Donegal Artists Excel at Oireachtas na Samhna Competition

Performers from Donegal showcased their exceptional talents at the annual Oireachtas na Samhna competition, held in Belfast last week. The 2025 edition of this prestigious event featured 65 competitions across various age groups, encompassing a diverse range of activities, including music, singing, exhibitions, and theatrical performances. The event also included seminars, discussion panels, and fringe events, with a number of shows broadcast live on TG4 and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Donegal’s representation was particularly impressive, with fifteen performers earning accolades across multiple categories. The CEO of An tOireachtas, Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, expressed her pride in the achievements of the participants. “Congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part in the Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 Performing Art Competitions. Oireachtas na Samhna is an expression of the best, most positive and most exciting parts of our culture, our language and our arts,” she stated.

Highlights of Donegal’s Achievements

Notable winners from Donegal included a mix of children and adults who excelled in various categories. In the children’s competitions, the following participants stood out:

– **Comórtas 3: Aithriseoireacht (Comórtas B) (Daoine Óga)**:
– An Chéad Duais: Corn an Oireachtais & Bonn Airgid – **Síne Nic Niallais**, S.N. Mhín Tine Dé, Ard an Rátha, Co. Dhún na nGall
– An Dara Duais: Bonn Cré-umha – **Ultán Ó Dónaill**, Rann na Feirste, Co. Dhún na nGall

– **Comórtas 5: Scéalaíocht (Comórtas A) (Daoine Óga)**:
– An Dara Duais: Bonn Cré-umha – **Rosa Ní Ghallachóir**, S.N. Mhín Tine Dé, Ard an Rátha, Co. Dhún na nGall

– **Comórtas 2: Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas G) (Daoine Óga)**:
– An Chéad Duais: Corn an Oireachtais & Bonn Airgid – **Séarlas Ó Baoill**, Toraigh, Co. Dhún na nGall

The adult competitors also made a mark, with several securing top positions:

– **Comórtas 4: Dreas Cainte**:
– An Chéad Duais: Corn Sheáin Uí Ghallchóir, Trófaí Fhoras na Gaeilge, Bonn airgid & €500 – **Noel Ó Gallchóir**, Gort an Choirce, Leitir Ceanainn, Co. Dhún na nGall

– **Comórtas 6: Scéalaíocht – Príomhchomórtas**:
– An Dara Duais: Bonn cré-umha and €300 – **Seanán Mac Aoidh**, Mín Bhuí, Caiseal na gCorr, Gort an Choirce, Co. Dhún na nGall

These achievements highlight the vibrant arts scene in Donegal and the dedication of its performers. The success at Oireachtas na Samhna not only reflects individual talent but also underscores the region’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to preserving its artistic traditions.

As the Oireachtas na Samhna continues to celebrate and promote the arts, the accomplishments of Donegal’s participants serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring artists across the region. The event reinforces the importance of cultural expression and community engagement, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts in the Irish landscape.