Trad group off to final
TRADITIONAL music group ‘IgCónaí Réidh’ from Danescastle, Carrick on Bannow, will be competing against the cream of young Irish traditional musical and singing talent in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, April 22, for the Siansa Gael Linn 2018 final.
Siansa uniquely showcases Irish music and Irish song by young musicians, all through the medium of Irish, and this is the climax of the competition which is organised annually by Gael Linn. The competition attracts new groups of the highest calibre.
The members of ‘IgCónaí Réidh’, Ciara Roibhéal, Kayleigh Ní Mhóráin, Hope Ní Bhearáin, Córa Ní Bheinéid, Eiméid Ó Súilleabháin, Sinéad Ní Mhurchú, Conall Mac Fhlannchaidh and Cian Ó Grádaigh, will perform in the National Concert Hall, alongside seven other groups from counties Clare, Fermanagh, Galway, Laois, Limerick, Offaly and Wicklow.
On the night, each group will play their own 10 to 12 minute selection of traditional music, arranged in a new and innovative way, and must include an Irish song in their repertoire. The concert will be broadcast live from the National Concert Hall on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on April 22 at 7.30 p.m. and will be compered by the station’s popular presenter, Áine Hensey.
Out of an initial entry of more than 60 groups, the eight finalists have qualified through two preliminary rounds since December. Providing help and encouragement to these groups on their way to the National Concert Hall were renowned traditional musicians, flute-player and singer, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Declan Masterson, piper and multi-instrumentalist. The groups will be judged on their overall performance, incorporating choice of music, arrangement, singing and ensemble playing. With a generous prizefund of €4,500, 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. ‘IgCónaí Réidh’ are hoping for plenty of Wexford support on the night. Tickets for the event are on sale in the National Concert Hall - 01 4170000 or see www.nch.ie.