative Director of Púca Festival, who contacted Chalk Talk with a rather special request.

“I was sent your photo of Sophia's wonderful creation and I want to ask her to lead the Púca procession,” Claire wrote.

“Sophia was delighted to take part in the Púca Festival Procession,” she said.

For a teenager who spends months sketching, designing and constructing her elaborate costumes, it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase her creativity to a much wider audience.

And Sophia? She was absolutely buzzing afterwards.

“Oh my gosh, the parade was absolutley incredible! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Trim hold that many people! I am so so grateful for being involced in such an important event. The people in the parade I got to chat to were just wonderful, and the crowd really kept up the vibe! Halloween means so much to me, and celebrating it in my hometown with people who love it, is just a dream come true! If I ever get the opportunity to take part again, my answer is 100 per cent yes!”

But there was another character in the procession with a rather interesting backstory.

Sophia’s mum, Michelle.

At 16, Sophia needed a chaperone, which meant Michelle had to come along. And apparently there was no getting away with simply wearing her ordinary clothes.

“I had to dress up with her in her lasts year’s costume as a chaperone as she is only 16,” Michelle explained.

Luckily, having a daughter who makes elaborate Halloween costumes meant there was something suitable in the wardrobe!