Senior infants taking part in Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc’s Big Busk in aid of Focus Ireland Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Senior infants enjoying the Big Busk in aid of Focus Ireland
Pupils from Gaelsocil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc enjoying the Big Busk in aid of Focus Ireland
Muinteoir Brían Ó Déan along with pupils Rocco Ó Mhaolchathail, Sadie de Cléir and Saoirse Níc Réamoinn pictured during the Gaelscoil Cheatharlach’s ‘Big Busk’ in aid of Focus Ireland. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Pupils Rocco Ó Mhaolchathail, Sadie de Cléir and Saoirse Níc Réamoinn
Muinteoir Padraig Ó Scolaí accompanies first class
Second class pupils taking part in the Big Busk
Pupils enjoying the music at the Big Busk
Second class pupils performing
Second class pupils kept everyone entertained
By Sarah Slater
THE Big Busk was such a success at Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc that even the national airwaves could not get enough of their amazing talent.
In aid of the charity Focus Ireland – which provides services for people who are homeless – the talented students were chosen by Today FM to go live on radio on Friday 12 April, the official date of the national fundraiser, to perform to the country. But the school held its Big Busk day six days later on Thursday 18 April.
The event is a national fundraiser in aid of Focus Ireland and this is the third year in a row Today FM has proudly supported the Big Busk for the charity.
Another teacher at the school sent Múinteoir Brían Ó Déan an online link to the event during the Easter holidays. Múinteoir Brían posted it on the staff WhatsApp group and received a great response, which led to him signing the school up for the challenge.
The plan was to have a full day of music, song and dance in the Gaelscoil as part of the Big Busk. The day began with choir practice led by Múinteoir Conchobhar. After the choir practice, Múinteoirí Clár and Jill entertained the entire school with their show ***Searlaí agus an Monarcha Seacláide*** (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), with children from fifth and sixth classes taking to the stage. The group was in the All-Ireland Féile Scoildrámaíochta finals in Mullingar on Tuesday 23 April.
Múinteoir Brían explained: “The entire school met in Halla de Róiste (named after former principal Bríde de Róiste) straight after little break and each class from infants to sixth performed their chosen piece. There was a lovely atmosphere and each class did a fantastic job.
“After lunch break, children from Rang a Dó/Rang a Sé all met again and we had one big seisiún ceoil together, which finished with some Irish dancing.”
He organised a full day of busking with the idea of a whole-school approach. A total of 460 pupils and 40 staff all got on board and each class performed their piece. All students and staff wore yellow on the day – yellow being the colour for Focus Ireland.
Múinteoir Brían added: “With the current homeless crisis, it felt like a great idea to give our bit back to those in need by showcasing the talents we have in the Gaelscoil and raising money in a fun, musical and communal way. People could donate online and the children also brought in donations. I initially set €350 as a target, raised it to €500 and we finally finished with a huge €1,041.53.”
“I would like to thank all of my Gaelscoil colleagues for getting on board and making this fundraiser such a success. I would also like to thank everyone who made a donation,” said Múinteoir Brían.
Coverage of the special day can be seen on the school Instagram page, in the highlights section on @gscheatharlach.
