Progress was good, so good in fact that a room in Belfast city centre was hired and the first full time Director of Music, Adam Donaghy was appointed in 1945. Under Adam's guidance the choir grew rapidly in competence. The membership became larger and more dedicated, the scene of men coming directly from work in boiler suits and overalls was a common one such was the enthusiasm, which pertains to this day. The decisive moment had arrived, the choir entered for Larne Competitive Music Festival and in a strong class entry won first place with an average of 92 marks.

             This was the first of a succession of awards won at music festivals in the British Isles, the list is an impressive one. Harlandic have won the BBC 'Let the People Sing' competition a record four times and have represented the United Kingdom in the European finals of that competition on three occasions.