RAAP | RTÉ Breakthrough Bursary launched in Dublin yesterday

The competition offers aspiring musicians based in Ireland a shot at €24,500 in prize money, as well as guaranteed air play on RTÉ Radio 1, 2fm, Lyric and Radio na Gaeltachta.

Official supporters for this year’s scheme are Christy Moore, Ryan Sheridan, Fionn Regan, Cathy Davey and Aslan. Judges include Mary Black, Fiachna Ó Braonáin (Hothouse Flowers), Niall Byrne (Nialler9), Ciarán Tourish (Altan), Paul Walsh (RoySeven), and more. See the full list here.

Ryan Sheridan said at the launch “We are nation of hidden talent. The Bursary is a chance to bring that talent out of the rehearsal rooms and into the ears of the nation.”

The competition is divided into four categories, so each genre is represented fairly. The winners of each category will receive a €5,000 to go towards furthering their musical career and guaranteed air play. Nine runner-up prizes of €500 are also up for grabs.

Last year’s winners were The Fallen Drakes, Sharon Carty, FullSet and Alice Jago. You can watch them below.

Deadline for competition entries is 4pm on August 9, and you can enter here.