Cork Filmmaker Seán Downey Highlights Failures in Foster Care

A Cork filmmaker is leveraging his personal experiences in the foster care system to draw attention to its shortcomings. Seán Downey, also known as Swan, who gained recognition for the viral hit “The Spark” with the Kabin Crew, is determined to raise awareness of what he describes as a “broken” system.

Downey, 26, spent nearly a decade in care, where he faced considerable challenges. He credits a pivotal figure, music producer Garry McCarthy, for helping him navigate his turbulent youth. “Only for one person who didn’t see me as troublesome, I think I’d be in prison or on the streets begging now,” Downey stated. His journey through foster care, from the ages of 10 to 18, was fraught with difficulties, but it was McCarthy’s encouragement that allowed him to discover his creative talents.

The Kabin Crew, comprised of children aged nine to twelve from Cork and those living in refugee accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, released “The Spark,” which has amassed an impressive 2.8 billion views. The track received accolades from prominent artists including Stormzy and Tove Lo, and earned nominations for two Grammy Awards. This success has further motivated Downey to address the systemic issues he faced.

Reflecting on his past, Downey described a tumultuous upbringing, stating, “You’re always going to be angry going into care.” His emotions were compounded by confusion and a lack of understanding during his formative years. Downey’s life took a significant turn at age 15 when he faced legal challenges after posting a video on YouTube that documented his experiences in care. The State argued that he breached the in-camera rule, which protects the identities of children in care. Downey pointed out the hypocrisy of being prosecuted while the nation celebrated 100 years since the Proclamation of Independence. Fortunately, he was not penalized.

After leaving foster care at 18, Downey faced a new set of obstacles. Transitioning to independence proved difficult, and he struggled with addiction. “I had no clue how to survive on my own,” he noted. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in Ireland, stated that their Aftercare teams aim to support young people during this transition, helping them to reach their potential as adults.

In 2021, Downey chose to pursue sobriety and focus on his music career. He reconnected with McCarthy, which proved to be a turning point. “If me and Garry weren’t put together when I was 12, I don’t know what my life would be now,” he said. He now runs his own production company, SwanIGuess Productions, which aims to empower communities to share their stories through video.

In addition to his work in production, Downey is developing a short film titled “Care,” which addresses the foster care system. He believes that significant reform is necessary, particularly regarding the Childcare Act 1991, which he considers outdated. “So many different elements of the system are broken, it needs a complete overhaul,” he emphasized.

According to statistics, as of the end of July 2025, there were 5,835 children in the care of the State, with 2,984 young people receiving aftercare services. Downey is advocating for a comprehensive review of the Childcare Act, asserting that the current law does not reflect contemporary societal needs.

He expressed concern over the privatization of parts of the care system, stating, “The idea that we are privatizing the foster care system, which means we are making a profit from kids in care, is completely wrong.” Downey also calls for a reevaluation of the in-camera rule, arguing that teenagers should have the right to share their own stories.

In response to Downey’s concerns, Tusla confirmed its engagement with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding revisions to the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining confidentiality in relationships with children and families.

Through his work and advocacy, Seán Downey is not only reshaping his own narrative but also striving to inspire change in the foster care system for future generations.