Lip Synch battle raises funds for major development at a Tipperary secondary school
Presentation Secondary School Clonmel
Presentation Secondary School in Clonmel hosted the Pres Lip Sync Battle 2025 in Hotel Minella. The event was a fundraiser in aid of the Presentation Sports Complex Development Fund.
Phase One of the sports complex was officially opened in December 2024 by former principal, Michael O’ Loughlin. Phase two of the Sports Complex is currently in the planning stages. The money raised from the Lip Sync event will support the further development of this facility as a cornerstone of wellbeing, fun, physical health, and community engagement for generations to come.
The event was produced and choreographed by Tracey O’ Leary and Keisha O’ Shea, both teachers at Presentation Secondary School.
There were eleven competing acts on the night comprised of groups from Sisters of Charity, Presentation Primary School, Gaelscoil Chluain Meala, Busy Bees, Presentation Secondary School, Tipperary Ladies GAA, Clonmel Hockey Club, and parents of Pres students.
Audience members were treated to a night of energetic dance routines, outrageous props, and creative costumes all of which accompanied word perfect lip syncing to smash hits such as Rolling in the Deep, Uptown Girl, I’m a Barbie Girl, and Super Trooper.
The event was expertly compèred by Mr. Derek O’ Mahoney, with insightful feedback provided by three judges – Mr. Henry James Fitzgerald, Cllr. Máirín McGrath, and Mr. Keith Dwyer Greene. The half time entertainment was provided by students of Presentation Secondary School including the Transition Year Drama Group, Mia McCarthy (3rd Year) and Daisy Mai Weymouth, Leah Byrne, and Caoimhe Condon.
The Presentation Secondary School Media Team added to the entertainment by hosting Instagram Live interviews, and creating fun, memorable moments for audience members with their props and selfie station.
The winning act was determined by an weighted combination of online votes and judges’ scores. The Hockapellas, representing the Clonmel Hockey Club were the overall winners on the night. This group displayed intricate choreography, convincing lip syncing, and beautifully coordinated costumes, making them deserved winners on the night. Other prizes awarded on the night were for Best Costumes” which went to Dolly’s Divas, representing the Sisters of Charity, and Best Stage Presence which went to D’Mammies, representing the parents of Presentation Secondary students.
Finally, a live rendition of Sweet Caroline led by Derek O’ Mahoney roused audiences, judges, and staff members to their feet ending what was a spectacular night with a memorable ‘sing-song’ with over 600 people.
Jenny Williams, newly appointed principal of Presentation Secondary School Clonmel, closed the night’s proceedings with a brief speech thanking everyone who was involved in the Lip Sync Battle, including a special mention for the generous sponsors of the event, in particular John and Liz from Hotel Minella.