Longford musician Seánna's Fiddler of London adventure

The weekend of the Longford Fleadh Ceoil was one of highs and lows for Abbeylara lass Seánna Donohoe. The gifted musician scooped top spot in the Fiddle 15-18 years categories, and second place in the Banjo 15-18 years at the county Fleadh in Edgeworthstown.

It was a remarkable achievement, particularly when taking in to consideration that the 16 year old flew back from London on the morning of the competition.

Seánna, a pupil at Ard Scoil Phadraig Secondary School in Granard, was one of 10 finalists participating in the final of 2023 Fiddler of London gala competition on Saturday.

The multi instrumental musician may have missed out across the water, but made up for it in Edgeworthstown: “Seánna got on fantastic in London, but unfortunately didn't win,” proud mum Grainne told the Leader, “Seánna gave an excellent performance and it was an amazing achievement and experience for her to reach the Fiddler of London 2023 final. She thoroughly enjoyed it.”

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

Grainne said her daughter was delighted to have the chance to participate: “Seánna would like to thank Zoe Conway for giving her this opportunity by selecting her as a finalist and Eilish Wheelan and the entire Fiddler of London team.”

Seánna thanked the John Dungan CCE and her family, friends and the local community for their: “I want to say congratulations to Ademar O'Connor from Offaly who was the overall winner of the Fiddler of London 2023,” the young musician said.

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