A singer from an acclaimed Conamara sean-nós family has again been selected to represent Ireland in the Celtic nations’ answer to the Eurovision.

Gráinne Ní Fhátharta from Baile na hAbhann came out on top against 14 newly composed Irish language songs in a live final at Carlow’s George Bernard Shaw Theatre @ VISUAL stage.

Although typically a sean-nós singer, she won on Saturday with the contemporary style song, Fágtha Gan Freagraí (Left Without Answers), which was written and composed by Áine Durkin.

The same duo won this competition in 2020 and Áine – the Connemara native who has been living in Buncranagh, Co. Donegal since 1980 – also won it in 2013.

Gráinne who is also a primary school teacher is another serial winner, having previously won competitions at Oireachtas na Samhna and Fleadh Ceol na hÉireann – and her musical pedigree is impeccable too.

“My family – the Griallais family – would be very well-known in Connemara and growing up listening to them made me want to follow in their footsteps,” she said.

Áine Durkin revealed that she left the last line of the song in the hands of Gráinne.

“We had two possible options for the last line of the song and I left it up to Gráinne to decide on the night and she chose well,” said the Conamara native.

“Gráinne comes from a long line of sean-nós singers and for her to branch out into contemporary – while still keeping elements of the tradition in the way she sings – is amazing.

“Carlow has hugged the Irish language with this fantastic festival and I am so excited for Gráinne to take to the stage for Ireland.”

Gráinne won the top prize of €1,000 and will represent Ireland at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest ’25 next April, with a further €1,500 up for grabs.

“It’s nice that the event isn’t in a Gaeltacht, yet Bríde de Róiste and the festival team managed to bring this accessible Irish speaking community together in the middle of Carlow,” she said.

“I’m very much looking forward to representing Ireland this April – it’s a real honour.”

This year’s judges included singer/songwriter John Spillane, Today FM host Louise Cantillon and Kclr96fm and TG4 presenter Shannon Redmond, with musical direction by Ollie Hennessy.

The festival aims to promote the culture and languages of the six Celtic nations – Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.

The song contest will take place in Carlow town as part of the Pan Celtic International Festival this April 22 to 26.

The song contest is organised by Pan Celtic Carlow in association with Carlow County Council and supported by IMRO, Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn, an tOireachtas and Glór Cheatharlach.

Pictured: Gráinne Ní Fhátharta performs “Fágtha Gan Freagraí” written by Áine Durkin, which won forst prize at the Pan Celtic National Song Contest at the Visual and GB Shaw theatre in Carlow.