All-Ireland success for talented kids from Omagh school

THERE were cheers aplenty at Gaelscoil na gCrann this week as the Omagh pupils celebrated being crowned All-Ireland winners in their category in this year’s All-Ireland Schools’ Drama Finals in Mullingar.

Competing in the ‘Large Primary School’ category, the occasion saw the pupils expertly perform a unique play titled ‘Something Inside So Strong’ which was written and directed by the school’s vice principal, Risteard Mac Daibhéid.

Poignantly telling the story of a post-famine eviction in Ireland, the Omagh pupils competed against schools from Waterford, Meath, Dublin, Cork and the Galway Gaeltacht in what was the biggest category of the competition.

Speaking to the Ulster Herald, vice principal, Risteard Mac Daibhéid said that it was ‘an honour’ to be recognised on a national stage.

“We are absolutely delighted that we have been so successful at this year’s All-Ireland,” he said.

“The children were absolutely fantastic and their performance was faultless from beginning-to-end.

“It is wonderful to proudly have our school showcase their phenomenal talent and aptitude. This group of children have the potential to go a long way in the field of drama.”

Indeed, the pupils of Gaelscoil na gCrann have enjoyed incredible success in the arts so far this year, particularly along their route to the All-Ireland Finals.

In early March they won the regional North West Drama Finals, having also collected awards for their singing, with one pupil also impressively collecting the ‘Best Actor’ award.

They then proceeded to the Ulster Finals where they won their category, staving off stiff competition from schools within Donegal, Derry, Antrim and Down.

They further won ‘Best Dramatic Moment’ of the finals with their beautiful rendition of ‘Something Inside so Strong’.

A delighted school principal, Deirdre Nic Cionnaith said that she is ‘so proud’ of the huge success that this year’s play has brought to Gaelscoil na gCrann.

“We have been on an incredible journey since the regional finals started at the start of March,” Deirdre said. “What can we say about this wonderful group of actors?

“They represented their school, their parishes, their community and their county so wonderfully this year and we are simply bursting with pride at their achievements.”