TG4 cameras rolls at St Mary’s in Ballina

TG4 cameras rolls at St Mary’s in Ballina


IT was ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ at St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina, as the TG4 film crew visited to film for young adult show, Ponc XL last week.
The cameras captured a once-in-a-lifetime ‘teacher versus student’ Tug of War challenge with teachers even donning fancy dress to get into the festive spirit for the Christmas special to be broadcast on December 18 next.
The Irish language show will also feature five key areas of school achievement including successes in sport, music, enterprise, scholastic, fund-raising and the Gaisce award programme.  
School Principal, Mrs Patsy Sweeney, said the school was ‘thrilled’ to be involved in the show, Ponc XL.
“In a year that has seen the school achieve national titles and earn another Guinness World Record, win the Tom Collins Trophy for fundraising for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital and scoop the Naughton Scholarship, we have also welcomed such illustrious visitors as An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin and Hector Ó hEochagΡin, so it is apt that the visit of TG4 bookends the year. Ponc XL will record the milestones of 2012 in out native tongue which makes it even more special.
“We really are honoured that the programme has selected our school for its Christmas special,” she added.
Irish teacher, Mr Denis Feeley, said: “We are delighted TG4 are visiting the school. It is fantastic promotion for the Irish language and endorses a positive atmosphere between the students and teachers.”
Colleague and fellow Irish teacher, Ms Michelle Harrison, added: “This experience will promote TG4 and will serve as an incentive to tune into Irish language programmes.  It is a great opportunity for the students to experience the world of television through Irish.”
Several students also got the opportunity to speak as gaelige for the television show, as both students and teachers were interviewed about the school’s various achievements.
The all-girls secondary school is no stranger to television cameras, after featuring on TV3’s Ireland AM just last month, to mark its achievements in fundraising for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, through the Kellogg’s Fund Raise 4 Kids Programme.