Slane National School students help break world record

Pupils from Slane National School were among hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren who broke the world record for singing simultaneously. Some 177 Slane pupils joined in the world record attempt, which was broadcast on radio stations throughout Ireland and the UK. The final tally for the number of children to sing simultaneously has yet to be verified but it is believed that well over 600,000 children sang the Des"ree song 'Ya Gotta Be" at 2.45pm on Thursday, to break the existing Guinness World Record of 293,978 children all singing simultaneously. The 'Big Sing" was open to both primary and secondary schools and every child that participated was asked to donate €1 in order to raise money for Special Olympics Ireland and Childline. Over 3,510 schools in Ireland and the UK participated in the event, including a number in Meath. According to Slane teacher, Aoibhinn Mulqueen, there was great excitement on Thursday as the countdown to the event began and the pupils put in a fine performance. The choir consisted of pupils from all classes from first class upwards and the song took five minutes to sing. The record set on Thursday is expected to be included in next year"s Guinness Book of World Records.