Comórtas Hata Acla 2024

Ted’s, Cashel on Thursday 1st August at 18:00

Stair / History

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. 

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.

The Rules / Na Rialacha

Combination of Music Song & Dance preferable but not essential

Fee: Free to Enter for all

Band participation only (min. 3 / max. 6 members)

Total performance of between 7 – 10 minutes

Entrants who do not follow these rules will be disqualified.

Download the entry form below and send it to info@scoilacla.ie or drop it to the Scoil Acla or or to a member of staff before 5pm on Wednesday 31st July.

Winners will receive a scholarship to Scoil Acla 2025!