Comórtas · Competition
Comórtas Hata Acla 2026
A celebration of Achill music, song and dance — in honour of an old island tradition.
Venue
Óstán Oiléan Acla, Polranny
When
Thursday 30 July · 17:30
Groups asked to arrive by 17:00
Stair · History
English
During the 19th century a top hat was left on a post at the pier in Polranny for Achill men to wear if they were going to Westport or Castlebar, in a bid to hide their poverty.
The men would do their business in town and leave the 'hata' back on the post at the pier when they were getting the boat back to the island. This competition is to honour that old Achill tradition.
Gaeilge
I rith an naoú haois déag bhí sé mar nós ag na daoine hata ard a fhágail ar phost ag an droichead i bPoll Raithní le haghaidh na daoine ó Acaill a bhí ag taisteal go dtí an baile mór.
Chaith siad an hata seo nuair a bhí siad ag imeacht ón oileán mar bhí siad ag iarraidh a mbochtannas a choimeád faoi rún. Nuair a bhí a ghnó déanta aige agus é ag filleadh abhaile, d'fhágadh an fear an "hata" ar an bpost arís. Eagraítear an Comórtas seo in onóir an traidisiún sin.
Na Rialacha · The Rules
- Combination of music, song & dance preferable but not essential
- Fee: €10 per group
- Band participation only (min. 3 / max. 6 members)
- Total performance of between 7–10 minutes
- Sign up online before 5pm on Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Winners from each category will receive a scholarship to Scoil Acla 2027
- Over 12 Category winners will receive the newly commissioned John "Twin" McNamara Memorial Trophy
Entrants who do not follow these rules will be disqualified.
Enter Online
Two categories — sign up before 5pm on Wednesday 29 July.