Gaelscoil scoops all-Ireland title at Irish-language drama festival
Jackson, Joe, Aoibhín and Jane, pupils from Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc, receive their All-Ireland Scoildrámaíochta category winner's award for their show Aladdin from Uachtarán an Oireachtais Éamon Ó Cuív
NOT ONLY a first for Carlow but a first for Leinster – and now they have the silverware to prove it!
Last week, pupils from Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc travelled to the Clasaċ in Dublin, the regional resource centre of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, to receive their award as national winners of the Irish-language school drama at Féile Scoildrámaíochta.
The school not only won the all-Ireland drama competition in Mullingar last month, claiming first place in its category, but also the prestigious overall prize of Scothlérití na Féile (best overall performance).
The students delivered a vibrant Irish-language reimagining of featuring Irish versions of beloved classics such as and , complete with choreographed dance routines.
Thirteen category awards and the overall award were presented at the prizegiving in the Clasaċ. The Gaelscoil was the only school asked to perform an extract from its show at the event, dazzling all with their energetic performance of and receiving a rousing response from the large gathering of representatives nationwide, from west Kerry to the Donegal Gaeltacht.
This is the first time a Carlow school has won the overall award and the first time in decades that a school from Leinster has taken the title.
The standard from schools around the country, often where Irish is their first language, is always exceptional, making the Gaelscoil’s win a testament not only to their talent but also their dedication, teamwork and ‘grá don teanga’.
The children’s passion and enthusiasm were inspired by the direction of Muinteoir Jill and Muinteoir Clár, whose commitment and drive motivated and encouraged the children every step of the way.
Guest of honour at the prizegiving was former TD and minister Éamon Ó Cuív, whose late grandmother, author Sinéad de Valera, wife of former president Éamon de Valera, is remembered through the Corn Sinéad de Valera, the cup awarded to the Gaelscoil as category winners.
“They were amazing and we’re all delighted … so proud of them,” enthused Muinteoir Clár.
“It’s a great achievement – the first time the Gaelscoil has won the overall and the first time in years that a Leinster school has won. After their performance last week there was great praise from everyone for their strong acting, singing, choreography and costumes … and the great energy they had,” added Clár.
