Donegal quartet to make history competing at International Barbershop Contest

A quartet of young Irish singers is making history as they prepare to represent Ireland on the global barbershop stage.

Ceoltóirí Canóla, a youth barbershop ensemble from Letterkenny and Milford, have arrived in the US, where they will soon compete in the Varsity Quartet Contest of the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention, becoming the first-ever Irish quartet to do so.

The group consists of Alice O’Connor (Tenor), Sadbh Breathnach (Lead), Síne Ní hAodha (Bass), and Katie Coyle (Baritone). Aged just 17 and 18, they are the youngest competitors in this year’s Varsity contest, which features top quartets aged 18 to 25 from around the world.

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Formed in late 2023 after singing together in Danu Young Women's Choir, and under the guidance of Douglas Carnes, the quartet quickly found its voice in the Barbershop world. They made their debut at the IABS Open Youth Contest in 2023, where they were delighted to take home first place, and returned the following year to win the IABS National Quartet Competition.

Their week in Denver kicks off with a very special honour: the quartet have been invited to perform Amhrán na bhFiann, the Irish national anthem, at the opening of one of the international contests. Their first experience on the international stage will be singing as Gaeilge - a comfortable and grounding way to ease into the competition.

“Being asked to sing the national anthem is such a huge honour,” said baritone Katie Coyle. “It’s a great way of bringing a part of home with us and honouring everyone who helped us get here.”

In another major milestone, Ceoltóirí Canóla has been invited to perform at the World Harmony Showcase on Thursday, July 3, a prestigious concert featuring only 16 selected ensembles from around the globe. The young singers are truly honoured to be included among such talented performers.

The main event for Ceoltóirí Canóla comes on Wednesday, July 2, when they take to the international stage for the Varsity Quartet Contest. Seeded 6th out of 22 quartets from around the world, they’ll be judged on vocal quality, musicality, artistry, and barbershop style. It’s a huge moment for the young singers as they represent Ireland in the world’s most prestigious youth barbershop competition.

The quartet’s journey to Denver was made possible by the extraordinary backing of their local community and the wider barbershop world. “We are so grateful to everyone who helped us get here,” said Bass singer Síne Ní hAodha. “From donations to well wishes, none of this would be possible without the people cheering us on at home.”