Ella Terry Sweeney, a rising star from Glen, has received a nomination for Ireland’s Best Female Singer in the amateur Irish musicals scene.
This prestigious Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) nomination recognizes Ella’s performance as Princess Fiona in the Letterkenny Music and Drama Group’s production of Shrek the Musical last December.
Ella, 19, a former Loreto Milford student and the daughter of John Paul Sweeney and Sarah Terry-Sweeney, found playing Princess Fiona both challenging and enjoyable.
“Fiona’s such a versatile character. She’s very different from any other kind of princess role. She’s very goofy. She’s very outspoken, very headstrong,” Ella told Donegal Daily.
“It was a very funny role to play and it was crazy vocally. There was a lot of soft singing, high singing and a lot of belting harmonies as well, but I think I kept up with it.”
Clearly, she did, as she is one of only three performers nominated in the Best Female Singer category.
Ella credits the success of Shrek and the nomination to the entire cast and crew. This production was her first experience with LMDG.
“My Directors, Maire McGinley and Tina Drein Higgins, were such a help, and they directed me so well. Also, Denise Roper, the musical director for the show, was just unbelievable,” she said.
Ella Terry Sweeney on stage as Fiona in Shrek by Letterkenny Music and Drama Group
The nomination was a welcome surprise for Ella, who is looking forward to the AIMS awards night in Killarney on June 14th.
Her directors, however, were not surprised. Tina Drein Higgins told Donegal Daily: “We’re so excited that she was nominated, but we are not surprised because she’s amazing. She’s such a fantastic performer and such a lovely girl.
“We are all behind Ella. It’s a massive thing to be nominated because she’s been picked from hundreds of people from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,” said Tina.
Ella is using this year to refine her skills before applying to drama school in London.
She will be participating in the Ignite project by Emmet Stewart, a two-week intensive training program for young performers culminating in a performance.
“For young people around here and around the Northwest, it’s a huge opportunity that puts you in a professional mindset,” Ella said.
“This year’s show is Spring Awakening, and it’s happening in August, which will be exciting to take part in.”
Ella will then focus on preparing for drama school auditions in the new year, keeping her sights set on her goals.
“Not giving up will be the key thing to remember. I know that if I work hard at it, and don’t give up, I’ll have a better chance,” she said.
Tina added: “Ella’s future is so bright, I have no doubt she will be in the West End.”
Talented Glen performer Ella Terry Sweeney earns prestigious award nomination was last modified: May 30th, 2025 by
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