September Orla Ní Fhinneadha appointed University of Galway Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence

Renowned sean-nós singer Orla Ní Fhinneadha has been appointed 2025-2026 Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence at University of Galway’s Centre for Irish Studies.

 The current holder of the prestigious competition Corn na mBán, Orla has been singing since she began attending sean-nós classes at primary school with Máire Pheitir Uí Dhroighneáin, who had a huge influence on her development as a singer, as did Orla’s own father Jimi Ó Fhinneadha.

 Orla, from An Chloich Mhór, Baile na hAbhann, Co Galway, has many singing titles to her name, including coming third in the prestigious Corn Uí Riada at the Oireachtas in 2016. As a teenager she won several titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, as well as at the Oireachtas when she won the Under-35 category in 2012 and second place in Corn na mBán in 2014.

 Orla’s expertise and teaching skills came to the fore in a series of videos created for Cúla 4 ar Scoil during Covid. These videos, in which she presented and taught sean-nós songs, continue to be watched and learned from by children today.

 Announcing the appointment, Dr Nessa Cronin, Head of Irish Studies at University of Galway, said: “It is a privilege to have Orla Ní Fhinneadha with us at the University for the coming academic year. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise to inspire the next generation of sean-nós singers and we are looking forward to working with her during her year as Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence 2025/26.”

 Orla will deliver a series of workshops on campus this autumn and spring, beginning on Thursday October 16^th at 6pm. The workshops are free and open to the public. 

 This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon, in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway.

For further information, contact Samantha Williams at 091 492051 or samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie.

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