Siansa Gael Linn Young Musician Awards, National Concert Hall, Sunday, April 14, 2013
WATERFORD GROUP “NUADA”STRIKES ALL THE RIGHT NOTES TO WIN ALL-IRELAND FINAL
GROUP RECEIVES GAEL LINN TROPHY FROM PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. HIGGINS WHO PRAISES STANDARD OF COMPETITION
OCCASION MARKS GAEL LINN’S 60th ANNIVERSARY
A GROUP OF young people from An Rinn Gaeltacht, Co Waterford were music to both President Michael D Higgins’s and the judge’s ears as their group, “Nuada” carried away the All-Ireland Siansa Gael Linn 2013 award for young traditional musicians before a packed National Concert Hall in Dublin Sunday,. (April 14). Two Dublin groups, “Frioscaí” from Raheny and “Na Fátaí Fánacha” from Coláiste Eoin/Íosagáin in Stillorgan came second and third respectively.
Eight groups from all over the country took to the stage, pitting their musical talents against each other with their own styles and arrangements of traditional music numbers. The atmosphere was so electric among the attentive 1,000 plus audience of supporters and music lovers you could hear a note drop. But there was little of that heard either by the National Concert Hall audience or the listeners to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta which broadcast the event live.
In the end it was seven students from Meánscoil San Nioclás that struck all the right notes with the judges. There were scenes of emotion as the band member, Pax Ó Foláin,was presented with the Gael Linn trophy by President Michael D Higgins onstage. The group had also become €2,500 richer after picking up the handsome cheque for first prize.
Pax Ó Faoláin could hardly keep his emotions back afterwards. “I wasn’t expecting it. When I heard I thought I would explode. It took a few minutes to sink in. The standard of the other groups was unbelievably high.”
So what will “Nuada” be spending the €2,500 first prize cheque on” Pax laughed. “I haven’t even thought about it but I’m sure it will go towards something to do with music in the school.”
Edel Ní Chuireáin was much taken with the standard on stage. “When you listen to these performances you know in your heart it’s a good sign for music in the future. That’s the important thing about Siansa. Gael Linn and all the teachers involved deserve great credit for giving us a day like today. RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta are delighted and proud to be associated with Siansa.”
Edel’s sentiments were echoed by Robert Heuston of Irish Music Magazine, “Siansa is one of the leading events in the Irish music calendar. We are delighted to be associated with it and acknowledge Gael Linn’s contribution over their 60 years.”
It was a double-celebration for Gael Linn, the competition organisers. The Siansa 2013’s success also marked their 60th anniversary of promoting the Irish language and its heritage. In his address Gael Linn CEO, Antoine Ó Coileáin had expressed his appreciation to President Michael D Higgins for honouring the occasion with his presence. Mr Ó Coileáin spoke of how Siansa “uniquely showcases Irish music and Irish song by the young musicians, all through the medium of Irish.”
“Siansa Gael Linn is a musical highlight of the calendar for young musicians. As we celebrate Gael Linn’s 60th anniversary, we acknowledge its many achievements over the years in the music world.
He thanked Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine for their ongoing support of the competition.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Seán Ó Mainnín 087 2220241
/ 091 869961 /mannions@mac.com
