The group 'Finscéal' from County Limerick have realized their dream of becoming the Siansa Gael Linn 2019 winners! At the Grand Finale of this popular competition for young traditional Irish music and singing groups in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, 7 April 2019, they were chosen from among eight finalists of a high standard for this prestigious award.

Áine Hensey, popular presenter with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, compered the show which was broadcast live by the station on both radio and Facebook on the night. Along with 'Finscéal', the groups ‘Cuisle’, Co. Clare, ‘Léargas’, Co. Tipperar, ‘Tigh Tara’, Coleraine, Co. Derry, ‘Aontacht’ from Sligo, ‘Lonrach’ from Co. Laois, and two groups from Mayo, ‘Ildánach’ and ‘Siar’, delighted the capacity audience with their programmes of carefully selected and thoughtfully arranged traditional tunes and songs.
Such was the musicianship, that there was stiff competition for the prize fund of €4,500, and it fell to renowned traditional musicians Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Bernadette Nic Gabhann and Seán McElwain to choose the prizewinners. There was great rejoicing among their supporters when ‘Finscéal’ were announced in first place! There are eight young musicians in the group – Séamus Dundúrtaigh, Karl Ó Raifeartaigh, Emily Ní Chondúin, Áine Ní Shíocháin, Eoin de Búrca, Breandán de Paor, Laoise Nic Ghiobúin and Micheál Mac Giobúin. Mentor Sheila Cagney was delighted with their success! They were awarded the Siansa Gael Linn trophy, along with €2,500. In second place was Léargas from Tipperary - Conchúr Ó Nualláin, Breandán Ó Conaill, Tara Fahey, Lauryn Bhreathnach, Ademar Ó Maolchluiche, Naoise Kettle, Cian Ó Conghaile and Keelan Mac Craith – and they took home a prize of €1,250. Third place and a prize of €750 went to Siar from Mayo – Pádraig Mac Eachmharcaigh, Deirdre Seoighe, Conor Mac Eachmharcaigh, Maitiú Ó Duilleáin, Caitríona Seoighe, Kyle Ó Hamhsaigh, Cillian Mac Conghaile and Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh.
Each young musician who took part in the final was also presented with a memento of the occasion. Comhghairdeas mór to them all and to their mentors, teachers and parents who helped and encouraged them throughout the competition!