€5,000 Classical Music Prize for Ireland’s Teen Talent

Lyric FM’s Marty Whelan has lent his support to the launch of the 2025 Top Security/Frank Maher Classical Music Awards, the largest classical music competition for secondary school students in Ireland. The Awards, founded in 2001, offer a €5,000 top prize, the largest of its kind in the country, designed to further the winner’s music education and development.

At a photocall in the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s in Dublin, Marty was joined by the 2024 winner, Ai Lin Sun from Dublin and four secondary school music students – Alva Cummins and Emma Muldoon from St. Raphaela’s Secondary School and Dylan Henry and Killian O’Keeffe from Templeogue College, both in Dublin.

Marty Whelan said: “Ireland’s young musicians continue to inspire us with their dedication and passion. The Frank Maher Awards not only celebrates their achievements but also gives them a unique opportunity to take the next step in their musical journey.”

Last year’s winner Ai Lin Sun is now studying for a Bachelor in Music (piano) at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) alongside her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. 

Founded by Emmet O’Rafferty, chair of the Top Security Group, the Awards honour the legacy of his former teacher, Fr. Frank Maher, a pioneer in nurturing musical talent in Irish secondary schools.

O’Rafferty commented: ” Marty Whelan has been a wonderful supporter of the Frank Maher Awards for its development of young classical music talent. In helping to develop Ireland’s classical music stars of the future, he joins other established names who have also lent their support over the years, like conductor Eimear Noone, pianist Veronica McSwiney and violinists Róisin Ní Dhúill and Mia Cooper. We look forward to seeing this year’s finalists perform on competition night.”

Founded in 2001 by Emmet O’Rafferty, Chair of Top Security Group, the Awards honour the legacy of his former teacher, Fr. Frank Maher, who pioneered support for classical music in Irish secondary schools. Expanded to a national level in 2012, the competition has consistently produced outstanding young talent.

The roll call of past winners underlines the Awards’ influence, including violinists Daimee Ng and Julieanne Forrest, pianists Kevin Jansson and Joe O’Grady, and cellists Killian White and Sinead O’Halloran. Alumni have gone on to achieve international recognition and study at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School New York, MUK Vienna, Barenboim-Said Akademie Berlin, HfMT Hamburg, and the Royal College of Music London, and RIAM in Dublin.

Competition Details

  • Eligibility: Sixth-year post-primary students who play string, woodwind, brass, or piano.
  • Prizes: €5,000 for the winner. €300 bursary for finalists.
  • Closing date for entries: Friday, 3rd October 2025.
  • Further information and application form, visit www.frankmaherclassicalmusicawards.com