Mornington magicianlands Children's Peace Prize nomination Published: Tue 4 Nov 2025, 3:39 PM
Cillian O'Connor, the 15-year-old magician from Mornington, has once again captured international attention, this time not for his dazzling illusions but for his remarkable advocacy. He has been shortlisted among the top 30 nominees worldwide for the Children's International Peace Prize, one of the most respected honours for young changemakers. The award, presented annually by the KidsRights Foundation, celebrates children who make an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of other young people. Previous recipients have included Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai.
For Cillian, being recognised among such inspiring company is "a dream come true."
"It's amazing to be nominated," said Cillian. "I just want to keep showing people that difference isn't a weakness, it's a strength. If my story helps even one person believe in themselves, that means the world to me."
In addition to his peace prize nomination, Cillian holds the Guinness World Record for the most magic tricks performed in one minute by a person under 16, completing an astonishing 28 tricks in 60 seconds. This remarkable accomplishment earned him a place in the Guinness World Records 2024 book, where his achievement is featured in the "Young Achievers" section. He was also honoured with a Global Child Prodigy Award 2025 in London at the House of Commons.
Born and raised in Mornington, Cillian has turned the challenges of growing up with autism and dyspraxia into a powerful message of hope and inclusion. Discovering magic at an early age gave him a way to connect with others and build confidence, a journey that led him to worldwide fame after finishing third on Britain's Got Talent in 2023.
Since then, the Drogheda Grammar School student has travelled across the globe performing, speaking, and inspiring others to focus on their abilities rather than their limitations. He has delivered a TEDx talk, spoken at Stanford University's Child Talk conference, and worked closely with AsIAm, Ireland's national autism charity.
Cillian's Britain's Got Talent audition alone has been viewed more than 600 million times, spreading his message of resilience and acceptance to audiences all over the world.
Last year, the young magician also represented Ireland on America's Got Talent: Fantasy League, where he was hand-picked by Simon Cowell to join his team. Cowell described him as "an extraordinary young man with an incredible gift."
"Magic has been my lifeline," Cillian explained. "It helped me with my confidence and social skills. Now I get to use it to help other children realise that they are capable of amazing things too."
One of Cillian's key goals is to bring magic into schools as a form of therapy for neurodiverse children. He believes magic can be a powerful tool to help students with special needs build confidence, improve social skills, and feel a sense of accomplishment. "I'd love to see magic used in schools as a way to help kids overcome challenges and connect with others. It's not just about performing -- it's about teaching them they can do amazing things, too," he says.
Beyond his television success, Cillian regularly visits schools and runs workshops using magic as a therapeutic and educational tool for neurodiverse children. His efforts have made him a leading young voice for inclusion, both at home and internationally.
His mum Elaine O'Connor says she and her husband Richie couldn't be prouder of their talented son.
"To see how far he's come, from a boy who once struggled to make eye contact to standing on world stages, it's unbelievable," said Elaine. "This nomination recognises not just his talent but the heart and purpose behind what he does."
Winners of the 2025 Children's International Peace Prize will be announced later this month in The Hague, Netherlands. No matter the outcome, Mornington's young magician has already made his community and his country proud.
"This isn't about awards," said Cillian. "It's about helping people see the magic in themselves."
Published: Tue 4 Nov 2025, 3:39 PM