Three Cork musicians set to feature in Seán Ó Riada contest

Three musicians from Cork are set to feature in this year’s Seán Ó Riada Bon Óir Competition.

The annual event, which is taking place this Friday at the Rochestown Park Hotel, will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Cuireadh Chun Ceoil programme from 7pm.

The Seán Ó Riada Bon Óir Competition is a prestigious traditional music event that focuses on a different instrument every year over a four-year cycle.

This year focuses on metal-reed instruments, including the accordion, concertina, and harmonica.

Gold medal

The winner will be presented with a bespoke gold medal designed by Niamh Utsch, and a cash prize of €2,500.

Among those competing from Cork is Éabha Ní Mhurchú, an Ovens native who is a Leaving Certificate student in Gaelcholáiste Choilm in Ballincollig.

Éabha, who has been playing the concertina since she was eight years old, was a finalist in the Bon Óir flute-and-whistle competition in 2023. 

Also competing from Cork is Sean Ahern, from Kilbrittain, who is a second-year student studying science at the University of Galway, and who also begun his concertina classes at eight years old; and Amhlaoibh Ó Siocháin Ó Beoláin, who is originally from Fermoy, and who studied maths, statistics, and music at University College Cork.

Event organiser and presenter Peadar Ó Riada said the competition is “going from strength to strength, with entrants from all over the world”.

“The standard is very high and we are particularly happy to see the younger generation attending the concert every year, to meet up with each other and to play in the music session afterwards,” said Mr Ó Riada.