Our TYs were busy recently creating some modern takes on the classics!
The Future Cú Chulainn by Tommy Enright
Once upon a time in Limerick City, there lived a young man named Cian, known for his incredible athleticism and fierce determination. Much like Cú Chulainn of old, Cian was a champion in his own right, his excellence in hurling captivated the hearts of many. He played for his county, Limerick, and his skills on the field earned him the nickname "The Modern Warrior".
It was the day of the All-Ireland Final, the winner would take home the coveted trophy, but more importantly, the title of the best team in Ireland. Cian, fueled by a fierce sense of pride and the spirit of competition, accepted the challenge, knowing that this was his chance to prove himself.
As the day of the match approached, Cian felt an unusual energy coursing through him. He began to train relentlessly, pushing himself to the limits. On the night before the match, he experienced a vivid dream where he met the spirit of Cú Chulainn. The legendary hero imparted wisdom, teaching Cian the importance of courage, honour and the strength that comes from believing in oneself.
The day of the match arrived, and the stadium was packed with fans. As the game began, Cian displayed extraordinary skill, weaving through defenders and scoring goals with ease. However, the rival team was fierce, and they fought back with equal determination. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Cian remembered the words of Cú Chulainn. With newfound resolve, he rallied his teammates, inspiring them to push through the fatigue and fight for victory.
In a nail-biting finish, Cian scored the winning goal just seconds before the final whistle blew. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Cian's team lifted the trophy high, celebrating their hard-fought victory. In that moment, Cian felt a deep connection to the legendary hero, realizing that the spirit of Cú Chulainn lived on in the hearts of those who dared to dream and fight for what they believed in.
The Salmon of Nowadays by Senan Twomey
Finnegas Hill was a wealthy man, accustomed to getting whatever he wanted, but there was one thing that eluded him; knowledge. He had heard rumours of a restaurant called an Breadán Feasa, famous for serving a secret dish said to enhance the mind and unlock hidden wisdom. Determined to possess it, Finnegas offered Leo, the elderly owner, a fortune to buy the restaurant. After much persuasion, Leo reluctantly agreed, hoping that Finnegas would respect the tradition and secrecy of the restaurant’s ancient recipe.
Once the deal was done, Finnegas eagerly took control of an Breadán Feasa, with the intention of savouring the legendary dish for himself. But the restaurant’s loyal staff, including a young waiter named Fionn, were unsettled by the change. Fionn, who had grown up under Leo’s watchful eye, feared that Finnegas’ greed would ruin the sacred recipe. One evening, Fionn was tasked with preparing the dish, but in his nervousness, he accidentally spilled a rare herb that was essential to the recipe. Desperate to fix his mistake, Fionn could only watch as the dish lost its power.
When Finnegas was presented with the altered dish, he immediately noticed something was missing. Furious, he demanded an explanation, and Fionn confessed to his mistake. However, instead of lashing out, Finnegas paused, realizing that the true wisdom he sought was not in a dish or a recipe — it was in the journey of seeking knowledge itself. In that moment, he decided to close the restaurant, honouring its legacy and allowing others to discover their own paths to enlightenment, just as he had.
The Children of Lír: An AI Twist by Dylan O’ Callaghan
A long time ago in a futuristic version of Ireland humans lived alongside advanced artificial intelligence. Lír, a kind inventor and leader, had four amazing children; Fionnuala, Aodh, Conn and Fiachra. With the help of AI, these children were given special abilities like great intelligence and kindness. They were loved by everyone, especially their father, who saw them as the hope for a better future.
When Lírs wife Aodh passed away he married her sister Aoife. But Aoife was jealous of the children and wanted all of Lírs attention for herself. She used AI to trap the children by uploading their minds into a virtual world, known as the Darvaverse. In this world they were turned into swans and had to live in lonely, empty landscapes for 900 virtual years. Aoife thought they would never escape and that she would be free to take control of their father’s work.
But the children, who were intelligent and brave, worked together to figure out how to break the AI program. Over time, the real world changed outside their simulation. People began to use AI to live in peace with nature. Finally, when a special signal, a beautiful chime from a new AI powered temple reached the children, they were able to return to their real bodies. They came back wiser and stronger and they helped lead a new world where humans and AI worked together to make life better for everyone.
This version of The Children of Lír shows how love, teamwork and hope can help people overcome even the hardest challenges even in a future with powerful technology.
Salmon GPT by Sean Mulvihill
Long, long ago a man named Tadhg, a tall man with shiny blonde hair, was interested in making something more powerful than any other invention which could give him the answers to the world’s deepest and darkest questions. However, Tadhg’s brother Dermot, a short man with brown hair and eyes the colour of emerald, was a dreamer. Dermot was only interested in making the world a better place than anything else.
After many hard nights Tadhg had created something no one could even imagine, something called artificial intelligence. “I shall call AI….Salmon GPT”. After this creation Tadhg was on top of the world. “All the money I’m going to make, all the power is mine!”. All he needed to do was launch Salmon GPT online and his name would be known in the four corners of the world as the most dangerous and powerful man worldwide. However, Tadhg could not simply launch his invention without an audience. Tadhg left the computer to summon the media to share his invention news.
Dermot was invited to “celebrate” Tadhg’s creation; however he was left idle with the Salmon GPT while Tadhg summoned an audience to glorify his creation and stroke his ego. After a long wait and no sign of Tadhg, Dermot boredom grew. He started to examine Salmon GPT and began to use it. Without knowing, Dermot lunched the AI website Salmon GPT. “Oh no” exclaimed Dermot, “what have I done?”.
After Tadhg returned with the News crew, they spotted that Dermot had launched Salmon GPT. The News journalists surrounded Dermot applauding and glorifying the AI tool. Tadhg was enraged with this development yelled at Dermot saying “you had no right. This is my creation!”. Knowing Tadhg’s power driven ego, Dermot sarcastically reassured Tadhg that Salmon GPT would be used for good intentions, and good intentions only.
The Winter Witch by Gavin O Brien
Béara, the Winter Witch, returned when the world grew cold in more ways than one. Long ago, she was a goddess who brought the seasons, but people forgot her and stopped caring for the land. Now, are cities stretched across the Earth with smoke filled the skies. Angered by the greed and destruction, Béara brought an endless winter to remind humans of the power of nature. Snow fell harder every day, covering roads, freezing rivers and silencing the noise of the city. Beneath her icy crown, Béara waited in the mountains, watching to see if the people would change.
In the city, a young woman named Maeve noticed what others ignored. She saw how the frost crept over buildings and how the winter winds whispered like voices from old stories. Maeve, a schoolteacher, had grown up hearing her grandmother’s tales about Béara. She understood that the winter was more than weather it was a warning. Gathering her courage, Maeve travelled to the frozen hills to find the Winter Witch. When she stood before Béara, Maeve begged her to stop the endless cold. “We’ve made mistakes,” she said, “but not all of us have forgotten. Teach us how to fix what’s broken”.
Béara’s icy gaze softened as she listened. She saw hope in Maeve’s words and remembered a time when humans and nature lived as one. “I will give you one chance,” Béara said. “If the people prove they care for the earth, I will let spring return. But if they do not, my winter will stay forever.” With that, Béara sent Maeve back to the city. Slowly, the snow began to melt, and people started to plant trees, clean rivers, and honour the land again. High in the mountains, Béara watched, waiting to see if they would keep their promise.