The First-Class pupils of the Convent Junior School, Castleblayney, are pictured at the launch of SING! An anti-litter singing competition in the Íontas Theatre on Tuesday, April 21, where they recorded the Biodiversity Song. This is a Monaghan Co Council initiative. Back (from left) Veronica Trehy, principal; Bernie McMahon, A/Environmental Awareness Officer; Dr Patricia McCreesh, Biodiversity Officer; Robert Burns, Monaghan Co Council Chief Executive; Cllr Noel Keelan; Director of Services Nial O’Connor; Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Co Council, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon; Cllr Aidan Campbell; Gerard O’Callaghan, Green-Schools Co-ordinator and Niall Malone, Administrative Officer, Environment Section.

Singing the praises of biodiversity

Veronica Corr

Published: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 11:04 AM

“We have to keep birds and bees and all the insects alive,” Arthur, a first class pupil from the Convent Junior School in Castleblayney said when asked why biodiversity is important. His classmates and teachers congregated in Íontas on Tuesday morning, April 21, next door to their school, to record the ‘Biodiversity Song’.

Sadie really enjoyed the experience of singing with her friends from school too: “It’s fun,” she said.

Teacher Aileen Cullinane of the Green Schools Committee explained: “We’ve got a Green Flag in Biodiversity, and the song was part of that project. The children helped to write the song and they’re recording it today.”

Miss Sandra Clarke and the Green Schools Committee also lent a hand.

The children were there to launch Monaghan Co Council’s primary school anti-litter singing competition entitled ‘SING!’ spearheaded by Bernie McHugh. She said how the local authority is proud of the work schools do to promote positive environmental actions.

The response to the call-out for an original song or putting new lyrics to an existing melody was “amazing”.

Ten schools from across the county will take part in the grand final in Íontas Theatre, Castleblayney on Friday, May 8, at 10am. The adjudicators are Gerald Callaghan, Green Schools Co-ordinator, and acclaimed local singer-songwriter Brendan McCahey.

Thanking the children, Cathaoirleach, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon hoped that the children weren’t too disappointed to be spending the morning out of school: “It’s very important to keep our streets and countryside clean. I know you’ll do an awful lot of that when you get older,” he said.

Chief Executive, Robert Burns, praised the positive energy the children brought to such events. “We all want to live in a place that’s nice, clean and tidy. It doesn’t just happen; we have to actually work at it.”

He remarked how children often teach adults how to be more environmentally responsible. “I think we’re taking a cue from the next generation. We’re trying to leave it in a good place for them until they’re old enough to take it on themselves.”

He commended Bernie and her team for the innovative way they are promoting the anti-litter message.

Introducing the children to perform their original song, Bernie said it would have a shame not to record it given there were 75 pupils involved.

With the support of principal Veronica Trehy and biodiversity officer, Dr Patricia McCreesh, the seed was set.

“It’s crucial that we all understand the importance of nature in our lives and there’s nobody better to do this through than children,” said Dr McCreesh.

“They really are the ones, sadly, who will bear the brunt of the biodiversity crisis. To see them embrace the whole theme of biodiversity and to bring it to life through the song, it’s just incredible really and so inspiring.”