MUSICISAWAY OFLIFEFOR GIFTEDCIARA
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST FROM DUHALLOW RECEIVED FOUR AWARDS FROM CORK EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD
TO say music is a way of life for Ciara Hartnett would be an understatement.
Described as a versatile musician with a natural talent, Ciara, who is a native of Glash, Kiskeam says “I could happily sit playing tunes for hours on end”.
She recently received no less than four accolades at the CETB Awards Ceremony when she was presented with a Grade 8 Certificate, High Achievement Award, Special Initiative Award and Music in the Community (individual) award.
“I believe that my love for music came from my mother’s side of the family,” Ciara told The Corkman. “My grandmother is from West Kerry and there was a tradition of set dancing and music in the family.
“Both my nana and granddad were always involved in set dancing, my great-grandmother played the accordion and my uncle was also a gifted musician on various instruments,” she explained.
Ciara began playing music at the age of six when she started on the tin whistle, later progressing to the accordion, and then the flute. “When I started in First Year at Coláiste Treasa in Kanturk, I was advised by my music teachers, Mary O’Flynn and Damhnait Sweeny, to take up the harp, I have finally settled on the tin whistle, flute and harp, and I love them all equally” she said with a smile.
Ciara’s passion for music further evolved a few years ago when she started playing on Sundays at her local church in Taur, where she has since formed a youth choir. She is a member of Rockchapel Comhaltas and takes part in the seisúns at Bruach na Carraige during the summer months
“We have performed in many venues across Ireland, including Siamsa Tíre in Tralee. I also teach at our two week summer camp for children interested in Irish music, song, dance and games. I love teaching music and helping the kids learn new tunes,” Ciara explained.
In addition, she has been involved with Freemount Comhaltas for several years where she competed in grúpaí cheoil and céilí band competitions, and winning three All-Ireland titles as a member of the Crossfields Céilí Band in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
She also plays music with a group called ‘ The Northern Stars’ at Coláiste Treasa. “We have played in venues such as University of Limerick, Cork Opera House and Cork City Hall for the International Choral Festival and have received many awards,” Ciara said.
In recent times, she has been in huge demand as a harpist at local events and is also a member of a harp ensemble at school.
She is an avid fan of traditional music festivals and performs at the Maurice O’Keeffe, Scully’s, and the Willie Clancy festivals each year. “I’m continually drawn to Irish traditional music played on the TV, radio and concerts. Music has opened many doors for me, I have met so many like-minded people and made great friends on this journey. I greatly appreciate
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Photo: Sheila Fitzgerald
all the opportunities she said.
Ciara thanked everyone who helped her progress in her musical journey, including her parents, Eileen and John, Jack Roche of Bruach na Carraige, got,”
Alan Finn, Nicky McAuliffe, Damhnait Sweeny and Mary O’Flynn.
“And I am delighted and extremely grateful to receive these awards from the Cork ETB School of Music,” she added.