Longford musician in bid for Fiddler of London title

It's going to be a busy weekend for 16 year old Seánna Donohoe from Abbeylara. Not only will the talented musician participate in the final of 2023 Fiddler of London gala competition on Saturday, but she follows up with Longford Fleadh Ceoil on Sunday.

Fiddler of London is a prestigious international competition recognising an outstanding musician.

Seánna, a pupil at Ard Scoil Phadraig Secondary School in Granard, is one of 10 finalist and will be proudly represent Longford across the channel. The multi instrumental musician

The Fiddler of London honours the traditional music heritage of the city. It is rooted in a vibrant traditional music scene that evolved though the 1940 wave of emigration, with the first incarnation of the competition coming about in the 1070s.

Seánna described how she came to be selected: “I sent in a video to the competition organisers two months ago. I played a slow air into a hornpipe, then a set of reels. I also had to describe what the tunes meant. I recently got word I was selected as one of the 10 finalists.”

She is devoted student of music: “I am a member of the John Dungan CCE in Granard and also part of the Leinster Youth Orchestra. I study under the legendary Fermanagh musician Pat McManus.”

After the competition Seánna will be heading straight home: “Mammy and Daddy are going with me, but we have to be back in Ireland the next day for the Fleadh. I am competing in the Fiddle, Banjo and Ceili Band categories. I got to he All Ireland on the banjo last year. The fiddle and banjo are my favourite instruments.”