FUAIM Concert - The Dónal ‘Doc’ Gleeson Awards - 21/02/25, 1:10pm, Aula Maxima, UCC

16 Jan 2025

Happening On 21/02/2025

FUAIM is very proud to present the winners of this year's Donal 'Doc' Gleeson Awards for undergraduate performance. They are Zoe Callanan, Rosalyn Horan, Siún Ní Eartáin and Emmeline Turley

In memory of their colleague, Donal Gleeson, the Dublin Postal Clerks Branch of the Communication Workers' Union has established a fund to enable the University to provide a number of Instrumental Tuition Awards. Up to four awards are made each year to deserving undergraduate music students.

Emmeline Turley is a jazz singer, composer and third-year music student from Co. Wexford. She is currently on a study abroad year at Concordia University, Montréal. She has performed at the Cork Jazz Festival and was the recipient of the Quercus College Scholarship last year for being the highest-achieving student in her year. Emmeline was Musical Director for UCC’s Musical Theatre Society’s “Cabaret,” and Choral Mistress and Vocal Coach for their 2024 production of “Grease.” She is currently composing a piece to be workshopped with the Orchestre Symphonique de l’Isle, Montréal.

Zoe Callanan is a Cork-based musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist currently in her final year of the BA Music at University College Cork. Known for her vibrant presence in the Irish music scene, Zoe is passionate about collaboration and fostering creative connections with fellow musicians across various projects.

During her time at University College Cork, Zoe has immersed herself in the vibrant music community of Cork through various projects and collaborations. She has been the chairperson of UCC Music Society since 2023, and her passion for promoting local talent has led her to take an active role in hosting events that showcase emerging artists, strengthening the local music scene and fostering a sense of community among musicians. A highlight was when Zoe also spearheaded a high-profile scouting showcase that brought Warner Records' A&R team to UCC, offering students an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry professionals.

One of Zoe’s most exciting collaborative ventures has been the formation of her new band, BABYRAT, originally created for her 2024 end-of-year recital, for which she was awarded the prestigious Doc Gleeson Award. Initially envisioned as a one-off project, the band quickly evolved into a long-term creative partnership with a close-knit group of friends and musicians. This collaboration has already resulted in studio recordings set for release and a series of live performances. The project exemplifies Zoe's commitment to creating music driven by collaboration and shared inspiration, capturing raw energy and inventive arrangements that deeply resonate with audiences.

Zoe will perform with BABYRAT at the FUAIM concert on February 21st to mark her acceptance of the Doc Gleeson Award. 

Rosalyn Horan is a second-year music student at University College Cork (UCC) and a pianist and composer with a passion for blending classical, pop, and jazz influences. She began her musical journey at an early age, experimenting with a keyboard, which quickly developed into a lifelong love for the piano. She has achieved First Class Honours with Medal in multiple piano exams through the Leinster School of Music, a significant milestone in her development as a musician.

Horan has had the privilege of performing in a variety of settings, including community variety shows, school performances, and weddings, all of which have enriched her experience and deepened her connection to music. In addition to performing, she composes original pieces, primarily in the classical genre, while incorporating pop and jazz elements to create a distinctive style.

Studying at UCC has provided her with invaluable opportunities for growth as a musician, and she is deeply honoured to receive this award, which recognizes her hard work and dedication. This achievement serves as motivation to continue striving for excellence in her craft. Looking ahead, she is eager to explore new creative possibilities and share her music with an even wider audience.

Siún Ní Eartáin is in her second year studying Music and Béaloideas at UCC. Coming from Corca Dhuibhne in County Kerry, Siún has been immersed in Irish Traditional Music and Gaeilge from a very young age. Siún’s main instrument is the fiddle but she also sings in the sean-nós style. She started playing the fiddle around seven or eight in the local Club Ceoil and then moved on to playing at local sessions. She has performed at various events over the years, both formal and informal, including gigs, and festival openings, on the radio and television. Her love and passion for Irish traditional music have grown immensely over the years and in the last two year,s she has also taken up Set Dancing and is now immersed in the world of Trad, Dance Music and of course, dancing.

Siún will perform a couple of sets of traditional tunes on the fiddle with her friend Anna Moynihan on the concertina, for this week’s concert.