Armagh Speech and Drama Festival Success

Something that has grown in popularity in our school in recent years is participation in the Armagh Speech and Drama Festival in Market Place Theatre, and this year was no different.

From P4 up to P7, we had several pupils apply to take part, and we were delighted to share in their successes at last week's assemblies. Congratulations to all who took part, with a few of our pupils getting some extra special feedback.

In the Boys' category, 3 of our Primary 6 pupils swept the board. Taking the top 3 spots were Daithi in 3rd, Eoghan in 2nd, and Logan taking home the top prize with a fantastic effort earning him 1st place! Their feedback from the judges was so complimentary and full of praise for their tone, pace and expression. What a super job - well done Daithi and Eoghan, and huge congratulations to Logan on your terrific 1st place performance.

In the Girls' category, we had some wonderful feedback from the judges, but one performance in particular stood out. Our Primary 5 pupil, Ríoghnach, put in a show-stopping effort to earn 1st place in her age group. Going first on stage out of all female competitors was a nerve-wracking experience for her, but she did such a superb job that her score couldn't be topped. We were so happy for Ríoghnach when we heard this news, but there was even better news still to come.

At the end of the festival, having already been back into school with her first batch of good news, Ríoghnach was called back to the final prize giving night. It was here that it was announced that not only had she won her own age category, but Ríoghnach had actually been selected as the overall female winner out of every age group! That's right - out of every single female entry from across all ages and across all Armagh schools, her performance was the stand-out victor and top point-scorer. What a stunning achievement and one that we are extremely proud of her for. Congratulations, Ríoghnach!

Well done to all of our entrants - you have made us very proud. We hope that you are setting an example for all other boys and girls who may be tempted to enter the festival next year.