West Cork students star at Coirm Gael Linn 2016
Feabhra 17, 2016
STUDENTS from the West Cork Gaelscoileanna of Bantry and Skibbereen starred at the annual Coirm Gael Linn festival held in Fermoy recently.
They were among almost 350 exuberant young performers from primary schools in Counties Cork and Tipperary who treaded the boards of the Palace Theatre in Fermoy Youth Centre during the day. Pupils from first to sixth classes staged variety shows that incorporated music, singing, dancing, story-telling and acting – all ‘as Gaeilge’ – with a theme of their own choice.
The auditorium was filled to capacity and the appreciative audience, comprising schoolchildren, parents and teachers, were treated to a great display of musical and dramatic talent. They were also entertained before and after each show by the popular entertainer, Giggles the clown!
While Coirm Gael Linn is not a competition, each show is seen by a guest reviewer and a written critique is given to the director. At the reviewer’s discretion, special merit awards or ‘gradaim’, are also presented for outstanding performances by individuals or ensembles during the shows. On this occasion, Liam Mac an Mhaoir complimented the teachers for the imaginative, lively, exuberant and atmospheric productions by all the participating schools.
He presented three awards to the stellar cast of Gaelscoil Dhochtúir Uí Shúilleabháin, Skibbereen for their wonderful presentation of ‘Aladdin’, and the attention to detail throughout. The pupils of Gaelscoil Bheanntraí, Bantry, also did well, bringing home two awards for their marvelous singing and dancing during their school show. Teachers Leanne Ní Shé and Mairéad Uí Chróinín respectively were delighted with their pupils’ success.
Coirm Gael Linn has proved a popular event on the school calendar over the years, and a total of nine festivals will be held at various venues nationwide over the coming weeks. Seán Ó Ceallaigh, National Schemes Manager, Gael Linn said, “Our hope is that, by having a positive and fun experience at the Coirm festivals, thousands of primary school pupils will be encouraged to use whatever knowledge they have of the language both inside and outside the classroom with confidence.”
