KNEECAP's Moglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí make surprise appearance as judges at Oireachtas na Gaeilge rap competition

Attendees of the Oireachtas na Samhna rap competition in Belfast were taken by surprise yesterday when they learned the judges were members of KNEECAP.

In an unexpected appearance at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge event, Naoise Ó Cairealláin (aka Moglaí Bap) and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh (aka DJ Próvaí) adjudicated Irish-language rap performances and posed for photos with competitors afterwards.

The seven young competitors were unaware they would be performing in front of the Irish-language rappers. While judges' names are traditionally listed on the official programme, they were absent this year, according to reporting from The Journal.

Sár-iomaíocht sa chomórtas rapcheoil (& an aithníonn sibh ár moltóirí?)👀 #OnaS25 pic.twitter.com/idEg1PEOub

— An tOireachtas (@OirnaGaeilge) October 30, 2025

First prize went to Piaras Mac Dúglais, a student at Gaelscoil Bharra in Dublin. He was presented with a medal and the Ghearóid Uí Chairealláin Commemorative Cup.

The cup is coincidentally named after Naoise Ó Cairealláin's father, Gearóid, who died last year at the age of 67.

Gearóid Ó Cairealláin was a prominent activist credited with successfully promoting the Irish language across the country and especially in west Belfast. Also an avid musician, Gearóid encouraged his son to advocate for the language and to pursue music.

It was the first iteration of a rap competition at Oireachtas na Gaeilge, which typically involves traditional singing competitions, duet interviews and musical duet interviews.

The prize for the men's category of sean-nós singing went to Stíofán Ó Cualáin from Leitir Mealláin. The women's category is set to take place tonight and the all-age and all-gender category on Saturday, November 1.

The Oireachtas na Samhna also featured a gig at Belfast's Beehive Bar the same night, where KNEECAP were joined on stage by fellow Irish rappers Le Boom for a packed crowd.