GLINSK ANNUAL SONG CONTEST

The 1998 winner, Tim Ambler  released the winning song from that year "the Corner" 

Each Year Glinsk Song Contest invites all songwriters to enter its annual song Contest, now in it's 20th Year

 Held on the 1st Sunday of July each year, this contest attracts aspiring songwriters such as Mayo-born Aileen Tighe and established songwriters such as Denis Allen and Charlie McGettigan. 

From the 200 submitted entries each year 13 are chosen for the Final which is broadcast live on Shannonside Radio

 KILDARE MAN WINS AT GLINSK AND GALWAY MAN IS RUNNER-UP.

The final of the 18^th Glinsk Song Contest came to a stunning climax on Sunday July 3^rd when it took the very last vote of the final adjudicator to establish the winner.  As the votes were totted up on the Eurovision-style scoreboard there were gasps from the packed audience as the voting see-sawed among the top three songs.

In the end, Cathal Molloy's song "Smile for a while" emerged as a very popular winner pushing Galway-man, John Finn's song, "Never to Return" into the runner-up position.

As usual, there were thirteen finalists and hundreds of entries had been submitted by songwriters from every county in Ireland .  The winner was presented with the 'Gannon Bros' crystal trophy and a €1,000 cheque sponsored by IMRO.  Among the other "Premier Sponsors" were Ward & Burke Construction Ltd., Galway Co. Council and the Cuddy family.

  Adding an added touch to the contest this year was the presence of Madge McLaverty and the RTE television "Nationwide" crew.  Glinsk Song Contest was featured on the "Nationwide" programme later in the year.

Guest artists on the night were Donna and Joseph McCaul, just back from representing Ireland in the Eurovision.  This duet got a tumultuous welcome from all of the young people in Glinsk and there was rapturous applause for the Athlone duo.

The Glinsk Song Contest orchestra led by Eugene Kelly added immensely to the overall enjoyment of the Contest and all of the finalists were loud in their praise for their professional accompaniment.

Prize Fund of €1,450

 Sponsored by  Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)

For further information on next years contest - contact Music Director Martin Ward 

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