By Diarmaid Doherty
IT’S not often that an Ed Sheeran music video can bring a Donegal ETB Board meeting to a stop.
At Monday’s monthly meeting, board members were treated to a video of the pop singer’s song ‘Magical’ from his latest album ‘Autumn Variations’.
The video was put together by students and staff at Finn Valley College and their entry was included in a competition where the singer asked schools to create a music video for a song of their choice on his new album.
The school was chosen as one of the winners from over 4,000 entries and as members were told at Monday’s meeting, Finn Valley College has been thrown into the public spotlight after Sheeran recently officially released the video.
Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh led the praise for the staff and students after the video was shown at Monday’s meeting.
“It’s all so natural and I think that’s probably what sold it for Ed Sheeran,” she said.
“It’s a terrific achievement for them and it shows the school and ourselves in a good light.”
Board member Joanne Donaghy admitted to being brought to tears when she first saw the video.
“There’s something so beautiful about it,” she said.
“It’s like everything you want a school to be when you watch the video.
“It’s so warm, and the pupils really look like they are enjoying school life – that’s what it’s all about.”
Director of Schools, Dr Martin Gormley said the idea to enter the competition came from SNA Edel Temple and she was then supported in the project by teacher Martina Garry.
“It was a great experience for the students but I’d also like to acknowledge the staff members.
“Our students won’t get these opportunities unless you have staff there that are pushing them and encouraging them,” he said.
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