Talented Laois teen chosen to play main stage at Dublin City Fleadh
Julia McCarthy Dillon was one of just eight recipients of the inaugural Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary
A talented young singer from Laois is getting ready to go on the big stage alongside leading Irish performers like Sharon Shannon and Paddy Casey.
13 year-old Julia McCarthy Dillon from Mountmellick is a rising talent in Irish folk and traditional music and a proud member of Portarlington Comhaltas.
She recently performed at the Luke Kelly Festival, where she was invited as one of the inaugural Luke Kelly Bursary recipients.
Julia was one of just eight recipients nationally of the Luke Kelly Bursary which was established to support emerging voices in Irish folk music.
This Sunday, Julia will be singing on the main stage at the Dublin City Fleadh, sharing the bill with some of Ireland's best known artists including Sharon Shannon, Kila and Paddy Casey.
She started singing when she was around five years old and has been performing publicly for several years through Portarlington Comhaltas. She has performed locally and further afield, including, more recently, singing solo at the Gig Rig at the Wexford Fleadh in front of a huge crowd.
The Dublin City Fleadh will feature leading Irish talent at locations across the city centre this Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s roster blends international trad legends with Dublin’s finest grassroots talent. It promises energetic main stage performances at Smithfield Square by traditional powerhouses including Sharon Shannon Big Band, Altan and Dervish on Saturday whilst The Scratch, Madra Salach and Kíla bring the energy for Sunday when Julia will also be taking to the main stage.