King's coronation: 'Our choirgirls from Northern Ireland did their home Province proud'

The schoolgirls from Northern Ireland who sang at King Charles’ coronation did their home Province proud, one of their teachers has said.
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By Adam Kula
Published 8th May 2023, 17:15 BST
Updated 9th May 2023, 09:23 BST

​But whilst the eight pupils of Methody in Belfast have earned plaudits for their choral contributions to the Saturday service in Westminster Abbey, there is little rest for them – some are starting exams today.

The girls – seven main singers, plus a reservist – had been over in London from April 27 up to coronation day itself: an unbroken 10-day stretch, during which they were rehearsing about five hours per day (with only a single day off in that time).

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Speaking to the News Letter on Monday, Methody’s head of music for the last 22 years, Ruth McCartney, said: "It's been pretty full-on. But time just flew in, there was so much going on - it was terrific.

Four of the seven Methody schoolgirls, identified by their navy uniforms, among the ranks of the choral singers during the coronation (the other three were on the opposite benches)Four of the seven Methody schoolgirls, identified by their navy uniforms, among the ranks of the choral singers during the coronation (the other three were on the opposite benches)
Four of the seven Methody schoolgirls, identified by their navy uniforms, among the ranks of the choral singers during the coronation (the other three were on the opposite benches)

"They handled it extremely well, because they're all bright girls, and they were chosen after a really thorough audition process: not just for their ability to sing, but their ability to cope under stress, mix well, and just do the job.

"Not one of them gave us any bother on the trip. They just did exactly what they were supposed to do and worked very, very hard.

"We're just tired and emotional to be honest.

"We've been on-the-go so long, and they have their A/S, A2s, and GCSEs coming – some of them starting tomorrow [Tuesday]!”

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Ruth McCartney, during rehearsalsRuth McCartney, during rehearsals
Ruth McCartney, during rehearsals

That final group of seven girls (plus an eighth stand-in) were all aged from 16 to 18, and had been whittled down from 60 auditionees.

They tackled some 18 piece of music in all, and were “the first girls to sing in any coronation,” said Mrs McCartney – adding that she hopes they know “how proud we are of them... certainly they represented Northern Ireland very well”.

Was there ever a moment she felt they couldn’t do it?”

"Not really, because we'd done the groundwork and knew they were sounding good,” Mrs McCartney replied.

"We left knowing they'd do a good job."

The girls in question are: Hannah Gheel, Hannah Harvey, Evie Mills, Nia Phelan, Maggie Gilmartin, Sarah Johnston, Emily Wilson, and Lydia Finnegan in reserve.

They were also accompanied by music teacher Lynda Rolston, and accompanist Graeme McCullough.

Related topics:ProvinceNorthern IrelandKing CharlesBelfast