local pianist wins ‘liam Reilly Scholarship’

DunDalK School of Music (DSM) this week named the first recipient of a recently created scholarship to support upcoming musicians and vocalists, in honour of the late liam Reilly - singer/songwriter of Bagatelle fame. This year’s scholarship has been awarded to 17-year-old Meadhbh McCauley from Blackrock by a distinguished panel of acclaimed musicians including mezzo soprano Colette McGahon; classical guitarist Pat Coldrick and Bagatelle bass guitarist Ken Doyle.

“This was a tough call, as we were very impressed with the high standard of all of these young up and coming musicians,” said judge Ken Doyle. “Meadhbh stood out to us as a player with great musicality and maturity for one so young and her piece really moved me and drew me in,” remarked Pat Coldrick. Colette McGahon agreed, adding, “We are very pleased to award the scholarship to this young musician and we look forward to seeing great things from her in the future.”

Meadhbh McCauley has been playing piano for 10 years, beginning her training with Patricia Duffy in the Dundalk School of Mu-