Offaly’s Diana learns ‘good life lesson’ on Raised By The Village
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Offaly teenager Diana Sikora is set to appear on the RTÉ programme Raised By The Village this weekend.
Diana was forwarded for the experience by her mum Kat Sikora.
She felt that Dianawas becoming increasingly moody - as teenagers do.
"I wanted to improve our relationship," said Kat. "She is an amazing child and I am very proud of her, but she's very stubborn sometimes.
"I decided it would be a good life lesson for her, and a great experience."
The popular series follows urban families in need of parenting advice, and follows as their teenagers board with a more rural family and develop both new skills, character, and an appreciation for life.
During the filming of the episode, which took place in November 2024, the 14-year-old spent time on a farm in Keenagh in Longford with the Stewart family, where she learnt about all aspects of farm work, as well as working at a pumpkin patch and in kennels.
The Stewarts run a beef farm, and an open farm with popular seasonal farm events and a farm shop.
"She developed an absolutely beautiful relationship with the family that invited her over. They are in touch constantly, and Diana will pay them another visit over the summer," Kat said.
"After the show she became more mature and confident, and helps more around the house. We improved our relationship and she's more understanding towards her younger sisters, Paula (13) and Victoria (5)."
The Killina Presentation Secondary School student is involved with a number of sporting clubs in her local community, including the U16 Killeigh Schoolboys/girls soccer club and U16 MSL, U16 Tullamore Basketball Club and Leinster Basketball, Tullamore Swim Team, and U16 Tullamore LGFA. She's also in the council for Comhairle na nÓg. She won U16 Tullamore Swimming Community Games on Friday, March 7.
Raised By The Village is about typical teens with typical teenage problems whose parents just want them to experience a short, sharp dose of reality.
Diana appears in episode 2 alongside Josh, a 13-year-old obsessive gamer from City West in Dublin. Josh went to the Crowe family farm in the village of Dundrum in Tipperary.
The episode airs on RTÉ 1 on Sunday, March 30 at 6.30pm