WORLD-renowned opera singer Angela Feeney performed during a special event celebrating local history and music at Coláiste Feirste on Thursday.

West Belfast-born soprano Angela has forged an exceptional international career, making a profound impact on global and local arts communities.

She was the first Irish soprano to be engaged by the Munich State Opera and boasts celebrated performances with the prestigious English National Opera and the Berlin State Opera.

On Thursday morning she presented the school with an historic Irish language book, 'The Irish Language in Rathlin Island by Nils Magnus Holmer' and and an Italian-made violin owned by her husband, and famous orchestral player, Professor Nikolaus Grüger.

Angela Feeney and Coláiste Feirste Principal Mícheál Mac Giolla Ghunna
2Gallery

Angela Feeney and Coláiste Feirste Principal Mícheál Mac Giolla Ghunna

Angela then performed two songs, 'Habanera' from George Bizet’s Carmen and Irish language song 'Fill, Fill a Rún' for the audience in attendance.

Speaking to the Andersonstown News, Angela said: "It is my first time visiting Coláiste Feirste and I am so happy to be here.

"I was absolutely honoured to present the school with the two gifts. The violin belonged to my late husband. He bought it just before he died and I thought Coláiste Feirste would be a perfect home for it.

"The book I am sure it will be an important resource for the students.

"I was so impressed with the performance of the Coláiste Feirste students. When I see people who are so willing and so articulate and talented, it makes me really happy."

Coláiste Feirste Principal Micheál Mac Giolla Ghunna said: “We were delighted to welcome Dr Feeney to the school for what an exceptional homecoming performance.

“Not only was it an opportunity for our pupils to share a stage with someone at the pinnacle of musical theatre; it is also a chance to celebrate and reflect on our language, culture and history.

“Angela's connection to the Irish language community runs deep. Her late grandmother Bella McKenna (née McCurdy) was the last native Irish speaker from Rathlin, and her father Billy was an active supporter of our first Irish medium school, Bunscoil Phobal Feirste."

Moya Ní Dhúgáin, Heritage and Archive Officer with Gaelstair, an Irish-language heritage and archiving project added: "We are so grateful to Angela Feeney for coming to Coláiste Feirste and particularly for presenting the book on the Irish language in Rathlin.

"It is a very important book. The Irish language unfortunately doesn't exist there anymore and we don't want to see this happen anywhere else in Ireland.

"We hope that this event today will inspire the next generation of Gaeilgeoirí to pursue studies in the arts."