The competition for the Seán Ó Riada 2017 Gold Medal is now open to entries from metal reed instruments – box, concertina and mouth organ etc.

The winner will be awarded the gold medal, and prize money of €2500, at a gala concert in Cork in January to be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

The closing date for entries is 29 September 2017.

15 musicians will be shortlisted, and they will be invited to take part in a gala concert on 2 February 2018 in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork, where the winner will be chosen.  The shortlist will be announced on 1 December.

To enter:

• Record 5 pieces of music
• Upload them to www.cuireadhchunceoil.ie , or alternatively burn them to CD and send them by post (see details on website)
• Final date for entry: 29 September 2017Cormac Begley was the musician who last took home the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal for this instrument category in the competition four years ago.

Over the next few months Peadar Ó Riada will play some of the best entries on his weekly traditional music programme Cuireadh chun Ceoil on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on Fridays at 7 pm.  Listeners can also register with the website www.cuireadhchunceoil.ie to hear the entries.