A GROUP representing Presentation National School is one of only seven schools in Ireland to be selected to take part in an All-Ireland songwriting competition.

The seven girls will take part in ‘Song for 16’ and perform in front of hundreds of people at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on May 15.

The winning song will be published and released by Disney Music Group along with winning €1,000 in prize money for their school.

‘Song for 16’ is an all-island schools song competition presented by the National Concert Hall, Disney Music Group and the Department of Education and Skills.

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“We feel it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the National Concert Hall so they’re over the moon,” said teacher Helena Hennessy.

The song ‘This Is My Island’ was written by fourth class pupil, Eve Hennessy, who combined her talents of writing and music to pen their song. Eve’s inspiration came from what she was learning in class about the Rising with her teacher.

“They’re only ten and they really felt empathy with the people people who fought for our country and made the sacrifice,” said Helena.

Joining Eva from Presentation are Grainne Clifford, Roksanax Szczygielek,  Olivia Dillion and Karina Sultan.

The competition rules have allowed outside musicians to take part, so Presentation have brought in the services of Katarina Roberts from Castlegregory National School on piano and Emily O’Brien from Scoil Nuachabháil in Ballymacelligott on flute.

They won’t be alone on their journey to the capital as between 20 and 30 supporters made up of Presentation teachers and pupils will go up to Dublin to get behind the girls. Along with recording a song that reflected a new modern, multicultural Ireland, the girls were asked to submit a video recording of them performing in the school.

The competition forms part of the National Concert Hall’s 2016 Centenary Programme.