E

EIGHT pals that joined forces through their love of music have been hitting all the right notes of late. Fuaimeanna Shliabh Luachra, which translates as Sounds of Sliabh Luachra, is a group of friends that came together with an interest in traditional music and singing.
The talented performers scooped second prize at the Siansa Gael Linn 2016 final in April, raising the roof of the National Concert Hall on Sunday, April 17. This week, television viewers got to see them in action on TG4 on Monday.
The group was chosen as one of the eight finalists from an initial entry of 50 groups in November last – a fantastic achievement for the musicians as it was their first time to have participated in this prestigious competition
Fuaimeanna Shliabh Luachra is mentored by Mary O’Connor. Four of the group are from Kilcummin (Niamh McSweeney, Aisling O'Connor, Dean Griffin and Steven O'Leary), two of the group are from Fossa (Seán Kelliher and Cian O'Sullivan), and two are from Currow (Eimear Horgan and Thomas Barrett). “It was a very satisfying result for the group who had to combine rehearsals with their study and particularly as three members are due to sit their Leaving Cert in a few weeks’ time,” said Mary. “Tributes must go to their trainers Conor Moriarty who arranged the music, and Roisin Ryan and Cathal Flood who also mentored the group. The group is also grateful for the support of their parents. Well done to Fuaimeanna Shliabh Luachra.”
The unique Siansa combination of competition and performance had kept a 1,000 audience enthralled during the evening while many more listened to the live broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, presented by Áine Hensey. Siansa Gael Linn challenges young musicians to be innovative and creative with traditional music and song, while at the same time appreciating the valuable heritage handed down to them. Another important element is that every aspect of the competition is organised through Irish.
Adjudicating at the final were renowned traditional musicians Dónal O’Connor, Declan Masterson and Killarney native Niamh Ní Charra, who were particularly impressed with the selection of music and song presented by the accomplished musicians and singers of Kilcummin. First prize went to the group ‘Círéib’ from Dublin, with ‘Gluaiseacht’ from West Cork coming in third place.
 

 
Pictured above, Fuaimeanna Shliabh Luachra in action in the National Concert Hall.