An audience with…
Tradition, Talent and Tenacity: An Interview with Leah McNamara
Brian Gielty sits down with singer and Scór veteran Leah McNamara to explore her musical roots in Dooagh, her rise through school choirs and competitions, and the unwavering resilience that carried her to All-Ireland success. From sean nós to pub gigs, virtual bands to national anthems in packed stadiums – Leah shares the highs, hurdles, and heart that define her journey
Leah: My earliest memory of the band goes back about 18 years. I’d say I was three at the time. What stands out most is when the band marched towards home in the evening. I had a little drum strapped around me and two small sticks in hand. I remember waiting for Dad outside the school – I was so excited. I marched along proudly, probably tripping half the drum corps beside Dad as we made our way down the brae.
In the morning, I remember waiting at my Granny and Grandad’s house in Pollagh, watching for the band to come over. Being so young, I couldn’t sit through Mass quietly, so I’d go back to Granny’s afterwards. That’s my very first memory of the Dooagh Pipe Band. And every year, St. Patrick’s Day was a huge event in our house – it still is.
Brian: And then one year you joined the band. When was that?
Leah: I think I was 14 when I joined the band. I’d been in the Dooagh school band all through primary school, and then I took a year off to just see St. Patrick’s Day – to step back and watch the bands rather than perform. It was actually nice to have the day to myself, to follow different bands and enjoy the celebrations from a different angle.
During that year, I spent a lot of time learning the drums with Dad, who was helping me prepare for my first band practice in February 2019. I still remember him saying, “You ready now?”– and I was so nervous heading into the Wavecrest for that first session. I had no idea what to expect. Since it was early in the year, there weren’t many people there – maybe four or five – and Dad and I were the only two drummers.
Drumming itself wasn’t a problem; I could do that no bother. But trying to drum while keeping in step? That was another story. It was way more difficult than I’d expected. Honestly, I spent more time practicing how to stay in step than I did practicing the actual drumming. But I’ve nailed it now – I’m always in step.
Brian: But didn't you get an award for being really bad at marching?
Leah: I'm actually the only one in my family who hasn't got that award yet! So I hope I don't get it next myself. And Grandad, and my cousins Amy and Clodagh, have managed to not get it either!
Brian: As we know, as you get closer and closer to St. Patrick’s Day, you can really feel the excitement ramp up in the few days beforehand.
Leah: The band practice the night before St. Patrick’s Day for my first time in the band I thought was the best thing ever. Everyone coming home for it, the band was massive that year, and the excitement was crazy. Especially for my first time in it because everyone was meeting me and it was just great - I think the night before was better craic than the day itself!
Brian: If your first year was 2019 then you had one year in the band before COVID.
Leah: I had two years when we did our virtual band. Myself and Dad went over to Granny and Grandad’s, and we had to be two metres apart. So the first year, myself and Dad were on drums and Grandad was on the pipes. And then the second year, Dad played the pipes. He just said, why not? And I was drumming. And then John Taxi was obviously next door. So we all played in the road, which is actually quite nice. And so I had been in the band three years and had only actually marched one year!
Brian: We’ve spoken so far about playing in the pipe band. But it’s probably fair to say that it’s not really what you're best known for now, having been crowned the All-Ireland champion in Solo Singing at Senior Scór. Dooagh School puts such a strong emphasis on music – do you remember when you first realised you had a gift for singing?
Leah: We always had school Masses with the choir, and I loved being part of that at Dooagh School. My first music teacher was Des Cafferkey, and I used to look forward to music every Thursday – it was easily my favourite part of the week. We had lots of different music teachers as I went through school, but music was always something I felt drawn to.
Brian: And how did you get involved in Scór?
Leah: When I was in third class, my teacher at the time, Ann Forry, took me aside and asked if I’d be interested in entering a competition, reading a poem. I agreed, not realising it would be part of Scór na bPáistí – the primary school division of Scór. I was only about nine. The event was held on a January night in the middle of nowhere, up in Carnacon, in what felt like the biggest hall in West Mayo. The poem was called Sprouts and Beans, and I sat behind a little table on the stage, absolutely terrified. I didn’t get through – I was just a child – but I watched all the other acts: solo singers, ballad groups, dancers. I was mesmerised. I thought it was the best thing ever.
We took a break from competition in fourth class, but by fifth class we were entering more divisions through the school, with Ann leading the charge. We had a ballad group – five singers – a music group, a novelty act with eight performers, and I entered solo singing. We did well locally, got past West Mayo, but never quite made it through to the county finals. We were always so close.
Eventually we moved into Scór na nÓg – the under-17 division – and that’s where the local GAA club became involved. Ann was still the driving force. We formed new groups of musicians and singers, and in 2018, our instrumental music group made it to the All-Ireland finals. I loved the build-up – from the county to the Connacht finals, and the thrill of reaching the All-Ireland stage in the Knocknarea Arena in Sligo. That day was unforgettable – one of my favourites. I was only 13, but the excitement of performing as part of a group was incredible. We fed off each other’s energy.
I started competing in Scór around 2013, and I’ve taken part every year since – whether in solo singing or group performances. After reaching the All-Ireland that year and missing out on the win, I never lost the drive. I set it as my goal. Over time, our group drifted apart – many were older and aged out of Scór na nÓg. I was the youngest, so I kept going. Though I never made it to the top in Scór na nÓg again, I moved on to Scór Sinsear once I was over 17. I reached two All-Ireland finals but fell just short each time.
So when I finally won this year – after chasing it for so long – I genuinely can’t put into words how much it meant. Because, literally, years I've been chasing it... and I finally got there.
Brian: You are used now to performing in venues all around the country. What’s it like, on the big stage?
Leah: I am a bag of nerves beforehand, I might come across really cool, calm, and collected, but backstage, that's absolutely not the case. I have a pre-competition mood – my family knows to leave me alone because I'm absolutely so nervous. But then, once I bring myself back down to earth, right before I go on the stage, everything is fine, the nerves gone.
Brian: We’re discussing Scór now, but you’ve also made quite a name for yourself performing in other areas including pubs in the Achill area.
Leah: It all started quite accidentally. Colin Grealis, my friend Katie’s brother, was due to sing at his cousin’s wedding, but he needed someone to sing with him. He asked if I’d be up for it, and I said, “Yeah, no bother!” We ended up getting really great feedback – people were saying, “You should make this a thing, play in pubs and all that.” So we thought, why not give it a go?
It wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing before. It’s very different from traditional singing or sean nós – more modern, pop-style songs that people love hearing on a night out. But honestly, it’s great craic. You’re out, soaking up the buzz, just watching everything unfold – and you don’t even have to move from your seat. You're getting paid to enjoy yourself, really.
We got the Dooagh Day gig last year in Lourdie’s, which I was delighted with. It was great to play in my own village. We’re based in Achill, but we will go out to Westport, or wherever people need us. But it’s mainly Achill – every weekend now for the summer. Mostly In Keel – the Amethyst and the Annexe. But we’ll do Ted’s, Pure Magic, Mickey’s, sometimes out to Nevin’s.
Brian: Any other stand-out performances in your career? There’s one in particular I’m fishing for!
Leah: Thanks to Scór being connected with the GAA, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to sing Amhrán na bhFiann at matches. I’ve been lucky to do it a few times, and honestly, it’s nerve-wracking every single time. Walking through the tunnel at MacHale Park, especially before something like the Mayo–Galway match last year with 15,000 people watching – it’s just you, your voice, and complete silence. No music, no backing. It’s amazing.
One of the most surreal moments was the Mayo-Roscommon league match last year, which was broadcast on RTÉ. My phone lit up with texts from college friends saying they'd just seen me on TV. Then, a while later, someone even mentioned me on Newstalk during a discussion about the significance of the national anthem. It was crazy – but amazing. If I didn’t get involved in Scór, I wouldn’t have had those opportunities. It really opened a door I never expected.
Brian: And for my last question, what advice would you give to young musicians who are inspired by your success?
Leah: What I’d definitely say is: don’t give up. I’ve had moments where I thought, “Oh God, maybe I should just stop,” but I kept going. You need real resilience in Scór – maybe more than in other competitions – and you can’t let one judge’s opinion derail you. Just because someone tells you your song wasn’t as good on the day doesn’t mean it isn’t good. That could have been their perspective in that moment.
Honestly, I’d say some judges were probably sick of me showing up year after year – “Oh, here she is again!” – but that was my goal, and I wasn’t letting it go. If it’s something you love, something you want, then you’ve got to keep going for it. Don’t let anyone shake that out of you.
One thing I’ve noticed, and it really saddens me, is that when kids move into secondary school, especially those who’ve come up through a Comhaltas group or have been playing trad, there's often a drop-off. The momentum fades. We had a great under-18 céilí band in Scoil Acla, and we haven’t seen that in years now –which is such a loss, because there’s serious talent out there among young musicians. I hear them, I see them, and I know they’re capable of winning an All-Ireland or a Fleadh.
So don’t stop playing music just because it’s not seen as cool or because it’s not what everyone else is doing. I know it sounds a bit of a cliché, but I genuinely want to see young people here – especially in Achill – keep the trad scene alive and thriving.
View Leah’s winning performance online at https://www.youtube.com/live/b3rT2-O9iyU?si=QpxKCqZ8uvUEIc74&t=5092
