PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins on the second full day of his term in office made his first official visit to Northern Ireland last night, attending the Co-operation Ireland all-Island School Choir Competition in Derry City.
Mr Higgins was special guest at the final of the competition in the Millennium Forum in Derry, which was broadcast live by RTÉ.
He said he was delighted to be attending the event which was hosted by Anne Cassin
Quoting Hans Christian Anderson, Mr Higgins told the enthusiastic audience: “Where words fail, music speaks,” adding, “a people that can sing together in harmony is a great omen for the future”.
The President was warmly greeted by the four top-class choirs – Wesley College, Dublin, De La Salle Waterford, St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School, Navan, and Victoria College, Belfast – and also by their excited classmates, teachers and parents.
The happiest group of all last night, of course, were the wonderful singers from Wesley College, Ballinteer, Dublin, who won the competition.
The President, who earlier attended a Remembrance Day ceremony in Dublin, travelled North in the evening to Derry.
He was joined at the Millennium Forum by Northern Secretary Owen Paterson, as well as several politicians including Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell and former leaders John Hume and Mark Durkan.
Also in the audience were retired bishop of Derry Edward Daly, former vice-chairman of the policing board Denis Bradley and local Presbyterian minister the Rev David Latimer. Former Ulster Unionist mayor of Derry Marlene Jefferson also joined Mr Higgins.
The President said that over the weeks of the competition 20 choirs had “given of their talents, each one a combination of individually exquisite voices coming together in performances of great beauty, enthusiasm and grace”.
He added: “It has been inspiring to witness the final performances. But every participating choir in this competition has shown the wonderful talent and teamwork that enabled each and every one of them to represent their school to the very, very best of their ability.”
He said he could only imagine the pride the singers’ parents, teachers, fellow pupils and communities felt as they listened to the performances.
“I hope it is a pride you share because you have all done superbly and can return to your schools with your heads held high,” he added.
Chief executive of Co-operation Ireland Peter Sheridan said last night’s “musical extravaganza” featured four remarkable choirs who showcased “the diversity, talent and professionalism of our young people”.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Éamon Gilmore did not travel but was represented by Kieran Dowling, a senior official from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In a message in the programme he said that the “growing relationships between the groups and individuals involved in this competition echo relationships that are being built throughout this island and between all traditions with the help of Co-operation Ireland”.
He added that “many challenges remain but these bonds . . . are vital in building and cementing a lasting peace”.