THE STATE'S first school of magic is to open in Limerick this weekend, spearheaded by a Moyross magician who is hoping to turn children away from crime towards the art of magic.
Leon Andersen (28), from Glennagross Park, Moyross, will begin classes for children at the Irish Academy of Magic on Mary Street tomorrow. Initially he will run classes for 10 children over a four-week period.
"It's the only magic school in the whole of Ireland," he said. "It will be dedicated to teaching tricks but also building confidence and self-esteem. Not everyone is into football or rugby, and these classes are for anyone interested in becoming a magician or who just wants to learn a few tricks."
A magician of nine years, he added: "Being from Moyross I know how hard it is for people to get motivated, but I'm proof that you can turn your life around and do something positive.
"If I can get one kid to say: 'Look at what he's after doing and he's from Moyross, surely I can do it too', this will be worth it. I'm willing to help anyone and get them outside of the Moyross boundary. That's why I set up the magic school."
The father of three is well known for his tricks. Most recently he was handcuffed, chained and placed in a ventilated wheelie bin, which was pushed into the river Shannon.
Mr Andersen, who emerged unscathed, performed the act in aid of the Bluebell pre-school for autistic children in Limerick.
He has two autistic nephews and wanted to raise awareness of funding difficulties at the school.
The four-week beginners' course costs €100 and is strictly for those aged over 12. It will run each Sunday from 11am to 1pm. All props needed to perform tricks will be supplied on the day.
One-to-one tuition classes for adults are also available.
To find out more log on to www.theirishacademyofmagic.com, or call 085-737 7425.