Limerick school hits high notes perfectly in choral competition
A LIMERICK secondary school has bagged three awards at the latest Cork International Choral Competition.
A total of 85 members ranging from 1st to 6th year of Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ choir triumphed at the competition with a “passionate and ferocious” sound.
Lorna Ní Bhroin conducted the choir members, who sang The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre and Ceann Dubh Dílis by Michael McGlynn.
They won first prize in the Equal voice Post-Primary School Choirs. They also won the John Cunningham Trophy- an award given to the choir with the highest overall mark in the Competition, and a special award called The Irish Federation of Musicians and Associated Professions Trophy for the best performance of a choral piece in Irish.
Without the choir for the past two years due to the pandemic, the students and members shared their favourite moments of the competition, and what it meant for them to continue to take part in this competition.
Lorna said: 'To have the choir singing again this year was a huge goal, after a two year hiatus, as a result of the pandemic.
“We were so proud to be able to once again represent Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ at competition level.”
She added, “I have seen companionship shine through these fabulous ladies. The love of music and singing is strong in our school.”
Muireann Ní Shuilleabhain, a first year Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ student, said: “The highlight of the competition for me was singing with my friends and the Laurel Hill Coláiste choir in front of an audience.
“We practised for months and hearing us all sing together was just an amazing experience. I Particularly enjoyed how we sang to the beat of the drums in our song Ceann Dubh Dílis and reaching the high notes together.“
Sixth Year Choir Leader, Eimear Ní Chuignigh said: “Being without the choir for two years was very tough so we are delighted to be back.”
While another Sixth Year Choir Leader, Laoise Ní Fhiannachta stated: “I thought that even if we didn't win, we came together as a group and made Ms Ní Bhroin proud.”
The competition came back into action this year from April 26 to April 30.