Musicians honoured on ‘Wall of Fame’ at Kildare school
Alistar Fingelton, Brian Kehoe, Eric Gaughran, school principal and Michael English
A VERY special event took place in Castledermot school, Coláiste Lorcáin, which connected musically accomplished past pupils to a new generation of music students, and maybe even future stars.
The school unveiled its new ‘Wall of Fame’ celebrating the achievements of past pupils who have gone on to build successful careers in the music industry.
The display, launched at the school on Monday, 24 November, featured framed photographs of six former students who have made their mark across a range of musical genres.
The project was spearheaded by music teacher and past pupil Rosann Dempsey, who wanted current students to see that what’s possible for their futures, led by the shining examples of past pupils who have succeeded in the Irish music industry, and beyond.
“I thought it would be a good idea for the students to see that it’s possible to make it in the music industry,” she said. “The fact that they’re all past pupils is very encouraging for our own students.” Among those featured are country music star Michael English, Clifford Dean, bass player with Picture This, professional opera singer Debbie Abbott, country artist Alistair Fingleton, composer Brian Keogh, and guitarist Barry Whyte, a member of the Kildare-based metal band ‘Mourning Beloveth’.
Three of the honourees, Michael English, Alistair Fingleton and Brian Keogh, attended the unveiling.
Principal Eric Gaughran said a few words to mark the occasion, as did Ms Dempsey, before inviting the musicians to speak to the school’s students.
They musicians addressed a large gathering of music and TY students, speaking about the importance of practice, perseverance and following their musical ambitions. and music teacher Marie Murphy Some sixth-year music students also performed traditional music to mark the occasion, before the official unveiling and a refreshments reception attended by members of the parish choir.
Rosann opened the ceremony on behalf of the school’s music department. She said students were thrilled to meet the visiting artists: “The students were very excited. There were queues afterwards for photos and autographs, which was lovely to see.” She added that Coláiste Lorcáin has a strong musical tradition that the department hopes to continue nurturing. “We want to foster that and encourage it in our students. They’re very talented.”
