Two Mayo groups among the Siansa Gael Linn 2019 finalists

Two teenage traditional music groups from County Mayo will be among the cream of young musical and singing talent who will take to the National Concert Hall stage on Sunday, April 7, for the Siansa Gael Linn 2019 final.

This is the climax of the competition which is organised annually by Gael Linn, with support from Irish Music Magazine and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Siansa uniquely showcases traditional Irish music and song by young musicians, all through the medium of Irish, and attracts groups of the highest calibre year after year.

This year’s final will see close contest between eight groups, with representation from Counties Derry, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Sligo, and two from Mayo.

Out of an initial entry of over 60 groups for the competition, the eight finalists qualified through two preliminary rounds of the competition since December last.

The members of 'Ildánach' and 'Siar' proclaimed themselves 'over the moon' to have been chosen to represent Mayo ! 'Ildánach' is made up of musicians from Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and Killala - Domhnall Ó Ruaidh, Jeremy Ó Bolguidhir, Shauna Ní Bholguidhir, Seán Ó Lochráin, Marc Ó Bolguidhir, Séadna Ó Domhnaill, Ciara Ní Mhuirí and Clíodhna Ní hAonghusa. 'Siar' comprises members from Achill, Newport, Lahardane and Castlebar - Pádraig Mac Eachmharcaigh, Deirdre Seoighe,Conor Mac Eachmharcaigh, Maitiú Ó Duilleáin, Caitríona Seoighe, Kyle Ó Hamhsaigh, Cillian Mac Conghaile and Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh.

On the 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.

The concert will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on Sunday, April 7, at 7.30 p.m. and will be compered by the station’s popular presenter, Áine Hensey.

Providing help and encouragement to these lucky groups on their way to the National Concert Hall 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, currently 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.

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 in the competition include Niamh Dunne (Beoga), Neil Ní Chróinín (Danú), Radie Peat (Lankum), The Bonnymen and Niamh Farrell (Project West ).

‘Ildánach' and 'Siar' are hoping for plenty of Mayo support in the National Concert Hall on April 7, and tickets for the event are still available -01:4170000 /www.nch.ie.

* Pictured is the group ‘Ildánach’, whose members hail from Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and Killala, delighted to be competing in the Siansa Gael Linn 2019 All-Ireland final in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, Apri 7.

Back row ( l-r ): Domhnall Ó Ruaidh, Jeremy Ó Bolguidhir agus Shauna Ní Bholguidhir.

Front row ( l-r ): Seán Ó Lochráin, Marc Ó Bolguidhir, Séadna Ó Domhnaill, Ciara Ní Mhuirí agus Clíodhna Ní hAonghusa.