The finalists have been announced! The judges have been announced! And Carlow is gearing up for the final of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest ‘25
The gala event will take place in the GB Shaw Theatre @ 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 ‘25. The judges this year will be:
- John Spillane (singer, songwriter and musician.);
- Louise Cantillon (tv and radio personality and presenter of the Louise Cantillon lunchtime show on Today FM)
- Shannon Redmond presenter on Kclr96fm and participant on Éadaí SOS on TG4
The 15 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 making for what promises to be a most enjoyable event.
Musical director as usual will be Carlow’s own Ollie Hennessy backed by the magnificent Pan Celtic House Band. The song contest is organized 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, €200 for second place 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 go on to represent Ireland at the International Song Contest which will take place during the Pan Celtic International Festival in Carlow next April.
Tickets for the not to be missed event on 25 January cost €15 from boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie or 059 9172400 and will also be available on the night. Doors will open at 7pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. The event is expected to be a sellout and a fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed.