Last week, Anna Murphy (15) from Mullingar joined signers from all over Ireland on The Curragh to record their Irish Sign Language (ISL) version of Sing A Song to Brigid.
Now available on YouTube, Mikey Aldridge directed the choir comprising of deaf teenagers from around the country and members of Athy Sing and Sign Club.
Chairperson Maggie Owens and ISL Consultant Wendy Murray put the hearing and deaf performers through their paces on the chilly Kildare plains and more than one car had to be rerouted on the day but the choir were delighted with the result.
“It’s great to do an ISL song to St Brigid,” Maggie said, noting that the sign language became Ireland’s third official national language in 2017 and St Brigid’s day became a national holiday in 2020. “Most of Athy Sing and Sign are hearing and learning ISL has opened doors for them, with one girl going on to be an interpreter. There will be one sign about St Brigid every day for the month of February on Athy Sing and Sign socials.”
“I loved doing the sign language for St Brigid’s Day and it was good to see my friends,” Anna said, who attended Presentation Junior School, Loughegar NS and Loreto College before moving to school in Dublin.
To see more ISL videos visit Athy Sing and Sign on YouTube or visit www.athysingandsignclub.com
Check out the video here: