Prestigious sean nós award for Macroom singer
MACROOM sean nós singer and teacher Seosamh Ó Críodáin has been named as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Gradam Sean Nós Cois Life.
The Dublin sean nós festival, due to be held this weekend, has gone online this year and will make a virtual presentation to Seosamh, a stalwart of Cór Chúil Aodha and Craobh Lactaín Naofa of Comhaltas in Cill na Martra, on Saturday night.
The citation for the award references Seosamh’s outstanding contribution as a sean nós teacher to the younger generation.
He has been involved since its inception in the Aisling Gheal sean nós singing scheme which has has fostered the careers of singers such as Concubhar Ó Luasa and Nell Ní Chróinín, both of whom are winners of Corn Uí Riada, the blue riband of sean nós singing.
Seosamh him self was delighted to be named as the recipient of the award.
“It’s a great honour and it’s an affirmation for me from people I respect that I’m on the right track.
“It’s even more important this year, I feel, because the Oireachtas and Fleadh Cheoil have had to be cancelled because of COVID-19.
He believes the competitions at these festivals acted as an incentive for singers to learn new songs well. “We will miss the Oireachtas and the Fleadh Cheoil enormously this year.”
Seosamh is also a member of Dámh Amhránaíochta Dhúchasach Acadamh Fódhla, a body which researches songs.
In previous years Gradam Sean Nós Cois Life has been awarded to singers such as Sarah Griallais, Liam Mac Con Iomaire, Josie Seán Jeaic Mac Donncha.