Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane, hosted a reception to celebrate the achievements of St Patrick’s Primary School, Drumgreenagh who were recently crowned winners of the highly prestigious title, ‘BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year’.
On Tuesday 17 May, the first stop for the pupils and their teachers was at Down County Museum, where they had the opportunity to take a tour to see the old jail of 1796, the ‘Down Through Time’ exhibition and the new Downpatrick High Cross Extension. The pupils then visited the Newry Mourne and Down District Council Downpatrick offices where the Chairperson gave a short presentation on the civic role of the Council.
As first Citizen of Newry Mourne and Down District, Councillor Ruane said: “The Council and our Community are very proud of the dedication and expertise in taking on such a difficult task and achieving the highest accolade of ‘BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year’.
“It is a great personal honour for the pupils of St Patrick’s Primary School, the teaching staff and the entire Newry, Mourne and Down area and it is truly a fantastic achievement.
“I would like to commend the pupils and their Primary 4/5 teacher and choir director, Mrs Patricia McCaughey, on the hard work and commitment put into preparing for this event. I would also like to pay tribute to Patrick Coyle for all his help throughout the competition, the Principal of the school, Mrs Sorcha Lyness, and all of the teachers for their input which was vital to this victory.
“This is an important milestone for St Patrick’s Choir who have competed and won at regional level. There is no doubt that with their dedication, commitment and ability, they will continue to improve and achieve yet more success in singing competitions for their School.”
