Posted by admin on Feb 7, 2018 in Media

On Thursday 14th of December, Portumna Community School hosted their annual show to a packed house and the audience were held spell bound from opening scene to grand finale by this year’s showcase of the arts which was written and produced by Mr James Coughlan and aptly named “G.A.A. with a Twist.” The show received a standing ovation from the enthralled crowd. Mr Coughlan explains that the catalyst of inspiration for the show came from the success of our local GAA club who won four Tommy Moore cups in recent years. The show was a portrait of a century of life from the foundation of the GAA in 1884, depicting our customs, our culture and our games. The showcase was a game of two halves involving the fusion of the old and the new. The production was entered as a Creative Engagement project which is a cross-Department initiative-co-funded by the Department of Education and Skills, the department of Arts Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Heritage Council. The students in the production have been honoured with a grant of 1000 euros from the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals which is helping to promote the arts in schools. Eric Duane was the narrator who provided the audience with historical explanation and significance for each scene which helped to seamlessly knit each scene and provide a narrative throughout. The first scene consisted of a nation in turmoil. The first and second year music class provided a splendid rendition of “My Dark Rosaleen” which was a poem originally written by Hugh O’Donnell and translated into English by James Clarence Mangan. Transition Year students, Kyle Campbell played Michael Cusack, Liam Hynes: (Maurice Davin), Eoghan Lynch: (Patrick William Nally), Jack Kelly: (P.J. Ryan), Oran Lyons: (James Bracken), Kieran Martin: (District Inspector McCarthy), Aonraoí Mullen: (John McKay) and Dr. Croke was played by Daniel Hynes. Each of the students delivered their orations with clarity and conviction from Hayes’ Hotel Thurles. Fiona Daly, whose voice is so unique sang “Moonlight in Mayo” to honour Patrick William Nally who hailed from Balla Co Mayo. Katie Salmon, provided us with an oration on the growth and historical...