St Kevin's College, Lisnaskea had the honour of hosting a significant cultural event on Monday 29 April 2024, with the esteemed presence of Mayor Wu Zhiling of Huangshi City Hubei, Madame Zheng, the Chinese Consul General to Northern Ireland and Dr Yan Liu, Head of the Confucius Institute NI. The event was a vibrant celebration of connections and shared traditions between Ireland and China, featuring performances that showcased the talents of the Lisnaskea pupils.
The event commenced with the arrival of Madame Zheng, Mayor Wu and Dr Liu, followed by speeches from Chairman Thomas O'Reilly, Principal Gary Kelly, and the esteemed guests from the Chinese consulate. The day unfolded with a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, starting with a dual-language welcome in Irish and Mandarin, symbolizing friendship and mutual respect presented by a number of college pupils who had taken part in the school's trip to China, including Head Boy Alex Hughes. The highlights included an Irish harp solo by Kiera McCabe, Irish Music performed by the St Kevin’s College Trad Group, energetic displays of Gaelic sports by pupils, and the unique art of Sichuan Opera face-changing by Miss Zhang Jingyi. The performances also featured St Kevin's Irish dancers, the college's choir, and a touching rendition of "The Galway Shawl" by a group of talented students.
A special Chinese lunch provided a culinary exchange, further emphasizing the theme of cultural sharing and hospitality. The event not only celebrated the existing partnership between St Kevin's College, the Confucius Institute NI, and China but also highlighted its role in fostering Mandarin language learning and appreciation for Chinese culture among its students and the fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Lisnaskea pupils to visit China.
This memorable day was a testament to the strong cultural and educational ties that have been nurtured over the years, reinforcing the friendship and collaboration between the people of Fermanagh and Huangshi. St Kevin's College extends its deepest gratitude to Mayor Wu, Madame Zheng, Dr Liu and all who contributed to this enriching exchange of culture and traditions.