The excitement and build-up to the show was incredible and it wasn’t long before the big night came around. All five-hundred tickets sold out within a couple of days. Ms Gleeson and Ms Lee had beautifully decorated the stage in a Christmas theme and dressed all involved in a colourful variety of outfits and costumes. Sixth years Ben Murphy and Joey Irwin provided a perfect combination of class and humour in introducing each act, presenting a polished show from start to finish.

We were delighted and honoured to welcome back retired teacher, Gerry Ferguson, who produced countless Bish productions down through the years, to act as a judge for Bish Bash. Gerry, along with Clodagh Brennan and Kevin Higgins, generously doled out insightful advice to all of the performers of the show. As a tribute to all of the hard work that Gerry put in over the years, and in memory of his late wife, the trophy for the ‘Bish Bash’ is named ‘The Gerry and Betty Ferguson Perpetual Trophy’.

After all of the acts had performed, while the judges deliberated and the audience’s votes were tallied, past pupil Phillip Trill enthralled and delighted the audience with his magic show. This was followed by a fantastic performance by finalists of The All Ireland Talent Show, ‘Cosa Beoga’, who wowed everyone with their spectacular dance-act.

Third-prize runners-up on the night were sixth years Andrew Ishmael, Stephen Nolan, Brian Fleming and Mark Goulding for their performance of Afternoon Delight. Second place runners up, dubbed by the audience on the night N-M-C, were fifth years Niall McCarra, Darragh Sweeney, Ross Kerrigan, and Keith Daly with their mash-up performance of Heartless/Show Me a Good Time/Magic.

The star of the evening, however, was undoubtedly first year Paul McWilliams, whose rousing performance of O Holy Night melted the hearts of everyone present, resulting in a moving and well-deserved standing ovation and calls for an encore performance at the end of the night.

‘Bish Bash’ was an extraordinary success, providing a platform for so many students to showcase their talents. Much credit goes to the many teachers who produced the show and indeed to all of the students involved on- and off-stage.

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