On Friday March 6^th, Moate Community School experienced great success at the Interschool Music Festival at Wesley College, Balinteer, Co Dublin.

Following an early start from the school, two busloads of students set off, anxious for success in the various competitions throughout the day.  The Wesley Interschools Music Festival is nationally recognised as one of the foremost interschool choral competitions in Ireland, with a high standard of judging across each level. Over one hundred schools compete in the festival every year, with the competitions spread over 2 days.

For many of  the Moate students, it was a new experience as the school began its first competition of the day, the 3 part SAB. Accompanied by Katherine Crossan on piano, the M.C.S choir performed “The Blessing”,and to the delight of both students and supporters, we claimed first place out of nine schools. This was an amazing experience for students new to the choir and  new to competitions, and one that will not be forgotten quickly. Next up was the male choir section: We entered into the 3 or 4-part Boy’s. It was the first time Moate entered an all-male choir into a competition, and gave a beautiful rendition of “In Flander’s Fields” The boys scored 87 in this competition. The final (and most competitive) category was the 4-part Choir SATB. Moate’s competition choir, Iontas, was one of nine choirs in the competition  and performed “Alleluia” by Jake Runestad. After a lengthy deliberation  it was announced that Iontas had won the competition, scoring ninety-one out of one hundred.

This was an incredible achievement as it was the first time in 44 years that a Community School had ever won both categories. Much credit is due to Mrs Giselle Foley, and Mrs Anne-Marie Flynn for the many hours of hard-work that has gone into achieving such a high level of choral performance. All students involved in both choirs enjoyed the day immensely. IONTAS are now looking forward to competing again on the 24^th of March in Feis Ceoil.