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Pléaracha & Pléaracha na nÓg Rules & Guidelines

Stage Presentation

General presentation guidelines should be adhered to: Talking/Chatting on stage should cease on commencement of the programme All members of each Pléaracha & Scoraíocht should give their undivided attention to any solo performer. All members should enjoy themselves while onstage and most importantly smile. Mobile phones and other devices are not permitted on stage.

General Rules

Participating Groups will comprise of not less than 12 performers and a maximum of 45 per group. A group may be drawn from a maximum of three branches within the same county. 

The duration of the programme for Pléaracha & Pléaracha na nÓg will be not less than 25 and not more than 30 minutes max. Penalties of one mark per minute or part thereof for groups who do not meet the lower 25-minute limit or exceed the 30-minute limit. 

An Empty stage to be shown before any group takes to the stage. Once the curtain is closed the teams have a maximum of 40 minutes to set up the stage, preform their Pléaracha show and clear the stage after which the blank stage will be shown again. The production adjudicator will monitor this time from empty stage to empty stage and penalties will apply to those who exceed the 40 minute threshold. Props limited to small, hand portable items that can be easily moved on and off the stage. These may include signposts, milk can, flags, emblem etc. which can all be easily transported on and off the stage. Bulky props such as hay bales are not permitted on stage

As per adjudication section above, a list of music pieces in the order to be played and a list of instruments shall be submitted by each Pléaracha & Pléaracha na nÓg Producer to the competition clerk prior to the performance. Manager/Mentors/Teacher are not allowed to coach groups during their performances. Programme should try to co-relate music where possible i.e. music/song, music/dance etc. 

Presentation Method 

  • Groups to be encouraged to reflect and promote local music/songs/dances. This is to be factored into the adjudicators marking guidelines. This is to be included on the running order / schedule which is presented to the adjudicator. 
  • Credit will be given for the inclusion of lesser known tunes, local ballads and songs in the Irish language, step dancing, figure dancing, traditional solo, dancing and sean nós dancing. Lilters and Whistler can be included. 

Adjudication

Pléaracha & Pléaracha na nÓg competition will be adjudicated on each of the following areas: 

Singing: 

  • All singing shall be traditional in style. In rhythmic songs more than one voice may be used in the chorus. 
  • One song must be in Irish at a minimum. 
  • Harmony is permitted in lively songs only. 
  • Accompaniment permitted in lively songs only. 
  • Traditional Sean Nos Style to be encouraged. 

The Singing Adjudicator will be asked to adjudicate the performance on the following suggested guidelines some of which include: 

Quality of Voice, Song Choice, Phrasing, Tuning/Intonation, Command of Traditional Style, Ornamentation, Diction, Teamwork in the case of group songs, Harmony in the case of group songs 

Dancing: 

Dancing should include some of the following in the performance: Sean nós, Céilí, Figure, Set, Step dancing, Two/Three/Four/Eight hand. Old traditional step dancing is encouraged.

The Dancing Adjudicator will be asked to adjudicate the performance on the following suggested guidelines some of which include: Arrangement, Teamwork and Quality. Tips are not permitted except in the case of solo step dancing 

Music: 

  • All music selected shall be traditional in character and in conformity with the Clár na gComortas. 
  • Slow airs can be played by a solo performer or group. 
  • Lilting and Whistling to be considered here. 
  • Attention should be given to the instrument arrangement and presentation of the music 
  • Groups are permitted to use céilí drums and electronic piano however no other electronic instruments are permitted. 
  • Solos, duets, trios, group performances and combinations of each should be considered as part of the performance. 

The Music Adjudicator will be asked to adjudicate the performance on the following suggested guidelines some of which include: 

Tempo , Rhythm, Phrasing, Tuning/Intonation, Balance/Blend, Style/ornamentation, Arrangement, Teamwork, Choice of tunes, Instrumentation 

Tunes selected should include some of the following so as to provide as much variety as possible: 

Air (Slow or lively), Reel, Polka, Hornpipe, March, Jig (Double, Single, Slip, Hop), Slide, Set Dance, Mazurka, Planxty, Fling, Barn Dance, Schottische, Waltz, Clan March, Highlands, Germans 

Storytelling/Recitation/Poetry/ Scéalaíocht 

Appropriate stories to be encouraged which are fitting with the nature of the competition 

Adjudicators Marking of Pléaracha & Pléaracha na nÓg 

Each Adjudicator selected to adjudicate either a Pléaracha & Pléaracha na nÓg competition must apportion their marks as follows: 

Music 35%, Singing / Scéalaíocht 25%, Dancing 25%, Production 15%