Scoil Acla entered the world famous Guinness Book of World Record after they were formally credited with having the largest ensemble of tin whistle players playing the same tune in one place.
The world record attempt took place on July 31 2010 when close to 2,000 people descended onto Keel beach in Achill to take part in the event which was part of Scoil Acla’s centenary celebrations. Scoil Acla is Ireland’s oldest summer school having been established in 1910.
The event of this type had never been attempted so there was going to be a world record regardless but the organisers were hoping for over 1,000 to be involved.
The Guinness World Records notified Scoil Acla that they had set a new world record with 1,015 participants officially taking part, and all playing ‘Fáinne Geal an Lae’ which means The Breaking of the Day.
The committee of the Scoil Acla World Record Attempt were delighted to have the attempt officially recognised by Guinness World Records even if they put the location down as Keel, Achill Island, Ireland, UK – which is ironic given that ‘Fáinne Geal an Lae’ is a metaphor for a new dawn in Irish Independence.
Diarmuid Gielty, Cathaoirleach Scoil Acla said it was a great achievement for everyone involved and was one of the highlights of the Scoil Acla Centenary Celebrations.
“We are delighted with the notification that 1,015 people were involved even if close to 2,000 people were on the beach. As an official record we can now use the official logo and trademark and let everyone know what we achieved.”
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