Finalists chosen as Carlow gears up for Pan Celtic song contest
The Pan Celtic Song Contest takes place in Carlow later this month
THE FINALISTS have been selected, the judges have been announced and Carlow is gearing up for the final of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2025.
The gala event will take place in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre at Visual on Saturday 25 January at 8pm.
From a total of more than 30 entries submitted, 15 newly-composed songs in the Irish language have been shortlisted for the live final and the finalists will go head-to-head for the top prize of €1,000, as well as the chance to represent Ireland next April at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest 2025.
The judges this year will be singer-songwriter and musician John Spillane, Louise Cantillon, TV and radio personality and presenter of the Louise Cantillon lunchtime show on Today FM, and Shannon Redmond, presenter on KCLR and participant on Éadaí SOS on TG4.
The 15 songs that have made it to the final cross a number of styles and genres, ranging from rock, pop and folk to traditional and classical, for what promises to be a most enjoyable event.
There is a Carlow song among the finalists, with Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach teacher Oisín MacCinnéide agus micléinn (student body) with the song B’fhéidir gur féidir.
Musical director as usual will be Carlow’s own Ollie Hennessy, backed by the magnificent Pan Celtic house band. 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.
Three prizes will be awarded on the night: €100 for third place and €200 for the runner-up, with the top prize of €1,000 and the Pan Celtic National Song Contest trophy going to the overall winning song. The winning song will represent Ireland at the International Song Contest, which will take place during the Pan Celtic International Festival in Carlow next April.
Tickets for the must-see event on 25 January cost €15 from boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie or 059 9172400 and will also be available on the night. Doors open at 7pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. The event is expected to be a sell-out and a fantastic night’s entertainment is guaranteed.
