September 2013 see the much needed revamping of www.beoireland.com. The website was originally designed by BEO students 3 years ago and it was decided this year with the growth of COMÓRTAS BEO and the introduction of COMÓRTAS AMHRANAÍOCHT NUACHUMATHA that beoireland needed expanding.
BEO was founded by students from Coláiste Ailigh in 2009.
They were quickly joined by neighbouring schools Loreto Convent, St Eunans College and Errigal College in an effort to raise awareness of emerging Irish musicians, social issues and improve the image of “Gaeilge” in local schools.
BEO’s involvement in an NDRC hosted competition over 6 weeks in 2010 resulted in the student led development of www.beoireland.com and COMÓRTAS BEO our own National BEO competition backed by the Donegal NTB, Donegal County Council, Dessie Larkin agus Foras na Gaeilge.
Since its start, more than 30 schools have participated in Comórtas BEO with winner Bridgetown Community School, Co Wexford in 2012 and Scoil Phól Kilfinane, Co Limerick in 2013.
Finalists were asked to make a presentation to some celebrity judges outlining why their school hosted the best school based concert in Ireland.
These were, Jackie Hayden former deputy editor of Hotpress, well respected author of many music related books but perhaps is best known for the person who first signed U2, Paddy Mc Kenna musician and 2FM presenter, Mary O Hagan who is the senior Producer of the Matt Cooper show on Today FM, Cian Mc Carthy musician and Radio na Life presenter, Brian Fisher of Practice Makes Perfect Event and The Nerve Centre in Derry, Deaglan Mac Eamharcaigh In Their Thousands and Caitlín Uí Chochlainn Cultural Officer Donegal County Council.
BEO has grown each year and in 2014 aims to increase participation in Comórtas BEO to 50 schools nationally (North and South).
A team is being prepared to visit 30 schools throughout the country. If you feel that your school is in a position to learn more please contact us ASAP as we have only a small number of spaces left on the calander. September 2013 sees www.beoireland.com get an overhaul with help from Foras na Gaeilge. The new website is more users friendly and takes on a darker look. All at BEO are very excited to see how it is perceived by the public.
Comórtas BEO 2013/14 will be launched in Scoil Phól Kilfinane, Co Limerick on October 4 (Eurovision style) with 70 Letterkenny based students travelling south to the event. The following day a presentation will be made as a part of FÉILTE, World Teachers Day hosted by The Teaching Council in Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin.
2013 also see Bliain na Gaeilge and we are also hosting another national competition in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge and Údarás na Gaeltachta with a first prize of €3,000 for the writing and preforming of an original song in the Irish language. This competition is open to teenagers in schools and clubs all over the country. The final of this competition will be held during the Oireachtas 31st October in Killarney.
Tuilleadh eolas ag www.beoireland.com
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