Former Mayo student eyes Oscar after BAFTA success

A past-pupil of Davitt College, Castlebar, is focussed on winning an Oscar next month in the wake of his BAFTA success.

Narayan Van Maele studied at the Irish National Film School after completing his secondary school education in Castlebar and he graduated with a first class honours degree in cinematography in 2009.

The widely-acclaimed film 'An Irish Goodbye', which he shot, won best short film at this week's BAFTA awards at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

It has also been nominated for an Oscar Award at next month's grand ceremony in Los Angeles.

Narayan was born in Luxembourg in 1986 and moved with his family to live in Cashel, Foxford, at the age of 16

He enrolled at Davitt College and played the part of Nathan Detriot in the college's production of the musical, 'Guys and Dolls,' in 2003 which was produced by Tommy O'Malley, with musical direction by Phil Duffy.

Another member of that Davitt College cast, Alan McHale, who played Sky Masterson, is performing the role of the lead tenor, Timon, in the musical production of 'The Lion King,' which is currently touring cities across the UK.

A graduate of the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, he is a native of Ross, Castlebar, and his stage career has really taken off in Britain.

Everybody at Davitt College is thrilled with the success being enjoyed by both Narayan and Alan, two proud Mayo men.