The pedigree and romance associated with previous champions, insures that, the "Fiddler of Oriel" title remains one of the most prestigious and recognised accolades in Irish traditional music today.

Over the course of the festival's history many of Ireland's finest fiddlers have descended on this border town, in the hope of attaining the coveted "Fiddler of Oriel" title. Some of these were successful, many others were not, yet each brought with them a deep committment to their art, to their musical accent and were celebrated for it.

Last year, 2009 saw the return of the "Fiddler of Oriel," after a twelve year absense with both a Senior and Junior competition. Mayo's David Doocey proving victorious in the senior competition, and Armagh's Niall Murphy in the Junior competition. This year the opportunities exist for a new champion with substanstial cash prizes in both grades, with €1500 in store for the senior winner. But greater opportunities than financial renumeration abound. This year, on the occasion of Féile Oriel's 41th aniversary, lies the opportunity for a new champion, the chance of joining the exalted ranks of previous winners and of being mentioned in the same breath as fiddle legends. It is this opportunity that is of most value, the possibility of being recognised and forever remembered, as the 'Fiddler of Oriel."

ONLINE APPLICATION

• Prizes - Senior 1st-€1500, 2nd - €500, 3rd - €250
  
  
• Prizes - Junior 1st-€200, 2nd - €100, 3rd - €50
  
  
• Táille  – Sinsear entry - €20, U-18 - €10
  
  
• Junior Competitors must be U-18 on Jan 1 2010
  
  
• Max numbers 16 per Competition
  
  
• Qualifying Round Saturday Senior 13.00 -1500, Junior 16.00-18.00
  
  
• Finals on Sunday in Teach an Mhargaidh (Market House) Junior 14.00-15.30 and Senior 16.30-18.00
  
  
• Presentation to winners @ 18.00 in Teach an Mhargaidh

• Adjudicators for 2010 are Brid Harper, Martin Dowling, Thomas Symth and A.N. Other
  
  
• Adjudicators will be screened from competitors.
  
  
• U-18 competitors must play 3 contrasting tunes eg Reel, jig, barndance, Highland, mazurka, March, slow-air etc One tune per set. Each tune played twice.
  
  
• Senior competitors must play 4 contrasting tunes eg Reel, jig, barndance, Highland, mazurka, March, slow-air etcOne tune per set. Each tune played twice.
  
  
• Closing date for entries Saturday May 2nd @ 12 noon in Teach an Mhargaidh
  
  
• Go n-éirí leat !
  
  NOTE: Prospective Fiddle of Oriel Competitors
  
  Would prospective entrants to the Fiddler of Oriel competition (Senior and Junior) please note that there is a maximum number of 16 competitors per competition. Upon the 16 slots being filled there will be no additional opportunities to compete.
  
  Whilst it is possible to enrol on the day, there is the potential risk that you will be unable to compete if the 16 slots have already being filled. All entries received are being recorded with the date and time of registration being noted. If you are intending to compete therefore you are advised to apply on line as soon as possible.
  
  There is €10 cover charge for the Senior Fiddler of Oriel Final and a €5 cover charge for the Junior Fiddler of Oriel Final .
  
  However, as places are limited, admission is by ticket only to each event and are available now from Teach an Mhargaidh 047-38162.