Kilkenny's 'The Donnys' top of the class at Scléip music competition!

Kilkenny gaelcholáiste Coláiste Pobail Osraí was a tour de force in the National Finals of Gael Linn’s Scléip Music Competition.

The competition, for schools to enter music acts who compete through Irish, is run by Gael Linn, and held finals in Dublin following regional finals before Christmas. Coláiste Pobail Osraí had three acts progress to the final.

Sixth Year Adam Ó Draighneán won 1st Prize in the Ceol Uirlise Aonair Sinsear / Senior Solo Instrumental category playing a self-composed jazz piece on piano.

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Second Year student Seth Ó Scanláin also took home 2nd Prize in the Ceol Uirlise Aonair Sóisear / Junior Solo Instrumental category also on the piano, playing Seven Rings by Ariana Grande.

Rock band The Donnys, comprising of 3rd and 6th Year students, won 1st Place in the Grúpa Sinsearach / Senior Group category with their Irish-language translation of Thin Lizzy’s Rosalie.

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The biggest win on the day was the last prize announced at the closing ceremony, with The Donnys named as the overall winners of Scléip Prize 2023. The judges praised their performance, charismatic stage presence, and abundant talent on show when playing in front of the crowded auditorium.

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The students were supported by fellow students and teachers on the day, in particular Múinteoirí Siobhán Ní Fhearghaíl and Gráinne Sabhaois, who have worked to prepare the students for the competition each year. The school has a great track record in the competition, taking home top prizes for many years now. The 2023 triumph follows the wins of rock band Salann Mín in the Senior Group category in 2022 and soloist Stephanie Nic Giolla Phádraig who took home the top prize in the Senior Vocalist category in 2021.

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There are no end to the musical talents on offer in Coláiste Pobail Osraí, and the school is very proud of all the acts who took part. They must surely be tipped as ones to watch on the music scene in years to come. Comhghairdeas leo ar fad!