Tyrone school makes history after All-Ireland awards win
Pupils and staff from Knocknagor Primary School were left celebrating in delight after learning they had won their category at Féile na nIonta in Mullingar following months of hard work, dedication and determination.
The journey to All-Ireland success began back in March when the school entered Féile na hÓmaí at the Strule Arts Centre for the very first time.
Pupils at Knocknagor PS rehearsing for their production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Picture: Ronan McGradePupils at Knocknagor PS rehearsing for their production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Picture: Ronan McGrade (Image: Ronan McGrade)
Despite not being an Irish medium school, the pupils impressed judges with their performance of Na Trí Bhéar (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) and were “over the moon” to win their category.
Their victory secured them a place at the Ulster final, Féile Uladh, in Letterkenny later that month, where the entire school community once again travelled by bus to compete.
For the Ulster final, more Irish dialogue and songs were added as pupils and staff worked tirelessly to “up their game” — efforts which paid off when they claimed victory once again.
Pupils at Knocknagor PS rehearsing for their production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Picture: Ronan McGrade (Image: Ronan McGrade)
One of the aspects the school community said they are most proud of is the fact that every single child in the school, all 46 pupils, had a speaking and singing role in the production.
Children aged from four to 11 all played their part, with talents ranging from singing and dancing to banjo and tin-whistle playing combining to create what staff described as a “heart-warming performance”.
The school said the production showcased how arts are “greatly valued, respected and promoted” within the school alongside all areas of the Northern Ireland curriculum.
Staff also highlighted the positive impact the arts have on creativity and mental wellbeing among pupils.
That creativity was also evident last year when the school staged a sold-out production of “Arabian Nights” at the Strule Arts Centre as part of the school’s 90th anniversary celebrations.
After their Ulster success, Knocknagor PS progressed to the All-Ireland final in Mullingar on April 30 — another historic milestone as the first non-Irish speaking school from Northern Ireland to reach the competition.
Pupils at Knocknagor PS rehearsing for their production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Picture: Ronan McGrade (Image: Ronan McGrade)
Excitement filled the school from the early hours of the morning as children and staff arrived before 7am to prepare costumes, props and face paint before setting off on the journey.
Upon arriving in Mullingar, pupils watched several other schools perform before finally taking to the stage on the sixth and final day of the festival.
As the curtains opened and the spotlight shone, the children delivered what staff described as a performance filled with “beautiful smiles, excellent singing and performing”.
Teachers watched proudly from the wings while parents and family members who had travelled to support the children rewarded them with a standing ovation at the end.
Following the performance, pupils celebrated with a trip to McDonald’s and a visit to the playground before beginning the journey home to Trillick.
However, the biggest moment of all was still to come.
As the bus travelled through Derrylin, principal Briege Baxter received the message everyone had been waiting for.
Pupils at Knocknagor PS rehearsing for their production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Picture: Ronan McGrade (Image: Ronan McGrade)
The school had won.
Staff recalled “an almighty scream of joy” as the news spread around the bus, with children squealing in celebration after learning they had become All-Ireland champions.
Reflecting on the achievement, the school praised the dedication, spirit and enthusiasm shown by every pupil involved.
