Entries sought for Gold Medal competition

WEST Cork musician and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta broadcaster, Peadar Ó Riada, is inviting entries from harpists and pipers for the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal competition 2012.
One winner will be chosen in each instrument category and will be presented with a Seán Ó Riada gold medal and prize money at a gala concert in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork in January.
The competition, now in its third year, was initiated by Peadar Ó Riada as a means of bringing together the family of listeners to his weekly traditional music programme Cuireadh chun Ceoil on RnaG and building a worldwide network of traditional music fans.
Last year, the competition was for the flute and there were over 60 entries from all over the world. The finalists included a Lutheran priest from Finland, a young Irish-American musician and award-winning Scottish guitarist and flute player. The competition was won by Tim McHugh from Mayo.
Cashel goldsmith Pádraig Ó Mathúna has designed and created the Seán Ó Riada gold medal, which features a portrait of Seán Ó Riada on one side and an engraving inspired by the Song of Amergin on the other.
To enter the competition, musicians need to record five pieces of music and upload them to www.cuireadhchunceoil.ie or alternatively burn them to CD and send them to Peadar Ó Riada. Full details are on the website.
The closing date for entries is October 31 but those intending to enter are advised to do so as soon as possible.
Up to 15 musicians will be shortlisted and will be given a chance to take part in the concert in January, where the winner will be chosen.
Over the next few months, listeners can hear some of the entries to the competition on Peadar’s programme Cuireadh chun Ceoil on Raidió na Gaeltachta on Fridays at 7pm.