Live final of Pan Celtic national song contest 2024 to take place in Carlow this weekend

The live final of the Pan Celtic national song contest 2024 is set to take place in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre in the Visual, Carlow this Saturday night, 27th January.

From over thirty entries, fourteen newly composed songs in the Irish language have made it through to the final step of the competition. The songs are a varied mix across a number of styles and genres ranging from rock, pop and folk to traditional and jazz.

Finalists will go head-to-head for the top prize of €1,000 and will have the chance to represent Ireland at the international song contest which will be held during the Pan Celtic International Festival in Carlow in April this year.

A panel of judges will choose the winning song based on the lyrics, music, entertainment value and the live performance. This year’s judges are Órla Fallon singer, songwriter, harpist and former member of the group Celtic Woman and the chamber choir Anúna, Niamh de Búrca herself a singer and former organizer with Gael Linn of the very successful Slógadh, Siansa and Scléip talent competitions as well as local singer, musician and songwriter Tadhg Ó Grifín.

Musical director is Carlow’s own Ollie Hennessy backed by the Pan Celtic House Band while guest artistes this year will be the Carlow Ukulele Players. 

EnCÓRe vocal group, who won last year’s contest, are back with their new composition “Thuas Seal, Thíos Seal” written by Melíosa Breathnach with music by Clár Ní Dhuinn.

Newcomer to the contest this year, Oisín Mac Cinnéide with his composition “Anois is gach aon Lá”. Oisín teaches at Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach and performing his song on the night will be Grace Ní Ghéaráin, Lauryn Webster and Rachel Ní Chorcoráin with accompaniment on the harp by Heidí Caesar Ní Chuidithe - all students at the Gaelcholáiste. 

Neighbouring Kilkenny will be represented by Éanna Ó Casaide with his song “Maidin” which will be performed by Éanna and his family group Burnchurch.

Other finalists hail from Galway, Cork, Donegal, Westmeath, Dublin and Mayo.

Three prizes will be awarded on the night, €100 for third place, €200 for second place, the top prize of €1,000 and the Pan Celtic national trophy going to the composer of the overall winning song.

Tickets for the live final on 27th January cost €15 are on sale now at Visual HERE and will also be available on the night.

Doors will open at 7.30pm with the show kicking off at 8pm.