Where history and the contemporary align in one festival of music: Feis Ceoil announce winners of the 2025 RTÉ lyric fm Awards: Aileen Gore and McCullagh Cup
The 129th edition of the Feis Ceoil continues this week in its on-going quest to support the development of classical music in Ireland – with the new addition to this much loved annual music event called, 'Summer Feis' at the Feis Ceoil’s new venue at DCU All Hallows campus, Drumcondra, Dublin - where the summer music competitions have been hosting all solo, ensemble, and adult choir competitions.
On Wednesday 11 June: The Aileen Gore Cup prize-winer is Yevlaliia Yershova from Listowel, Co Kerry, and who moved from Ukraine three years ago. She most recently moved to Cork city to start the Bachelor of Music (BMus) course at MTU Cork School of Music. This is her first year to enter the Feis, and she won with a record 98 points – winning the first of the RTÉ lyric fm Awards at the 2025 Feis Ceoil with a prize of €1,500.
Photo by Aileen Power
On Thursday 12 June: The 2025 McCullagh Cup winner is Jane Sullivan from Lauragh, Co Kerry who just finished her four year BA in the Royal College of Music London. She has entered the Feis many times before, but this was her first time entering the McCullough Cup. She won with 96 points. She starts her postgrad in the Royal College of Music London in September. Her teachers are Juliana Koch, John Roberts and Olivier Stankiewicz. Her parents drove the five hours from Kerry for the competition!
Both winners are now candidates for the RDS Music Bursary and they will both perform in the Feis Ceoil Winners Gala Concert later this month.
Photo by Aileen Power
A greater selection the most outstanding competitors from this year’s Feis Ceoil will also be showcased at a special Gala Concert in the National Concert Hall on Monday 23rd June, at 7.30pm.The Gala Concert will be hosted by Laura Gilsenan, CEO of the Feis Ceoil Association and promises to be a triumphant finale to conclude this year’s event. Tickets, from €15.00 on sale from nch.ie
As a valued historic musical institution, Feis Ceoil has recently completed this re-structuring process ahead of its exciting new development phase for the organisation - that will build on its unique position as Ireland’s largest classical music competition. While approaching its 130th anniversary (in 2016), the Feis Ceoil has dedicated itself to promoting musical talent and supporting Irish musicians over its long lifespan and continues to do so to this day. It offers a meaningful difference in the musical careers of young and emerging musician and it contributes to the vibrant future of Irish music.
The competitions are being held in Purcell House and The Chapel on the All Hallows campus this month. Head of the organisation, Laura Gilsenan, is ‘thrilled that this new venue has been a perfect fit for Feis Ceoil competitors and audiences alike’, offering both excellent facilities and convenience - as the venue offers many incredible rooms and spaces with fantastic acoustics for the musicians to display their talents. It also has dedicated warm-up areas – so this will be a terrific space for all to get their A-game for the competitions.
The Feis is also launching the 'Feis Ceoil Patron Project', whose aim is not only to support the organisation, but to directly benefit young musicians by waiving the entry fees for Feis Ceoil competitions for participating candidates over a period of three years. Feis Ceoil Board member Eileen Dunne announced this new scheme at DCU All Hallows with budding musicians, Isabella Butler and Toby Sherman, both violinists; singers Nick O'Neill (baritone) and Éadaoin Hassett(soprano); Iris de Mot Diez, Matei Balasca and Brian Clinton – all three saxophonists – all these and many more will take part in the inaugural Summer Feis, this June:
Eileen Dunne says "at Feis Ceoil, we are dedicated to the future of Irish classical music, but we know we cannot do it alone. We are thrilled to launch our new fundraising campaign, giving people the opportunity to support young musicians from all backgrounds in participating in the Feis, regardless of financial barriers. The Feis serves as a crucial platform for young musicians to showcase their talent and dedication, but they need the support of the wider community to get them there."
To get involved with the fundraising campaign, visit www.feisceoil.ie/patron
Ireland is a nation of music-lovers and have had the benefit of the incredible support of the Feis Ceoil throughout the organisation's history – and it has launched many a career in the professional world of music.
Laura Gilsenan, CEO of the annual Feis Ceoil Competition and Festival says; "We are delighted to be situated at DCU All Hallows as a new venue for Feis Ceoil. This new chapter sees solo and ensemble competitions move to a mid-summer timeframe on the beautiful All Hallows campus, in Drumcomdra, where the historic and contemporary align– just as they do for Feis Ceoil. We are enjoying the exciting festival atmosphere in the stunning surroundings with the usual high standard of musical performances."
MORE INFO:https://www.feisceoil.ie/