Connemara native Gráinne will represent Ireland in the Pan Celtic Song Contest
Corey Ó Hutáin, Lucy Ní Fhearaíl, Rachel Ní Chorcoráin, Lauryn Webster, Ava Ní Dhéin and Heidi Caesar Ní Chuidithe perform 'B'Fhéider gur féidir', written by Carlow's Oisín Mac Cinnéide, at the Pan Celtic National Song Contest at the GB Shaw Theatre in Visual, Carlow Photos: Finbarr O'Rourke
A SINGER from an acclaimed sean-nós family has been selected to represent Ireland in the Celtic nations’ answer to the Eurovision.
Gráinne Ní Fhátharta came out on top against 14 newly-composed Irish language songs in the Pan Celtic Song Contest final at Carlow’s George Bernard Shaw Theatre recently.
“My family – the Griallais family – would be very well known in Connemara and growing up listening to them made me want to follow in their footsteps,” said Gráinne.
Although typically a sean-nós singer, she won on Saturday with the contemporary-style song, (‘Left without answers’), which was written and composed by Áine Durkin.
“It’s nice that the event isn’t in a Gaeltacht, yet Bríde de Róiste and the festival team managed to bring this accessible Irish-speaking community together in the middle of Carlow,” she said. “I’m very much looking forward to representing Ireland this April – it’s a real honour.”
Songwriter Áine revealed that she left the last line of the song in the hands of Gráinne.
“We had two possible options for the last line of the song and I left it up to Gráinne to decide on the night, and she chose well,” said the writer from Connemara.
“Gráinne comes from a long line of sean-nós singers and for her to branch out into contemporary while still keeping elements of the tradition in the way she sings is amazing.
“Carlow has hugged the Irish language with this fantastic festival and I am so excited for Gráinne to take to the stage for Ireland.”
Gráinne has won the top prize of €1,000 and will represent Ireland at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest in April, with a further €1,500 up for grabs.
This year’s judges included singer-songwriter John Spillane, Today FM host Louise Cantillon and KCLR and TG4 presenter Shannon Redmond, with musical direction by Ollie Hennessy.
“My congratulations to Gráinne and Áine, who are very worthy winners,” said Ollie. “We had over 30 entries, many from younger people, and a very talented selection of finalists this year.”
The festival aims to promote the culture and languages of the six Celtic nations – Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.
The song contest will take place in Carlow town as part of the Pan Celtic International Festival from 22-26 April.
“What an exciting night to kick-off this year’s festivities for the Pan Celtic International Festival,” commented Kieran Comerford, Carlow County Council head of economic development and enterprise.
“We’ve selected a really strong contender to represent Ireland against the other Celtic nations in the international song contest this April. The competition is always a highlight of the festival and I wish Gráinne all the best as she progresses to the international stage.”
The song contest is organised by Pan Celtic Carlow in association with Carlow County Council and supported by IMRO, Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn, an tOireachtas and Glór Cheatharlach.
