www.gael-linn.ie

On the evidence of this year’s Siansa Gael Linn final there is no doubt that the future of both our traditional music and our language is in good hands, and that both these elements of our culture are inseparable!
Eight groups from all corners of the country battled it out for the attractive prizes on offer in  the final. Each group had 8 members under 19 years of age and took to the National Concert Hall stage on Sunday, 17 April, to perform a ten to twelve minute programme of traditional music and song.

When adjudicator Dónal Ó Connor announced that the group ‘Círéib’ from Coláiste Eoin and Coláiste Íosagáin, Booterstown, Dublin, were this year’s winners the huge audience seemed to agree with the decision, such was the rapture of their applause. They were also generous with their applause for all of the eight participating groups, in recognition of their efforts in what was an enthralling display of talent, provided by inspiring musicians and singers.

Sa ghrúpa buacach bhí Fiona Nic Gamhna, Micheál Ó Grálaigh, Seán Ó Casaide, Stiofán Ó Casaide, Caoimhe Blennerhassett, Clodagh Ní Dhaltúin, Fergal De Fuitléigh agus Cathal Ó Muirgheasa. Their mentor Proinsias de Poire was as proud as punch, but insisted the win was entirely due to the dedication and hard work of the group over the last few months.

Joining Dónal Ó Connor in the hot seats as adjudicators on the night were renowned musicians Declan Masterson and Niamh Ní Charra. Having decided on the winners, who took home the Gael Linn trophy and a cheque for €2,500, they gave second prize (€1,250) to the group ‘Fuaimeanna Shliabh Luachra’ from Kilcummin, Co. Kerry and third prize (€750) to the group ‘Gluaiseacht’ from West Cork.

Dónal and Niamh had already tutored and advised the groups (as Gaeilge!) at workshops at the second stage of the competition, at which point the eight finalists were chosen from a total of 32 groups. This was Declan’s first time being involved with Siansa but he laid down a marker for next year saying, ‘Having been abroad for many years I had forgotten the wonderful work Gael Linn is doing in the promotion of our culture in general, but in particular our language and our music. It was a pleasure to be involved and I am hoping to be invited back again next year‘.

Over one thousand people attended the concert, with many thousands more listening live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Viewers of TG4 will get a chance to see the highlights from this year’s competition at 5.25 p.m. on Sunday, 1st May, when an hour long programme, made by Red Shoe Productions, will be broadcast. This is a show that cannot be missed!

Is í Áine Hensey ó RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta a bhí mar láithreoir ar an gceolchoirm agus bhí rud spéisiúil le rá aici faoi Siansa. ‘De bharr a gcuid taithí ag Siansa, deir Áine, ‘bíonn se i bhfad níos éasca orainne anois i Raidió na Gaeltachta teacht ar cheoltóirí óga atá ábalta agallaimh a dhéanamh linn faoina gcuid ceoil . Cothaíonn Siansa meas agus tuiscint ar an teanga chomh maith le taithí ar í a labhairt. Sin an fáth a bhfuil muid sásta tacú leis an gcomórtas iontach seo bliain i ndiaidh bliana.

We in IMM congratulate Gael Linn once again for their trojan work and are already looking forward to Siansa 2017!