News

Young trad musicians scoop third prize at NCH

May 5th, 2016 10:06 PM

By Kieran O'Mahony

Members of ‘Gluaiseacht' at the Siansa Gael Linn Final in the NCH were (back, from left): Máire Ní Chiaraigh, Shane Ó Scanlán, Tomás Palmer, Hannah Ní Choileáin, Ciarán Ó Frinnseach and (front) Helen Ní Chocláin, Olive Ní Mhathuna, Máire Treasa Ní Chocláin.

Share this article

A West Cork trad group scooped one of the top prizes in a national music competition having entered it for the first time. 

A WEST Cork trad group scooped one of the top prizes in a national music competition having entered it for the first time. 

Gluaiseacht, which is made up of eight young musicians from West Cork, won the third prize of €750 at the recent All-Ireland Final of Siansa Gael Linn in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. 

They were one of eight finalists selected out of an initial entry of 50 groups. Delighted to be among the prizewinners, the members of Gluaiseacht paid particular tribute to local music teacher Danny Collins from Reenascreena who helped them prepare.

The group comprises Shane Scanlan and Olive O’Mahony from Newcestown; Thomas Palmer from Clonakilty; Helen Coughlan, Mary Therese Coughlan and Hannah Collins from Skibbereen; Marie Carey from Kilcoe and Ciarán French from Leap.

The Siansa combination of competition and performance kept an audience of over 1,000 people enthralled during the evening, while those at home were able to listen to the live broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, presented by Áine Hensey.

Gael Linn CEO Antoine Ó Coileáin praised the groups and their mentors who brought the standard of musicianship and song in this year’s final to a new level.

‘We in Gael Linn have been promoting Irish traditional music and song for more than 60 years. 

Through our record label, we bring artists such as Seosamh Ó hÉanaigh, Seán Ó Riada, Clannad, Téada and other greats to a worldwide audience. Siansa is discovering the stars of the future,’ said Antoine.

A special programme featuring highlights from the Siansa Gael Linn final will be screened on TG4 on Sunday May 1st at 5.25pm.

Share this article