Mayo group share in Siansa Gael Linn prizes

THE young traditional music group Siar took third place and a prize of €750 home to Mayo following the All-Ireland final of Siansa Gael Linn 2019 in the National Concert Hall on Sunday.

Siansa is a competition for young traditional Irish music and singing groups, organised annually by Gael Linn, with support from RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine, and is an important event on the calendar of young musicians.

Áine Hensey, presenter with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, compered the concert which was enjoyed, not only by the huge attendance in the National Concert Hall, but by the thousands of listeners worldwide who tuned into the live broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, on radio and Facebook.

Each participating group, including two from Mayo - Ildánach and Siar, delighted the audience with their programmes of carefully selected and thoughtfully arranged traditional tunes and songs.

Siar scooped third prize - a great achievement for group members Pádraig Mac Eachmharcaigh, Deirdre Seoighe, Conor Mac Eachmharcaigh, Maitiú Ó Duilleáin, Caitríona Seoighe, Kyle Ó Hamsaigh, Cillian Mac Conghaile and Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh, who hail from Achill, Newport, Lahardane and Castlebar.

Group mentors Laoise Kelly and Matthew Dillane helped and encouraged the young musicians throughout the competition, and were delighted with their success.

Each young musician who took part in the final was also presented with a memento of the occasion.

The performances of each group who took part in the Siansa final may be viewed on social media platforms including YouTube over the coming weeks.

 

* Pictured are the members of Siar in the National Concert Hall following their third place win at the Siansa Gael Linn 2019 final. At front, from left: Caitríona Seoige, Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh and Cillian Mac Conghaile. Centre: Pádraig Mac Eachmharcaigh, Deirdre Seoighe, Kyle Ó Hamhsaigh and Conor Mac Eachmharcaigh. And at back: Maitiú Ó Duilleáin.