Irish Cultural committee launch first collaboration of the year

London GAA's new Irish Language and Cultural committee has launched its first collaboration of the year, by encouraging GAA members to get involved with a live competition to find the capital's best fiddler.

Fiddler of London (website can be found here) seeks to officially appoint “The Fiddler in residence for the Irish Community” for 2021. In light of the pandemic, this prestigious competition will be held online this Saturday, March 13th at 7pm. GAA members are encouraged to participate and embrace the promotion of our traditional music.

The winner will perform recitals at Irish community events and activities throughout the year, and will be managed by the competition administrator to ensure that guest performances enhance the status of “The Fiddler of London” in the Irish community.

Sean Howlin said: "This has been an extremely trying time for us all but I am looking forward to the year ahead with my newly appointed Irish Language and Cultural committee. 

"We are honoured to be collaborating with The Fiddler of London to kick off 2021 and I hope everyone will tune in Saturday 13th March on their YouTube channel. We would like to wish all the finalists the best of luck. 

"Due to current restrictions we will of course still have to embrace virtual events for the time being for everyone’s safety but it is only a matter of time before we can all meet in person again to enjoy live events."

This year's event is being held in memory of Justin Whelehan, a Westmeath trad musician, who founded Feith an Cheoil School  here in London with his wife, and fellow esteemed musician, Eilish Byrne. 

There was a previous Fiddler of London competition at Hammersmith Town Hall (late 1970’s) that as a young child Eilish attended with her parents. Eilish recalls the Judge being the famous fiddle player, Sean Maguire. This made a lasting impression and inspired her to go on and win five All -Ireland titles. 

The Fiddler of London will likewise encourage many young musicians from far and wide to take part. Also giving fiddle players a competition of their own to celebrate their achievements and showcase their talent to the world. The Fiddler of London was also revived by Alan O’Leary in London hosted at Battersea Arts Centre during the years of 1984-1988.

To get involved, subscribe to the following YouTube channel and enjoy an evening seeking out the capital's best fiddler:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiuSMh96jdguRho7Y5IG0A