'Not to be missed'- Kilkenny act announced for Pan Celtic National Song Contest

The Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2025 finalists and judges have been announced, with Kilkenny talent among the top 15 contestants.

The music event will take place in Carlow in the GB Shaw Theatre @ Visual on Saturday, 25 January at 8pm.

The Kilkenny singer Feargal de Cantún will feature in this years song contest with the song "An Mór Ríoga".

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 is Ollie Hennessy from Carlow who will be 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.

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Prizes:

• €100 for third place
• €200 for second place
• Top prize of €1,000 for first place
• 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' go on sale 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.