Primary School Finalists

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This section lists the six Primary Finalists, as well as Commended, Highly Commended and Very Highly Commended schools, selected in the 2025 Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition. All performers in commended school groups receive individual certificates acknowledging their achievement.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order, and the Primary Finalist entry videos, as well as how the groups addressed the 2025 Competition theme, The Key of Life, are below these.

Finalists

• Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan, An tAonach, Co. Tipperary
• Gaelscoil Ó Doghair, Caisleán Nua Thiar, Co. Limerick
• Gaelscoil Shlí Dála, an Bealach Mór, Co. Laois
• Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona, Oughterard, Co. Galway
• St. Marnock's National School, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
• Woodbrook National School, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon

Very Highly Commended

• Bunscoil Loreto, Gorey, Co. Wexford
• Gaelscoil larfhlatha, Tuam, Co. Galway
• Maryborough National School, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
• Monaleen National School, Castletroy, Co. Limerick
• Scoil Bhríde, Midleton, Co. Cork
• St. Brigid's National School, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo
• St. Teresa's National School, Killoe, Co. Longford

Highly Commended

• Castletown Primary School, Castletown, Co. Laois
• Gaelscoil an Choillín, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
• Scoil Naomh Bríd, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
• St. Christopher's Primary School, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
• St. Olaf's National School, Balally Drive, Dublin 16

Commended

• Kilmeen National School, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
• Our Lady's National School Clonskeagh, Milltown, Dublin 14
• St. Nessan's National School, Mungret, Co. Limerick
• St. Stephen’s Boys National School, Waterford, Co. Waterford

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Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan
An tAonach, Co. Tipperary

Entry

Title 'Beatha cheoil é a sheinnt, beatha muidne le ceol a sheinnt'
Group Grúpa Ceoil na Gaelscoile • First – Sixth Class
• Orla McNamara, Conductor

Addressing the Theme

The evolution of the group's entry was a collaborative process in which they shared views and ideas for song selection, translations, choreography ideas, harmony combinations and edits to keep their piece within the timeframe while portraying their core message. In brainstorming the theme, the group considered many possible interpretations. They eventually settled on wellbeing, and they aimed to create a moving piece that reflects acceptance and celebrates inclusion. In sad times, music can tap into the emotive being. Cyndi Lauper's song 'True Colours' is an uplifting story of loneliness and salvation through the support of friends who will notice the troubled person, support them and help them see the inner beauty and value that lies within. They translated the lyrics to Irish, with the challenge of keeping the meaning, rhythm and flow of the song with the words chosen, and then added layers of harmonies, instrumentals, dynamics and choreography to create this part of the piece. Their second choice was 'Shiny Happy People' by REM, which spreads joy and inspires spontaneous movement, dance and singing in a communal shared experience. Their aim was to have their audience feeding off their up-tempo energy and enthusiasm and spontaneously joining in – thus demonstrating the power of music to spread joy and of happiness.

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Gaelscoil Ó Doghair
Caisleán Nua Thiar, Co. Limerick

Entry

Title 'Eochair an tSaoil'
Group Raic sa Teach • First – Sixth Class
• Deirdre Cussen, Conductor • Oonagh McMahon, Piano

Addressing the Theme

The group discussed the theme and collectively decided that music is the key of life. Peace and war were also mentioned in the discussion, and they decided to incorporate the idea that music could be used as an instrument of peace. To set the tone from the outset, they decided on the White Stripes song 'Seven Nation Army'. One of the students had learned the riff, and they decided to change the words to make it theirs and to have it as their theme tune. The song lists all of the instruments in their group, which makes everyone feel important. It also describes who they are and what their aim is – to bring music and joy to those who listen. They continued with 'K.E.Y.O.F.L.I.F.E' – an original rap. They were singing a song at a rehearsal that involved spelling out words, and they expanded upon that idea with the rappers spelling out 'K.E.Y.O.F.L.I.F.E' and finishing with a chant of music is the key to peace not war. They continued with 'Trí Éiníní', the great Bob Marley song 'Three Little Birds', translated as Gaeilge, since no one better embodies the idea that music can bring peace than Bob Marley. And they finished with 'Eochair and Tsaoil' (The Key of Life), a song version of their rap, written collectively, that brings all of their ideas together. The students also liked the idea of music being like a key that opens doors and experiences, so two of them made the key prop used to open their performance.

