Talented young Louth musician awarded scholarship in honour of Bagatelle's Liam Reilly

Dundalk School of Music (DSM) have 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.

Pat Coldrick remarked: “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.”

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 Music in 2012.

She is currently in fifth year at St. Vincent’s Secondary School preparing for her Leaving Certificate practical music exam.

“I am thrilled to be the first person to receive the Liam Reilly Scholarship and I’m very grateful to his family and to the panel of judges,” said Meadhbh.

“When I started taking piano lessons at the age of seven I was really lucky to have been taught by Patricia Duffy, and she has always been a real inspiration to me.

"I’d also like to thank my current teacher Aislinn Lonergan for her wonderful tuition as I work to improve every year.”

During a presentation ceremony at the school, guests were treated to a wonderful performance of some of Liam Reilly’s most loved songs from local musician ‘Johnny D Fox’ Conlon, best known for his vibrant performances as frontman for ‘Thin as Lizzy’.

Now in its 14th year, Dundalk School of Music has been serving the people of Co. Louth as a vibrant, welcoming place for budding musicians of all ages, offering professional one-to-one tuition in a wide range of instruments across many genres.