Siansa Gael Linn Young Musician Awards, National Concert Hall, Sunday, April 26, 2015
‘GLÓR MHAIGH EO” CHAMPIONS
GAEL LINN TROPHY AND €2,500 AWARD
“Glór Mhaigh Eo” from Davitt College, Castlebar, Co Mayo are Siansa Gael Linn Champions for 2015
A packed National Concert Hall audience roared their approval when this year’s Siansa Gael Linn winners took to the stage to be presented with their Gael Linn Trophy and cheque for €2,500. Dublin band, “Na Rógairí” from Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan took second place award and a cheque for €1,250 while “Faoiseamh” from Corofin, Co Clare came third, receiving €750.
Earlier, eight groups vied for the coveted annual award on the same stage. The unique Siansa formula of competition and musical talent had kept a 1,000 audience enthralled while many more listened to the live broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta presented by Áine Hensey.
“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” said a delighted Katie Sweeney, group mentor. “I knew if it was down to music, a strong sean-nós element and good Irish speakers we would be in with a chance. I would like to thank Davitt College for the great help and support they gave the band which got us to this stage.
“I would also like to thank Siansa. There is no competition like it. It sets out a challenge to musicians to be innovative and creative with traditional music, something which no other competition demands. Siansa also encourages team work which helps develop the group and its music.”
Renowned traditional musicians Dónal O’Connor, Mary Bergin and Mark Kelly, were the three judges with the hard task of picking the winners and were delighted and full of praise for the the high standard of music shown by all of the groups.
Gael Linn CEO Antoine Ó Coileáin said Siansa Gael Linn shows the strong bond between traditional music and the Irish language.
“All the young musicans are able to display their musical prowess and an ease in communicating in Irish among themselves and with the competition organisers,” he commented.
He was encouraged by the high standard of singing in Irish, an aspect that has significantly improved down the years.
He thanked Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine for their ongoing support of the competition.
On behalf of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha congratulated the musicians, their mentors and Gael Linn for the all-round standards achieved.
“RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta are very pleased to be associated with this competition which gives support and recognition to young musicians from all over the country. We applaud the work they have put into this competition and the high standard of musicianship they put before us tonight.”
Robert Heuston of Irish Music Magazine echoed these sentiments.
“Siansa Gael Linn is now one of the music highlights of the year. I congratulate Gael Linn and Irish Music Magazine is delighted to be associated with it.”
• Highlights of Siansa Gael Linn 2015 by Red Shoe Productions will be broadcast on TG4 Wednesday, May 6 next at 8pm.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Seán Ó Mainnín Tel. 087-2220241
email: mannions@mac.com
