Evan Keville performing at launch of his CD ‘Can’t Hold Us’ in aid of St. Patrick’s Special School in the Riverside Park Hotel. Pic: John Walsh

A STUDENT from St. Patrick’s Special School is being described as an “inspiration” after releasing his very own C.D.

Evan Keville (17) from Enniscorthy was born with an extremely rare condition that affected his brain and sight, leaving him blind.

But Evan, well-known in the town for his happy-go-lucky nature, has never let this hold him back, and although he could never take part in hobbies like sport, he has always had a huge passion for music.

His mother Sinead says as soon as he gets home from school he heads staight to his bedroom to play his favourite tunes, with rappers Eminem and Macklemore his usual preference.

“He has a great ear for music,” she told The Echo. “He has very good rhythm and it’s just something that he absolutely loves.”

As a treat from his parents, Evan was recently taken to Enniscorthy’s very own Orchard Studio to record for an hour, choosing one of his most-liked songs – ‘Can’t Hold Us’ by Macklemore.

He took his finished product Mp3 track into school, but was not expecting the reaction he got: everyone was blown away.

“They couldn’t believe how good it was,” Sinead said. “The school decided they wanted to make a few hundred copies of the C.D and sell it, with proceeds going towards new musical equipment for students.”

To launch the single, a special evening was held in the Riverside Park Hotel, featuring musical guest Stephen Young, and a fantastic performance from Evan.

Launch of Evan Keville’s CD ‘Can’t Hold Us’ in aid of St. Patrick’s Special School held in the Riverside Park Hotel. l-r: Stephen Young (special gueast), Catriona Redmond (teacher), Evan Keville, Lee Rogers (principal) and Brendan Carty (Orchard Recording Studio). Pic: John Walsh

“He feels like he’s famous now!” laughed his proud mother. “He got such enjoyment performing and was super confident. We were delighted with the turn out – all his friends in school and family members, as well as old friends from his former school in St. Senan’s. There’s been wonderful support.”

2015 will mark Evan’s final year in St. Patrick’s Special School and he is hoping to go onto the County Wexford Community Workshop (C.W.C.W) in Bellefield, as well as pursue his passion for music.

But Principal Lee Rogers, said the entire school body don’t want to see him go:

“Evan’s the coolest dude in the school! He’s always rapping away and tapping away. It’s not always that you’ll see someone with special needs having that grasp with language, rhythm and memory like he does. It’s incredible.”

Mr. Rogers said over €1,000 has so far being raised by the C.D, and as thrilled as he is about that, seeing the “pure delight” on Evan’s face as he performed at the launch was what it was all about.

“He’s a special kid,” he said. “He’s been saying that now he’s thinking about his album! Some boys in his class are saying they want to form a boyband so he is inspiring others. He is wonderful.

“There’s a real feel-good atmosphere in the school now thanks to this, and I have to thank the community for coming out and supporting Evan and the cause like they have.”

Evan’s single, priced at just €5, is still available to buy at his school – but only limited copies remain. Call 053 92 33657 for more information.