MUSICAL VISIT: Cliona Hagan and Amy Barr pictured with teachers Olwyn Trant and Rhonda Healy and pupils at Holy Cross Mercy School for the launch of the nationwide 'Just Sing Project'. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

The excitement was palpable in one school on Monday as talented pupils excitedly worked alongside a country music star during a musical masterclass.

Award-winning Irish Country artist Cliona Hagan, who was recently a finalist in RTÉ’s ‘Dancing with the Stars Ireland’, popped into Holy Cross Mercy School on New Road to launch her brand-new music programme, ‘Just Sing Project’.

The visit is part of a fun, exciting and engaging project for groups of musical pupils, running over five weeks, concluding with a performance alongside Cliona on stage in the INEC Acoustic Club Killarney on October 4, as part of her ‘Dance On’ theatre headline concert tour.

Pupils from Third to Sixth class were thrilled to meet the popular singer and excited to learn that they have been selected as the only school in Ireland to open the music concert this coming October.

Cliona spent over an hour talking to the pupils who make up the school choir, and gave them a song ‘God Bless This Child’ to practice. She also sang with them and answered their many questions about her time on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, Cliona said that she really enjoyed the visit.

“They were absolutely amazing, I’m looking forward to the concert in October,” Cliona said.

“I really want this project to help young people get a kick-start into arts and music.”

Her reason for choosing a Killarney school to launch the project is to do with her strong connections to the town, she explained.

“When I was a child I came to Killarney regularly, but not so much in recent years,” Cliona, who received Female Vocalist of the Year for the third year running at the recent Hot Country TV Awards 2019, said.

“I haven’t spent enough time in Killarney. It has a special place in my heart.”

She added that Amy Barr, who is running the programme with her, heard about the Mercy choir, and she was interested to hear them herself.

“The 'Just Sing Project' will also be a fantastic opportunity for any young budding performer who would like to take their talents to the next level.”