Jes girl Eimear hits the right note in song contest
A 16-year-old Transition Year student in the Jes has been selected as a finalist for this weekend’s national competition, ‘Song for 16’.
Eimear O’Tuathail penned and composed ‘The Great Emerald Isle’ which she will perform in the National Concert Hall this Sunday, whilst also playing piano.
The all-island schools’ song competition forms part of the National Concert Hall’s 1916 Centenary Programme.
Seven primary schools and seven secondary schools have made it through to the finals, from more than 150 entries.
“I wanted to reflect on 1916 to remember all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. They inspired us to fight for justice and now, one hundred years later, we have an equal multi-cultural society,” said Eimear.
She is the daughter of gaeilgeoir father, Pádraig (Inis Mór) and Derry-born mother, Claire, who now live in Rosscahill. She has one younger sibling, her brother Eamon (13).
The family previously lived in London, but moved to make Galway their home in 2005.
Music comes naturally to Eimear, who at the tender age of fourteen; had already achieved all eight grades in piano. She also plays saxophone and is proficient at writing and composing music.
For the full interview with Eimear, see this week’s Galway City Tribune