Two groups of talented Laois teenagers are gearing up to take part in a prestigious trad competition in Dublin this week.

The final of the Siansa Gael Linn 2026 competition for young traditional musicians will be live from the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Sunday 12 April and will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta from 7pm.

Presented by Tristan Rosenstock, this competition for traditional music group gives a platform to the best of the Ireland's young traditional music and singing talent.

Eight music groups will take to the stage on Sunday, who have each qualified through preliminary rounds to reach the final.  

Beomhar are a music group made up of teenagers from counties Laois and Offaly.

Members of the group met at various music festivals and Fleadhs around the country, and they have made a strong impression on the traditional music scene. They are all involved with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in their own communities.

Pictured above: Beomhar

Members of the group have won many individual awards in both music and singing.

The band members include Polly Ní Nualláin on piano, Lila Ní Nualláin on fiddle, Lucy Ní Mhaolmhuaigh on the flute and whistle Áine Ní Chinnsealaigh on fiddle fidil Fionnán Ó Daltúin on banjo, mandolin and bazouki, Taidgh Ó Daltúin on flute, bodhrán and guitar, Seaic Ó Huiginn on accordion / melodeon  and Kieu Ní Chonraí on harp.

Also taking part in the final are Neart, group with members from counties Laois, Dublin and Meath.

They are a group of friends, as well as family members. Some of the group met at school, in Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, while others met while taking part in Meitheal Summer School.

Pictured: Neart

The band members include Aoibheann Nic Conchra on fiddle/low whistle, Ciannait Ní Leathlobhair on fiddle, Caoilinn Morrow on concertina, Edith Ní Leathlobhair on fiddle/concertina, Leo Bennet on piano/low whistle, Ruadhán Collier O’Brien on pipes/guitar/banjo, Ethan McCaughey on button accordion and Cathal Mac Conchra on low whistle/bodhrán.

This year's judges are concertina player Edel Fox, fiddle player Bernadette Nic Gabhann, and harper, flute player and composer Oisín Morrison.

Siansa Gael Linn is a premier annual Irish traditional music competition for young musicians (aged up to 19), run by Gael Linn in partnership with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine.

Established in 2001, it offers mentorship workshops and a prestigious platform, concluding with a national final at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

The winning group will be awarded a grand prize of €2,500 and the Gael Linn Trophy. Those who come in second place will be awarded €1,250 and those who come in third place will win €750.

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All members of the groups that will be in the Final will be awarded commemorative prizes.

Although it is a competition, the young musicians are given help and assistance by organising workshops for them with famous musicians.