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Gaelscoil Shlí Dála
an Bealach Mór, Co. Laois

Entry

Title 'Gléas Na Beatha'
Group Gaelscoil Shlí Dála Grúpa Ceoil • First – Sixth Class

Addressing the Theme

Keeping the ethos of their school in mind, the teachers and students involved in this year's Competition considered how to represent the theme in an Irish traditional music context. They agreed that Irish music, with its deep connection to history, culture and emotion, was the perfect way to express the theme. Lively and uplifting tunes were chosen to symbolise the joy and energy of life, reflecting how music has always been a key part of Irish heritage. Instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán brought a rich, authentic Irish sound, representing the heartbeat of life. And through their arrangement, they included changes in tempo and dynamics to symbolize the different stages of life – soft and gentle for childhood, faster and more energetic for youth, and steady and strong for maturity. The transitions between melodies mirrored the journey of life, showing both its challenges and triumphs. The harmonies and teamwork among their musicians represented the importance of community and connection – another key element of life. By blending these elements, their entry was intended to demonstrate that music is not just entertainment but a vital part of culture, history, and human connection. The school also placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity when preparing for the Competition, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to participate, regardless of his/her background, skill level or experience in Irish traditional music. Their entry was a whole-school project, and 29 of the school's 34 students participated. They had the option to do so in different ways – through singing, playing an instrument, rhythmic beats or interpretative dance. Those less confident in playing instruments played percussion instruments like the glockenspiel, shakers and chimes. And those with stronger musical skills helped teach and support others, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

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Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona
Oughterard, Co. Galway

Entry

Title 'Níl Tú Leat Féin'
Group Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona School Choir • Third – Sixth Class
• Anne Faherty, Conductor • Aoibhín Ní Dhomhnaill, Piano

Addressing the Theme

When deciding on material in response to this year's theme, the song 'You Will Be Found' from the musical Dear Evan Hanson – with its message of hope, support and the assurance that no one is truly alone, even in their darkest moments – seemed a perfect fit. Developing a new arrangement of the song was a collaborative and inclusive effort, in which the students brainstormed the theme and discussed the key messages of togetherness, community, support and helping one another. They decided where harmonies should be arranged in the song, and where Irish lyrics could be added. They contributed to an arrangement that included choral singing, solo singing, key changes, percussion and string instrument playing, changes of tempo and volume, and body movements. Throughout the process, they tweaked, critiqued and collaborated on different parts of the song. Some of them learned instruments, and all of them learned Lámh signs to support a child who is hard of hearing. Children of widely different backgrounds and abilities – including those enrolled in the school’s special classes and those with different abilities – all contributed to the project, and lasting friendships were formed.

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St. Marnock's National School
Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

Entry

Title 'The Key of Life'
Group Marnock's Music Group • Junior Infants – Sixth Class
• Mary Kenealy, Conductor

Addressing the Theme

Three teachers in St. Marnock's wanted to set up a music group in the school, since although there were many capable young musicians, there weren’t opportunities to play together in everyday school life. One of the teachers was aware of the Music for Schools Competition and felt that entering it would be a wonderful opportunity for the children in St. Marnock's to engage in creative musical play. They formed a diverse group of students who met on Wednesday afternoons after school. While discussing the theme, the group provided a rich amount of vocabulary and visually creative responses. Words like belonging, singing, playing and joy, along with pictures created by the children, inspired one of the teachers to create an original song entitled 'The Key of Life', which was the starting point of a collaborative musical journey. The song began as simply a melody and lyrics with guitar accompaniment, and it was developed and arranged with the children’s different abilities and offerings in mind. It soon became clear who would take what role; leading, supporting, harmonising. Any instrumentalists who had the ability to improvise did so, while others who required more direction were given support when needed. The teachers convened smaller groups of instrumentalists and singers on corridors and landings during the day or during lunch breaks to work out separate parts, and the after-school sessions were used to bring all the parts together and to rehearse the group as a whole. Along with the initial collaborative exploration of the theme, there are many additional examples of individual children adding unique features to the song as it developed, and the whole project was immensely satisfying for everyone involved. As one of the children said during a rehearsal, 'It feels like we've already won!'

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Woodbrook National School
Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon

Entry

Title 'The Magic Drum'
Group Woodbrook National School Ensemble • First – Sixth Class
• Anne Hand Doyle, Conductor • Derek Mahady, Piano

Addressing the Theme

Teaching Principal Anne Hand Doyle first heard about the Music for Schools Competition when she attended a teaching workshop in July, and she decided there and then to enter. She chose the story of 'The Magic Drum' (an African folk tale) as Woodbrook National School's entry, with a view to telling the story through music using percussion instruments, some of which were home-made by the students involved. For this whole-school project (13 of the school's 25 students were involved), the participants were fully engaged, enthusiastic and dedicated from the very beginning right through to the final performance. The senior students made the story their own by adjusting it where necessary to facilitate their performance. Using two African folk songs as their starting point, the students developed their piece and worked together in harmony, supporting each other in terms of the musical roles they were representing and the theme they wanted to convey. For Anne, this was the embodiment of the message that they wanted to convey – that working together in joy and unity is truly the only way forward.

