Clíona Ní Ghallachóir leads the Donegal charge at Oireachtas na Samhna 2025

Clíona Ní Ghallachóir took home the Corn Phádraig Mhic an Rí after winning the Sean-Nós na mBan at the Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 Performing Arts Competitions.

The Mín an Chladaigh native was part of a host of fifteen Donegal winners with a stunning performance at the annual event held in Belfast. Clíona duetted with Leitir Ceanainn native Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin in the Agallamh Beirte and won first place, securing the Trófaí Fhoras na Gaeilge.

Clíona Ní Ghallachóir and Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, who won first place in Agallamh Beirte (Adults)

Noel Ó Gallchóir of Gort an Choirce won the Dreas Cainte competition, taking home Corn Sheáin Uí Ghallchóir agus Trófaí Fhoras na Gaeilge.

Noel Ó Gallchóir, who won Dreas Cainte

Seanán Mac Aoidh from Gort an Choirce secured second place in the Scéalaíocht Príomhchomórtas, earning the Bonn cré-umha. 

Meanwhile, several children also took home prizes in various sections such as Aithriseoireacht (Comórtas B). Síne Nic Niallais from Ard an Rátha won first place, claiming Corn an Oireachtais, while second place was secured by Ultán Ó Dónaill, Rann na Feirste, who received a Bonn Cré-umha. 

Scéalaíocht (Comórtas B) was won by Cara Ní Ghallachóir, Ard an Rátha, who received Corn an Oireachtais. Then, Rosie Ní Churráin & Annie Ní Churráin An Charraig, Doirí Beaga,  took first place in the Lúibíní (Comórtas A) section, collecting the Corn Cuimhneacháin Dhónail Uí Liatháin.

Rosie Ní Churráin & Annie Ní Churráin who won Lúibíní (Comórtas A)

Séarlas Ó Baoill from Toraigh won the Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas G), receiving a Corn an Oireachtais. 

Séarlas Ó Baoill who won Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas G).

Second place was secured in Aithriseoireacht (Comórtas E) by Cara Ní Ghallachóir, Ard an Rátha and she received a Bonn Cré-umha. Rosa Ní Ghallachóir,  Ard an Rátha, won second in Scéalaíocht (Comórtas A), also getting a Bonn Cré-umha.

Síne Nic Niallais of  Ard an Rátha secured second in Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas A), taking a Bonn cré-umha. Furthermore, Roisín Ní Leathlóbhair, Ailt an Chorráin, also received a Bonn Cré-umha after placing second in Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas D).

In Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas E), second place was secured by Annie Ní Churraín, Na Doirí Beaga, winning a Bonn Cré-umha and  Amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós (Comórtas H) saw Brian Mac Aodha, Doirí Beaga receive the Bonn Cré-umha. 

“Congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part in the Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 Performing Art Competitions. Oireachtas na Samhna is an expression of the best, most positive and most exciting parts of our culture, our language and our arts,” said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas. 

This year’s programme included 65 performing arts competitions for various age groups, for young people and adults, as well as music and singing sessions, exhibitions, seminars, plays, multi-thematic clubs and numerous discussion and discourse events at various fringe events. 10,000 people attended Oireachtas na Samhna this year, travelling from all over the country to attend and take part in a variety of music, singing, social, entertainment and debate events throughout the festival. 

A range of competitions and events were broadcast live on TG4 and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, with live shows and podcasts on Raidió Failte, Raidió Rí-Rá, Raidió na Life and BBC Gaeilge. 

The national arts & culture festival, Oireachtas na Samhna, is the annual showcase event organised by An tOireachtas featuring the best of sean-nós (traditional old style) performing arts. The festival programme includes junior and senior competitions, formal and informal music and singing sessions, exhibitions, seminars, drama and a host of fringe events.  

Oireachtas na Samhna 2026 will be held in Killarney, County Kerry, from October 28 to  November 1 2026.