Young people canvass politicians for their votes!

THE SHOE was on the other foot when a group of local balladeers visited the office of Kilkenny politicians.

 

Normally the politicians would be asking the youngsters for their votes in elections. But this time it was the young musicians who were asked the politicians for their votes!

 

Na Fianna, the local ballad group in the final stages of RTE’s All-Ireland Talent Competition are on tour gathering support in a bid to win the public vote on February 21.

They called into Deputy John McGuinness’s Constituency Office where they met John and son Cllr Andrew McGuinness and canvassed them for support.

“We thought it was a good idea to go to the politicians and get their support but also to get advice on how to run an election campaign because that’s what this contest is like,” said local lad member Ross Hennessy.

The contest in question is the next round of RTE’s All-Ireland Talent Competition on February 21. The Kilkenny/Laois ballad group got through the first round on a wild card vote.

“We know of other contestants who have politicians like Enda Kenny backing them so we decided to go to John and Andrew considering they both top the polls in their elections.”

“It’s great to see young musicians with such enthusiasm and drive. Of course we will give them every support we can and all of the local politicians should row in behind these guys and help them over the line,” said Deputy McGuinness.

“Na Fianna are determined to win this contest and it’s great to have Kilkenny represented on the national stage. The boys have been entertaining in local pubs like Egan’s of John Street and Lanigan's of Rose Inn Street for the last three years so it would be great to see them getting a break. The whole of Kilkenny and Laois should be voting for them,” said Cllr McGuinness.

Na Fianna is a four-piece traditional Irish ballad group from Kilkenny and Laois. The band came together through their passion for Irish music and culture.

They began playing locally and have built up a name for themselves as a quartet of strong singers and musicians. All with full time careers, they continue to find time to pursue their interest and have been entertaining audiences all over the country.

The band of John Walsh, Ross Hennessy, Damian Walsh and Lee Campion, Na Fianna members are influenced by The Clancy Brothers, The Dublin City Ramblers, Christy Moore and The Dubliners.

Na Fianna have performed at numerous charity events, the latest one being in Hotel Kilkenny for James Stephens Michael Costello, winner of ‘The King of the Castle’ competition.

In October 2008 the band did a week-long tour in London for the celebration of St Patrick’s Day and are looking forward to travelling to France in the summer of 2010 where they will perform at an Irish music festival.

Band members are proud to be representing the East and they are grateful for the support that has given them this opportunity.

Deputy John McGuinness and Cllr Andrew McGuinness with Na Fianna at their Constituency Office at O'Loughlin Road, Kilkenny.