Young musicians’ golden weekend

THE young members of West Kerry’s Craobh an Ághasaigh branch of Comhaltas Ceolteóirí Éireann came home loaded down with trophies after a hugely successful trip to Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in Tralee at the weekend.

Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh won first prize in five separate competition categories amhránaíocht Gaeilge, amhránaíocht Bearla, comhrá, scéalaíocht (all in the 15 – 18 age group category) and dance; as well as third prize in both tin whistle and in low whistle (slow air).

Nicole Ní Dhubshláine won first prize in the 15 – 18 age group categories for tin whistle (slow air), and rogha ghleas in which she played the fife. She also won first prize in the senior trio competition along with Allanah Ní Chiosáin and Lisa Mulvihill from Lixnaw, as well as second prize in the flute, flute (slow air) and tin whistle competitions.

Aisling de Baróid won first prize in senior harp (slow air) contest and she was back again to claim second prize in the céilí band section, playing with Banna Ceilí Cnoc an Óir.

Ceolteóirí an Bhuailtín won first prize in in the 15 – 18 year old grúpa cheoil category. Aodhán Ó Dubháin, Caoimhe Mai Ní Chéilleachair, Ciarán Mac Gearailt, Eoghan Mac Gearailt, Liam Ó Beaglaoich, Liobháin Ní Mhaolchatha, Orla Ní Bheaglaoich and Tríona Ní Shúilleabháin.

Members of the same group - Ciaran Mac Gearailt, Caoimhe May Ní Chéilleachair and Eoghan Mac Gearailt - were on stage again for the ceol trir 15 – 18 section and this time out they won third prize.

Ruairí Ó hUallacháin had a very successful day as well, winning first prize in amhranaiocht, scealaiocht and comhra under 12 and third prize in the under-12’s tin whistle competition, while Evanne Kerin won the comhrá gaeilge under-9 contest.

Craobh an Ághasaigh Chairperson Deirdre Granville said the young performers’ achievements on the day were hugely impressive. “Ana-dheireadh seachtain ag Craobh an Aghasaigh CCE, Corca Dhuibhne ag Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2017 I dTrá Lí agus boinn faighte ag slua mor agus ag dul ar aghaidh go Craobh na Mumhan I gCorcaigh. Comhgháirdeachas leo go léir,” dúirt sí.