Fund in memory of Thomas Devlin helps young people reach their potential

4 Oct 2019

The Thomas Devlin Fund has awarded bursaries to four more young performing arts students from Northern Ireland. Established in 2008, the fund provides young people with an opportunity to pursue a career in the world of performing arts, by accessing training or equipment to further their professional development.  

At a celebration event held in the MAC, in Belfast on September 5th renowned playwright Marie Jones shared words of encouragement and presented the young people  receiving bursaries with their awards. 

Brianna McDevitt will use her bursary to pursue her  passion in professional animation; Adam Smyth is being supported to complete an arts and design degree at London University; Finn McAlister’s bursary will enable him to purchase moving image arts equipment allowing him to gain greater experience in this field and Mollie Brown is attending an arts course at the Ulster School of Art in Belfast 

Thomas, aged 15 years, was murdered in an unprovoked attack some 200 metres from his home on 10th August 2005 in North Belfast and in his memory his family set up this fund in his name. Managed by the Community Foundation, the Fund supports activities specifically targeted at young people ages 16 – 18 and focuses on progressing young people’s arts and music learning.

Andrew McCracken, Chief Executive of Community Foundation for Northern Ireland commented “The Thomas Devlin Fund is important to the Devlin family, the young people that have benefited over the years and to us at the Foundation. It is a very positive way to remember Thomas, highlighting generosity at its best and giving young people the opportunity to flourish.”