www.gael-linn.ie

The young traditional music group ‘Éile’ from  Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, Limerick are celebrating today following their win at the Siansa Gael Linn Grand Finale in the National Concert Hall on Sunday last, 10 April 2011.  Celebrating ten years since it’s inception, Siansa is now one of the country’s most prestitious competitions for young traditional Irish music and singing groups. Organised by Gael Linn, and supported by Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine, it is a unique fusion of the Irish language, Irish music and young people.

Eight groups from all over the country - ‘Crua’,Portadown, Co. Armagh; ‘Teaspach’, Sligo Grammar School; ‘Súgach’, Thurles, Co. Tipperary; ‘Buille Lughadha’, Monkstown and ‘Cibé’, Raheny, Dublin;  ‘Faoiseamh’, Ruan, Co. Clare; ‘Éile’, Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, Limerick and  ‘Dílse’, Tramore, Co. Waterford -  participated in this year’s final.  Each group performed their own selection and arrangement of traditional Irish music and song, and were extremely polished !

There was stiff competition for the prizefund  of EUR4,500, and it fell to renowned traditional musicians Síle Denvir, Dónal O’Connor and Breanndán  Ó Beaglaoich to choose the prizewinners. To the delight of their supporters, first place went to ‘Éile’,  and the Laurel Hill girls will no doubt be celebrating their win for some time to come ! Teacher Holly Geraghty is very proud of her students and of their great achievement !

Presenting the winners with the Gael Linn trophy and cheque for EUR2,500, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Dinny McGinley congratulated  all the groups who participated in the final for their high standard of musicianship. He also praised Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine for their ongoing support of the competition.

In second place were ‘Cibé’  from Raheny (place third in 2010 )who were awarded EUR1,250,  and third place went to ‘Crua’ from Portadown, Co. Armagh who  received EUR750.  A specially designed memento was also  presented to each young musician who took part in the event.  A CD featuring the prizewinners will be released by Gael Linn and they will also be seen on  www.gael-linn.ie in due course.

Áine Hensey, popular presenter with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, compered the  show which was broadcast live by the station on the night.  Highlights from the occasion may shortly be heard on the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta website.