All-Ireland music award for Kristan

A TALENTED flautist from Letterbreen who is under the guidance of world renowned Sir James Galway, jointly won a prestigious All-Ireland music competition at the weekend.

On Saturday, Kristan Swain, 18, a student at Portora Royal School won the Catherine Judge Memorial award which is presented annually to an exceptional solo classical musician who wishes to pursue third-level music education. He shared the award with Andrew McCoy, a pupil of Methodist College in Belfast.

The competition for Year 14 music students was set up with the support of Bank of Ireland six years ago following the sudden death of a colleague Catherine Judge.

Kristan, a flautist, was one of 10 finalists from throughout Ireland. His winning performance seen him carry off the coveted award and a bursary sum of £5,000.