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St. Pat’s celebrations dedicated to teacher’s memory
By Fiona Audley
TRADITIONAL music, dance and Irish craft will be performed and created
by hundreds of rising young stars in honour of a popular Manchester Irish
music teacher who died of cancer.
Two days of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that were put together
by 750 schoolchildren will be dedicated to the founding member of the
Manchester Music Service Gerry Smith at Manchester Town Hall this week.
Morning workshops where pupils will indulge in a host of activities
including music, song and dance will take place on March 13 and 14, to
be followed by an afternoon fleadh where the youngsters can show off their
newly-honed skills.
Celtic art and Irish stories will also feature in the bustling programme,
which pays tribute to the second-generation Irish teacher who lived in
Bowdon and held an unmistakable passion for the culture of her heritage.
Manchester City councillor Nigel Murphy said: “Gerry was an inspiration
to everyone who met her.
“The Irish Festival school music days would never have taken place
without her commitment and her determination to make it happen.
“Over the last few years she managed to share her passion for Irish
culture with thousands of Manchester children, so it is fitting that this
year’s festivities are being dedicated to her.”
The 20-plus schools taking part in the event include St. Patrick’s
RC, Bishop Bilsborrow Memorial RC and the Crosslee Community School.
Last October Gerry’s former pupils also staged a concert at St.
Paul’s High School in Newell Green to celebrate her life. |
