Press Releases
Organ Scholarship Certificates Presented in Armagh
On Sunday 13 September 2026, certificates were presented to five organists from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Armagh who have completed three years of tuition on the Archbishop Gregg Organ Scholarship.
The presentations took place during Choral Evensong in St Patrick’s Cathedral, when the scholarship tutor, Mr Derick Weir BMus, presented the candidates to Archdeacon Peter Thompson to receive their awards. The successful candidates are from the parishes of Tullanisken, Ballymore, Drogheda and Crossdernott.
Derick Weir said, “It was wonderful to see each of the students develop over the duration of the scholarship. From those first lessons, when there was understandably some initial apprehension about learning and remembering all that the organ has to offer, to planning and playing for numerous services, the scholarship opened up many areas for growth and exploration, tailored to each individual student. Each student has grown in confidence, musicianship and their knowledge of music for the Church of Ireland liturgy. I offer my warmest congratulations to each of the students and pray that they will continue to seek God’s guidance as they further develop their skills and enrich their congregations through their music–making.”
Archdeacon Peter Thompson added, “Music plays an integral and important part in our worship. The scriptures record Jesus and his disciples singing psalms, and the early church singing hymns of praise. For almost 2,000 years the music of Christian worship has resounded, and it is so encouraging to see young musicians continuing to train, not simply as performers, but as those who are skilled and equipped to lead the people of God in corporate worship. I also offer my warmest congratulations to those who have received their certificates, and I look forward to seeing many more offer their time and talents in this way in the years ahead.”
Applications for the scholarship can be considered at any time. Further information is available from the Armagh Diocesan Office, by e–mailing [email protected]