Post-Primary School Finalists

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This section lists the six Post-Primary Finalists, as well as Commended, Highly Commended and Very Highly Commended schools, selected in the 2025 Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition. All performers in commended school groups receive individual certificates acknowledging their achievement.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order, and the Post-Primary Finalist entry videos, as well as how the groups addressed the 2025 Competition theme, The Key of Life, are below these.

Finalists

• Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford
• Coláiste Mhuire, Bothar Rath Tó, Dublin 7
• Coláiste Pobail Setanta, Clonee, Dublin 15
• Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
• St. Joseph's Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath
• The King's Hospital School, Old Lucan Road, Dublin 20

Very Highly Commended

• Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
• Borrisokane Community College, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary
• Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow
• East Glendalough School, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
• Gonzaga College, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
• Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
• Presentation College, Headford, Co. Galway
• Skibbereen Community School, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
• St. Mary's Secondary School, Edenderry, Co. Offaly
• St. Mary's Secondary School, Macroom, Co. Cork

Highly Commended

• Coláiste Chill Mhantáin, Burkeen, Co. Wicklow
• Coláiste Chilliain, Cluain Dolcain, Dublin 22
• Colaíste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
• Coláiste Éanna (Bad Decision), Ballyroan Road, Dublin 16
• Coláiste Éanna (This Is the Life), Ballyroan Road, Dublin 16
• Rockwell College, Newinn, Co. Tipperary
• St. Finian's College, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Commended

• Castletroy College, Castletroy, Co. Limerick
• Coláiste an Átha, Wexford, Co. Wexford
• Coláiste Éanna (Amach Anocht), Ballyroan Road, Dublin 16
• Coláiste Éanna (Euphoria), Ballyroan Road, Dublin 16
• Coláiste Éanna (The Flaats), Ballyroan Road, Dublin 16

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Ardscoil na Mara
Tramore, Co. Waterford

Entry

Title 'What About Us'
Group Ardsoil na Mara Ensemble • First – Sixth Year

Addressing the Theme

When the school decided to enter Music for Schools this year, they wanted they wanted their entry to be student led and teacher facilitated. The group started by brainstorming words that come to mind when they thought about the theme, and from that list they decided on the most suitable songs and how they would arrange them to suit their message. The students wanted a song to reflect both their resilience and the idea of looking outwards and caring for others rather that inwards and caring most about oneself. So they were drawn to Pink's 'What About Us' as their song choice, as its message was something they felt both connected to and passionate about. When it came to arranging the song, the students felt that the bridge was the most powerful part. They then decided to strip everything back and look at how other parts of the song fitted together. They experimented with dynamics and decided to add a dancer to go with their bridge. Finally, they decided on a key change at the end for the final chorus to show how we rise above negativity and work together.

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Coláiste Mhuire
Bothar Rath Tó, Dublin 7

Entry

Title 'Ta Sonas Eochair'
Group Grúpa Mhuire • First – Fifth Year

Addressing the Theme

The school made up posters advertising the Competition and this year's theme. They also set up a box outside the music classroom to receive donations of lyrics from students all over the school. The box was slow to fill, but in the days running up to their deadline they had received enough entries to begin crafting a song. A Fifth-Year student came in one day with a song idea on the guitar. A singer then looked at some of the lyrics they had received and started hearing a melody that matched well with what the guitar was doing. Looking to typical popular song structures for inspiration, the group then spent some time cutting and pasting lyrics. A First-Year student thought of the intro and outro, and the singer and guitarist thought of the bridge. The backing singers had a little help from the group's leader with the harmonies, the guitarist coached the instrumentalists on the chords and eventually they had a song that everyone was happy with.

