The much anticipated Siansa Gael Linn 2019 final will take place in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, 7 April next,  and will see close contest between eight groups, with representation from Counties Derry, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Mayo and Sligo!

This is the climax of the competition which is organized annually by Gael Linn, with support from Irish Music Magazine and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.  Siansa showcases the cream of young Irish traditional musical and singing talent, all through the medium of Irish, and attracts groups of the highest caliber year after year. Out of an initial entry of over 60 groups for the 2019 competition, the eight finalists qualified through two preliminary rounds of the competition since December last. They are:  ‘Léargas’, County Tipperary, ‘Lonrach’, County Laois, ‘Tigh Tara’, Loreto College, Coleraine, County Derry, ‘Finscéal’, County Limerick, ‘Cuisle’, County Clare, ‘Aontacht’, County Sligo and two groups from Mayo, ‘Siar’ and ‘Ildánach’. On the big night, each group will play their own ten to twelve minute selection of traditional music, along with a song in Irish, arranged in a new and innovative way, on the National Concert Hall stage.

Providing help and encouragement to these lucky groups on their way to the final were renowned traditional musicians, Kerry flute-player and singer, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, and fiddle-player, Bernadette Nic Gabhann from County Meath. Joining them at the adjudicator’s table for the final will be the highly-respected musician, Seán McElwain, who hails from County Monaghan, a member of the acclaimed group ‘Téada’. The groups will be judged on their overall performance on the night, incorporating choice of music, arrangement, singing and ensemble playing.

With a generous prizefund of €4,500, there is no doubt but that there will be a high standard of music and fierce competition at the event. €2,500 and the specially-designed Siansa Gael Linn trophy will be awarded to the overall winners, those in second place will be awarded €1,250 while the group in third place will receive €750!  Each participant will also be presented with a small memento of the occasion.

The concert will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, starting at 7.30p.m., and will be compered by the station’s popular presenter, Áine Hensey.

Gael Linn has been promoting Irish traditional music and song in tandem with the Irish language for more than 65 years and Siansa is nurturing the stars of the future. Previous participants include Niamh Dunne ( Beoga ), Neil Ní Chróinín
( Danú ), Radie Peat (Lankum ), The Bonnymen and Niamh Farrell ( Project West ).

Tickets for the event are on sale in the National Concert Hall - 01:4170000 /www.nch.ie.