Remarks at Córfhéile na Scoileanna
5th March 2012
Tá an-áthas orm a bheith libh anocht chun Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna 2012 a oscailt go hoifigiúl. Ghabaim buíochas leis an gcoiste stiúrtha a thug an cuireadh dom a bheith anseo. Molaim go mór baill uile an choiste a thugann a gcuid ama chun an Cór Fhéile a eagrú. Molaim freisin na múinteoirí, na tuismitheoirí agus go mórmhór na páistí atá linn anocht agus a bheidh anseo i rith na seachtaine. Is breá go dtugtar deis don phobal ceol binn a chloisteáil ó pháisti óga agus go dtugtar deis dóibh páirt a glacadh i bfhéile mar seo.
I am very pleased to officially open Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna 2012. I thank An Cathaoirleach, Sinéad O’ Brien, and An Rúnaí, Patricia Cassidy for the kind invitation. I am delighted to attend such a wonderful and inspiring occasion. I deeply appreciate the work and dedication of all the members of the organising committee and indeed the many retired teachers who give of their time so willingly to ensure the success of this music festival.
It is heartening to note that after fifty seven years, Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna is still performing strongly. As a voluntary organisation, it continues to achieve its principal aim: to foster and develop a love of Music and, in particular, Irish music. Most importantly, it provides a platform for our children to perform in front of you, their parents, family members and friends. It is staggering to think that more than 4000 children will take part in Cór Fhéile during the week. They will rightly feel an enormous sense of achievement as they enjoy performing and watching others perform. I have no doubt that this will be truly memorable for them. Equally it is a wonderful occasion for us, as we watch performances like those we have just seen.
It is important to remember that Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna is not a test or a competition. It is not about being a professional or being the best. It is about fun, enjoyment and love of performing. It is about encouraging our children to perform without being measured or graded. This is what makes this event so unique and so worthwhile. It is a validation of performing and artistic expression for its own sake – about participation, reaching standards of excellence for oneself and fellow members as a celebration of the art of choral singing itself.
We know that Ireland is steeped in culture. We can be proud of our heritage both past and present. We have a wealth of poets, musicians, writers, dancers, singers and actors. In this arena tonight I see before me a talented group of young people, who have come from various parts of Dublin to be part of this exciting event and to be part of a community of artists.
It takes a lot of courage for you to stand up on this stage in a large arena and perform. But I know that you do it because you want to be here. Boys and girls, you have a shared interest and a shared passion for the arts. You are already truly remarkable citizens – you understand the importance of sharing your talent in community with others and you have the courage and the confidence to creatively express yourselves.
You, the parents, can be very proud of your sons and daughters here this evening. Without your love and support, your children would not have the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful evening. You have shown how you value the arts, how important it is for children to have a holistic education, and to be exposed to a breadth of different experiences, including the arts. That is why you are here tonight fostering, supporting, and celebrating this love of culture in your children. I applaud you for the support that you have given to your children.
Young people you have devoted a lot of time and effort to preparing for tonight’s performance. I know that you have spent many days working hard to give of your best. That is all your teachers and your families ask of you – that you use your talents to the best of your ability. I am regularly amazed but also heartened at the standard that our young children can attain; and the performances we have heard so far tonight are no exception. I know too that all of you feel that the hard work was worthwhile, judging from your enthusiasm in this arena tonight. I congratulate each and every one of you for your commitment and hard work.
An occasion such as this does not happen without the dedication and enthusiasm of your teachers. Their interest in and dedication to achieving the best for you is admirable. They represent all that is truly commendable about our teaching profession. Your teachers understand the importance of developing well rounded citizens of the future. That is why they support this wonderful festival. I know that they are proud of you. We salute your teachers and thank them all most sincerely for all of their work.
On an occasion such as this, it is important to stand back, draw a breath and ask “What is education all about?” I believe that the discipline and collaborative teamwork that an event such as this demands is significant. What better way to prepare primary school children for later life than to work together to achieve a shared goal? Cor Fhéile na Scoileanna has not only opened and continues to open, doors to the wonderful world of the arts but it also provides the opportunity and the experience of working together and of achieving your aims in partnership with others.
I congratulate each and every one of you, the committee, the parents, the children and the teachers, and say “Well done”. I wish Cór Fhéile na Scoileanna continued success.