Waterford delight at Oireachtas na Samhna

An tOireachtas have announced that County Waterford competitors had a successful weekend at Oireachtas na Samhna 2025, with Aodán Ó Ceallaigh of Rinn Ua gCuanach, picking up second prize in Sean Nós na bhFear.

Over 10,000 people attended the national arts and culture festival this year, an annual showcase event organised by An tOireachtas featuring the best of sean-nós (traditional old style) performing arts.

The festival programme included junior and senior competitions, formal and informal music and singing sessions, exhibitions, seminars, drama and a host of fringe events.

Guests and performers travelled from all over the country to attend and take part in a variety of music, singing, social, entertainment and debate events throughout the festival.

This year’s programme included 65 performing arts competitions for various age groups.

The competitions catered 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.

The 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.

Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas, said: “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.” 

Next year's event has already been revealed, and will be held in Killarney, Co. Kerry from October 28, 2026 to November 1, 2026.