SEAN-NÓS SINGER IN RESIDENCE

The appointment of Bríd Ní Mhaoilchiaráin to the position of Sean-Nós Singer in Residence at the Centre for Irish Studies in September 2002 represents an important extension of the dynamic connection between the University and the performing arts.

It also consolidates the relationship between the Centre for Irish Studies and the Irish-speaking communities of South Connemara by recognising the tradition of Sean-Nós singing as a highly developed and sophisticated art form which is particularly strong in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

A native on An Aird Thoir in Carna, Bríd cites her greatuncle, Joe Heaney, her granfather Máirtín Éinniú and her mother Bairbre as formative influences on her singing style. Her first foray into the world of competitive singing was at the inaugural Féile Joe Éinniú in 1986 where she was awarded Corn Joe Éinniú for the most outstanding young singer at the festival. Since then she has won numerous awards including Corn Mháire NicDhonnchadha, Corn Sheáin Óig Uí Thuama and Corn Tom Pháidín Tom. She was runner-up in Comórtas na mBan at the Oireachtas Festival in 2000. In 2002, she was awarded Corn Uí Riada, the premier award for a sean-nós singer at the Oireachtas.

During the twelve months of her residency, Bríd has conducted a series of performances and workshops at the Centre for Irish Studies and at Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim in Carna, and at other venues in Galway and throughout Connemara. She has also begun work on a series of archive recordings of  her own work and that of other singers.

The appointment of the Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence at NUI, Galway is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon in association with the Centre for Irish Studies.

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