Fund is ‘fitting tribute’ to late headmaster

A local school has established a memorial fund as a ‘fitting and lasting tribute’ to a former principal who passed away last year.
The Year 14 leavers after a final and emotional sing of the school song.  INCT 24-727-CONThe Year 14 leavers after a final and emotional sing of the school song.  INCT 24-727-CON
The Year 14 leavers after a final and emotional sing of the school song. INCT 24-727-CON

Carrickfergus Grammar set up the Kenneth Irwin Memorial Fund in honour of the former headmaster, who died suddenly in May 2013.

Having served as principal for 19 years, the former mathematics teacher was also a firm supporter of music.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Proceeds from the Grammar’s annual spring concert will go toward the fund, which will be used to purchase a studio grand piano for the school.

Ken Irwin.Ken Irwin.
Ken Irwin.

A school spokesperson said: “The annual spring concert was yet again a fabulous opportunity to showcase the wealth of talent from CGS Music Society. There were polished performances from many ensembles as the evening got underway with the brass band under the baton of Mr Arthurs.

“Small groups such as the junior and senior clarinet ensembles, saxophone group and our string quartet gave variety between the larger items including the string orchestra directed by Mrs Sloan, the men’s vocal Group, flute ensemble and traditional group which got the second half off to a foot-tapping start.

“It wouldn’t be a Carrick Grammar gig without lots of singing, of course, and this year was no exception with the junior choir performing Vois Sur Ton Chemin from the film Les Choristes and a contrast with Everything Is Awesome from the more recent Lego Movie featuring a superb rap by Olivia Pedan (8P).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The men’s voices performed a stirring version of Amazing Grace followed by the energetic Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and a student-led group of singers performed a mash-up of current chart-hits which was so much fun to watch as well as listen to.”

The senior choir performed some of their programme from the Prague Festival along with The Way We Were as they said farewell to Year 14 musicians.

Several Year 14s performed solos, including Abbie Loughridge (baritone horn), John Coulter (trumpet), Anna Brittain (cornet), Zoë Graham (cornet). Lending her vocal talents was Debbie Mercer, accompanied by advanced performers. This talented group gave their premiere performance with I’m A Believer, Moondance and Cinema Paradiso with cornet soloist Sam Brodison.