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Success in National Burns Competition

Local boy, Liam Kearney (aged 13), from Milton, Glasgow, scooped the top award

of ‘Young Burnsian’ at the Robert Burns World Federation Scottish Schools Competition held on Saturday 23 March at Irvine Royal Academy.

Liam progressed to this competition after being successful in the Trades House of Glasgow’s Burns Festival, winning 1^st place in Verse Speaking S1 – S6.

Liam’s mum, Elizabeth Kearney, said: “We are still a bit shell shocked at Liam’s success! All of the 120 children that took part are wonderfully talented, particularly at this advanced level of competition so it is a wonderful achievement and we are delighted.”

Not only did Liam win First Place in Recitations for S1/2 category, he also won the Best Recitation over all categories, and then capped it off by being named ‘Young Burnsian of the Year, beating off very strong competition from singers, instrumentalists and pipers.

Elizabeth continued: “Being part of the Trades House Burns Festival has been very rewarding for Liam and hugely beneficial. He was introduced to Burns by his teacher, Mrs Liz Boville at St Monica’s Primary School in Milton, who instilled in him a real passion for the subject and self-confidence in his ability. He has put this to good use, raising £600 for Glasgow City Missions homeless Christmas meals appeal by carrying out a programme of different recitals supported by four venues around the city.”

Elizabeth said; “Hopefully Liam’s experiences inspires children to participate in the competitions held at the Trades House and other venues, and encourages schools to enter by showing the education authorities the benefits it can bring - not just to the children but also to the community.”

Liam has taken part in the Trades House Burns’ Festival for the last five years. He now attends St Aloysius’ College in Glasgow, whose senior pupils assist with stewarding during the Festival.

Bob McDonald, Co-ordinator of the Trades House Robert Burns Festival, said: “We are all delighted that Liam got the top prize at the National Awards – it is a huge achievement which he absolutely deserves as he is so dedicated and hard working. Liam’s skills in verse speaking are quite remarkable: he is very talented.”

Since his winning streak started five years ago, Liam and other participants have been invited to perform at various events such as the Scottish Food Trade Association Annual Dinner, The Trades House Burns Supper and most recently at Spirit Aero Systems Charity Burns Supper at Ayr Race Course.