The finalists have been chosen; the judges have been announced and Carlow is gearing up for the live final of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest ‘24.
The gala event will take place in the GB Shaw Theatre @ Visual on Saturday, 27 January at 8pm.
From a total of more than 30 entries, 14 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 ‘24. The judges this year will be:
- Órla Fallon (singer, songwriter, harpist and former member of the group Celtic Woman and the chamber choir Anúna);
- Carlow’s own TADHG Ó Grifín (singer, musician, songwriter and a finalist many times in the earlier years of Pan Celtic in Carlow)
- Niamh de Búrca (singer, adjudicator and a leading organizer at Gael Linn of the Slógadh, Siansa & Scléip talent competitions.)
The 14 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 Pan Celtic song contest is kindly sponsored by Carlow County Council & Enterprise Board and supported by NUA, IMRO, Gael Linn, Glór Cheatharlach, Foras na Gaeilge and an tOireachtas.
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 Festival in Carlow next April.
Tickets for the not to be missed event on 27 January are €15 are available now from boxoffice@nullvisualcarlow.ie or 059 9172400 and will also be available on the night. Doors will open at 7.30pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. The event is expected to be a sellout and a fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed.