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Coláiste Pobail Setanta
Clonee, Dublin 15

Entry

Title 'Dream On'
Group Setanta Choir and Band • First – Sixth Year

Addressing the Theme

While there is a wealth of musical talent in Coláiste Pobail Setanta, most of the school's instrumentalists and singers are self taught, since very few have had the opportunity to attend private instrumental or vocal lessons. The piano in the school’s foyer is rarely silent as students regularly sit down to entertain and express themselves on it. A diverse and multicultural student body, with students from dozens of different countries, resulted in wide-ranging discussions within the group about music and this year's theme. In the end, all agreed that the 'the key of life' is always to stay true to yourself and follow your dreams. The students together decided that the message of 'Dream On' by Aerosmith best represented what they wanted to express. The musicians in the group worked on their own version of the accompaniment, and the singers developed an arrangement for the introduction. Together, they created an outro to mirror the introduction. The song also reminds us that life moves fast, especially in today’s world. Students arrive in First Year as wide-eyed children, and their school years go by 'like dusk to dawn' until they finish Sixth Year as mature adults. Secondary school years can be full of challenges, but they will continue to 'sing for the laughter, sing for the tears', all in the key of life.

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Sancta Maria College
Louisburgh, Co. Mayo

Entry

Title 'Gaelforce'
Group The School of Rock • First – Sixth Year
• Matthew Rowley, Conductor, Bass Player

Addressing the Theme

The school's entry was developed by their Irish traditional music group, dancers and their School of Rock musicians. Discussing the theme and looking at what it is that intrinsically connected them all as musicians coming from different musical backgrounds, they agreed that everything in life is centred around a continuous pulse, and the key of life lies in rhythm. From the beat of our hearts to the rhythmic cycles of nature, the universe itself pulses and patterns. They thus wanted their piece to incorporate a powerful sense of beat and captivating rhythm. They also decided that the project would fuse traditional music with dance and rock/pop. The students then listened to and discussed different songs, in the end deciding that the rhythms, tonalities and chord progressions of 'The Gael' from The Last of the Mohicans film soundtrack by Dougie Maclean and Coldplay's 'A Sky Full of Stars' would work best for their piece. Finally, Sancta Maria College is an inclusive school that encourages the use of Lámh signing as part of daily school life. The group decided that the inclusion of Lámh signs would greatly enhance the overall performance.

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St. Joseph's Secondary School
Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath

Entry

Title 'A Life Well Lived'
Group St. Joseph's Rochfortbridge Ensemble • First – Sixth Year

Addressing the Theme

The group preparing an entry for this year’s Competition decided early on that it would be dedicated to Liz Cahill, St. Joseph's Home Economics and Religion Teacher, who sadly passed away at the age of 46 in October 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. A Fifth-Year student thought of two songs that would be most appropriate – 'Edelweiss' from The Sound of Music and 'Dancing Through Life' from Wicked. A lunchtime meeting for any students interested in participating in the project was then arranged. During a discussion with the school's traditional group, a TY student suggested 'Tabhair dom do Lámh' by Seán Ó Riada, which all agreed tied in seamlessly with their interpretation of this year’s theme. In The Sound of Music, the singing of 'Edelweiss' is a deeply emotional moment, providing comfort, unity and hope in a dark time. As it was in the story, the song for the group was more than just a beautiful melody; it was a powerful tool for them to express their grief, fostering emotional strength and bringing them together in a difficult time. Similarly, 'Tabhair Dom do Lámh' was symbolic of the support that they have been for each other. The piece finishes with a song that frames life as a dance, something that that is best done effortlessly and without overthinking. It reminds us to let go, embrace the moment and allow music to guide us. The song is also a fitting tribute to Liz Cahill, who danced her way through life with both enthusiasm and positivity.

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The King's Hospital School
Old Lucan Road, Dublin 20

Entry

Title 'The Keys of Life Medley'
Group KH Performing Arts Ensemble • First – Sixth Year

Addressing the Theme

For their entry, the school invited students to interpret the theme in their own ways, which led to a variety of ideas, including togetherness, acceptance, positivity, respect, family, music/dance and hard work. With these themes in mind, they decided the talents of several school ensembles and performers – including a rock band, a traditional group, the school’s choir and dancers – to create a piece that would highlight inclusivity and unity within the school community. Each group was asked to contribute a favourite song that aligned with the theme. The traditional group chose 'Cuireadh do Mhuire' (An Invitation to Mary), written by Máirtín Ó Direáin in 1942. Written at the height of World War II, when Ireland felt powerless amidst global turmoil, the song offered a message of hospitality and refuge, echoing the present-day plight of emigrants and asylum seekers. To bring it to life, a Sixth-Year student collaborated with a First-Year student to create an original dance piece that visually explored the themes of belonging, acceptance and a warm welcome to all. The rock band selected 'Let It Be' for its thematic connection, particularly the reference to 'Mother Mary' in Paul McCartney's lyrics. The song speaks to family, togetherness, hope, healing, and strength – key elements of their message. The students also developed a more upbeat, jazz-influenced version of the song, which allowed for improvisation and provided the dancers with the freedom to choreograph movements that matched its message. Finally, the choir selected 'The Rhythm of Life', a song that encourages perseverance, positivity and hard work – values that the students were also central to the theme. The lyrics, 'Flap your wings and fly up high, you can do it if you try' particularly resonated with the group.

Finalists Concert

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This section will include videos, in concert order, of the twelve Finalist groups performing in the Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition 2025 Finalists Concert in the National Concert Hall on 24 March 2025.

Finalists Concert Adjudicators

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Aedín Gormley

Aedín has been working in radio for most of her life. She first worked in Irish language broadcasting and then at RTÉ Radio 1, initially as a member of the Presentation Department and then as presenter of The Weekend on One. Aedín joined RTÉ lyric fm when the station was founded in 1999, and Movies and Musicals, her hugely popular show, has been there from the start. The show features a broad range of soundtracks from early classics, as well as contemporary scores. Aedín has interviewed a number of renowned actors and performers for the show, including Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, Mark Hamill, Colin Farrell, Colin Firth, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Blunt, Paul Mescal, Renée Zellweger and Elaine Stritch. She also loves talking to composers, and over the years she has chatted with John Barry, Lalo Schifrin, Hans Zimmer, Alan Menken, Michael Giacchino, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. During her time on RTE lyric fm, she has also presented the award-winning arts programmes Artszone, My Tunes and Sunday Matinée. And she now presents Aedín in the Afternoon on Fridays, featuring an eclectic range of music and entertainment news. She also loves collaborating with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, presenting concerts of film music and celebrating the world of musicals.

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Lisa Hannigan

Lisa is a renowned singer/songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. She began her music career in 2001 as a member of Damien Rice’s band, singing with Rice on his album 0 (2002) and later on his album 9 (2007), as well as playing guitar, bass and drums at different points. She also sang on Mic Christopher’s album Skylarkin', which was released after his death and won Best Irish album at the Meteor Awards in 2003. In 2005, Lisa and Rice co-wrote 'Unplayed Piano', which was released to support the Free Aung San Suu Kyi 60th Birthday Campaign. In 2006, she featured as part of The Cake Sale, a collective of Irish and international artists formed by Brian Crosby of Bell X1. They released a self-titled album in Ireland to raise money for Oxfam and the Irish Make Trade Fair campaign, and it was so successful that it was given an international release the following year. In 2008, Lisa released her debut solo album, Sea Sew, which was nominated for both a Choice Award in Ireland and a Mercury Music Prize in the UK. In 2011, Lisa released her second album, Passenger and in 2016, her acclaimed third album, At Swim. In 2019, she collaborated with the contemporary classical orchestra stargaze ('a musical match made in the heavens', according to the Irish Times) and released Live in Dublin. The music was performed at the National Concert Hall and the Barbican Centre, as well as at several European festivals. Lisa continues a fruitful solo musical career that has spanned 18 years and received a number of award nominations, both in Ireland and the United States.

Interval Act

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The Ocelots

The Ocelots are twin brothers Ashley and Brandon Watson from Wexford, now living in Leipzig, Germany. Formerly a school band, they learned their craft by playing blues standards and indie-rock songs during school lunchtimes. They started writing their own music from early on, influenced by the folk-rock sensibilities of Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. After finishing school, they released their first EP, Till We Get There, which hit more than 1.7 million streams. Over the next three years, backpacking and street-performing turned into extensive touring, headlining shows and festivals all over Europe and Australia. They joined the stage with artists such as Jack Johnson, Glen Hansard, Hudson Taylor and Kim Churchill, among many others.

The Ocelots' debut album, Started to Wonder, was released In March 2020 – the result of endless touring and over-exposure to paperback fiction. In July 2023, they released Addlepated, an EP leaning into their more whimsical influences such as Midlake and Sufjan Stevens. And in November 2023, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, they returned to Ireland to record Everything, When Said Slowly. Recorded live in Orphan Recordings, Wexford by Gavin Glass (Lisa Hannigan / BellX1 / David Keenan / John Grant / Villagers), the album was produced and mixed by long-time collaborators and sometimes band members, Cillian and Lorcan Byrne (Basciville) and mastered by Julia Borelli.

'Rich in spellbinding harmonies, The Ocelots second album, Everything, When Said Slowly, takes indie-folk in a compelling new direction. Overall, an impressively honest and poignant piece of work.'
– Hot Press

The Ocelots have built a reputation for dynamic, intimate concerts, filled with humour and storytelling, and we're delighted that they can join us as the interval act of the 2025 Finalists Concert.