Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2019

Carlow is gearing up for the live final of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2019 which will take place in the GB Shaw Theatre, Visual on Saturday, 23 March. From over forty entries, 16 newly composed songs in the Irish language have been shortlisted for the final and the finalists will go head to head for the top prize of €1,000 and the chance to represent Ireland at the international song contest which will be held during the Pan Celtic International Festival in Letterkenny in April.

Judges for the national contest will be composer and musician Liam Lawton, Emer O’Flaherty herself a previous winner of both the national and international song contest in 2017 with her jazz number ‘Taibhse’ as well as Seán Ó hÉanaigh of Raidio na Gaeltachta.  Songs will be judged based on the lyrics, the music and the live performance. The 16 songs which have made it to the final cross a number of styles and genres ranging from rock, pop and folk to traditional and classical in what promises to be a most enjoyable show.  Carlow’s only contestant this year is popular singer/songwriter Tadhg Ó Grifín.

Music director is Ollie Hennessy while guest artiste will be local musician Eric de Buitléir backed by the magnificent Pan Celtic House Band. Three prizes will be awarded on the night, €100 for third place, €200 for second place as well as the top prize of €1,000 and the Pan Celtic National Song Contest trophy going to the overall winning song. The contest is kindly supported by main sponsor IMRO in conjunction with Gael Linn, Glór Cheatharlach and Pan Celtic.

Tickets for the event on 23 March costing €12 are on sale at the GB Shaw box office and will be also available on the night. Doors will open at 7.30pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. A fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. For further info please contact Emma on 085 1340047 or Bríde on 087 2857048 or email pancelticcarlow@nullgmail.com