Magicalstarttocareer ofCillian‘TheGreat’(9)
MOVE over Dynamo – there’s a new kid on the block!
Nine-year-old Cillian ‘ The Great’ O’Connor from Mornington has his sights set firmly on entering the magic circle and is well on his way as the youngest member of the Irish Society of Magicians.
He is also a regular on RTE’s ‘Abracadabra’ show and his family and friends have been marveling at his tricks since he was six!
“He is just passionate about magic and he recently auditioned for The Late Late Toy Show as well to show off his tricks, but maybe next year,” says his proud dad Richard.
“For now though, he will next appear in episode eight of Abracadabra on RTE Jr, is practicing new magic tricks so he can audition for more.”
Cillian is in third class in Donacarney school, and being autistic, when he was first introduced to a magic trick at a young age, he became fascinated.
“Someone showed him a simple trick with his thumb and it just blew his mind!” says his dad with a laugh. “Straight away he wanted to learn more tricks, and it is brilliant for his motor skills - you should see him now shuffling cards, he’s like someone in Las Vegas. A total pro.”
Cillian is a natural on stage, and his little sister Casey (7) is now following in his footsteps, picking up his magic tricks and also appearing on the RTE show. “He has met lots of people including Marvin Berglas of The famous Marvins Magic sets, and Marvin has even sent Cillian some sets to try out,” adds mum Elaine.
“He is a member of the Donacarney Celtic football team, and his team is called The Dingos, this training is so important in allowing Cillian some down time for his over active brain, and helps him build up his social skills also by being part of a team.”Being the youngest member of the Irish Society of Magicians has its benefits too, as they were able to travel to the annual Blackpool Magicians’ Convention in February and also the one in Dublin in June.“Everyday is different for Cillian, and performing is such a big big part of his life now, we are so so proud of what he has achieved, and who knows why lies ahead for our Super Guy,” concludes Elaine.