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The Irish language sean-nós song tradition is an integral part of Ireland’s musical and cultural landscape and one of the very best sean-nós singers in Ireland at present is Piaras Ó Lorcáin from Crossmaglen. Ó Lorcáin is gaining recognition by the day and taking part in the new TG4 series Bláth na hÓige will certainly do him no harm.
In the fourth episode on 4 May at 8pm on TG4 we meet Ó Lorcáin who has been steeped in the poetry and singing tradition of Oirialla, his native area. He has been singing pretty much since he could talk but began singing competitively at the age of 8. His singing has afforded him great accolades and unique opportunities, most notably winning the Corn Sheosamh Uí Eanaigh at the Oireachtas in 2016, performing at Gradam Ceoil in 2017 and lifting trophies in both Irish and English singing in Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann in every age category he has competed in. Piaras loves nothing better than sitting to the wee small hours at a singing session, keen to learn and work on tailoring his craft. Piaras has gained a great deal of advice and tutelage from some of the best singers in Ireland, including Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin and Bláithín Mhic Cana, and he continues to grow in his knowledge and love for his art. His first solo EP will be launched this year.
Sean-nós is an oral, living tradition that goes to the very heart of the Gaelic tradition. These songs are thriving in a flourishing age of creativity and the current generation of young singers are dedicated to the art of sean-nós singing with a refreshing confidence, pride and dedication.
Bláth na hÓige is an exciting new series that showcases the multi-faceted talents of Piaras Ó Lorcáin, Caoimhe & Séamus Ó Flatharta, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich, Cathal Ó Curráin, Megan Nic Ruairí and Máire & Étáin Ní Churraoin. Green shoots from the deep roots of the sean-nós singing tradition, from Conamara to Rann na Feirste, from Ráth Chairn to Oriall and from Corca Dhuibhne to Gaoth Dobhair, this project is an exciting adventure of artistic discovery for these young singers and a memorable waypoint on their musical journeys.
Throughout the series we follow these young singers at this early stage of their musical careers where they collaborate under the musical direction of renowned sean-nós singer Síle Denvir and the illustrious fiddle player Colm Mac an Iomaire at Stiúideo Cuan in Conamara, as they creatively explore and make their own of our unique sean-nós tradition.
Previous episodes can be viewed here Bláth na hÓige
Check him out on the video above at the monthly first friday session in The Railway Bar in Newry. Not sean-nós but gives you an idea!
