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THE LIGONIER HIGHLAND GAMES IS PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE U.S. GAELIC MOD
2023 MOD LIGONIER
The Mòd is a celebration of Scottish Gaelic song, music, poetry and storytelling based on Scotland’s Royal National Mòd and provincial Mòds. ACGA has held 31 annual National U.S. Mòds, many of them at Ligonier.
Mòd Ligonier will be held Sept. 15-17, with the song competition taking place at the Ligonier Highland Games on September 16.
Mòd Ligonier will be held Sept. 15-17, with the song competition taking place at the Ligonier Highland Games on September 16.
RACHEL WALKER adjudicated at 2019 MOD LIGONIER
Acclaimed Scottish Gaelic singer, and winner of the women's Gold Medal at Scotland's Royal National Mod, Rachel Walker was one of the adjudicators at Mòd Ligonier 2019.
In addition to winning Royal National Mòd Gold Medal in 2017, Rachel was voted Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards in 2013 and nominated as Composer of the Year in 2015.
She is the conductor of the Lochaber District Gaelic Choir, which has won the Margrat Duncan prize for District Choirs at the last three Royal National Mòds.
In addition to teaching music at the West Highland College, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI,) Walker performs with the groups Cruinn and Skippinish.
In addition to winning Royal National Mòd Gold Medal in 2017, Rachel was voted Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards in 2013 and nominated as Composer of the Year in 2015.
She is the conductor of the Lochaber District Gaelic Choir, which has won the Margrat Duncan prize for District Choirs at the last three Royal National Mòds.
In addition to teaching music at the West Highland College, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI,) Walker performs with the groups Cruinn and Skippinish.
MICHAEL MACKAY adjudicated Ligonier in 2019
MICHAEL MACKAY has been learning Scottish Gaelic since the late 90’s, and is now a fluent contributor to BBC radio and television programs such as Aithris na Maidne (The Morning Report) and Prògram Choinnich (Kenny MacIver’s morning show). He, along with Liam Cassidy, presented an Internet Gaelic news topic show, Gaelcast. He has adjudicated at the North Carolina Mòd, connected with ACGA’s Grandfather Mountain Song and Language Week. Michael has won the ACGA National Mòd several times, as well as getting several first place wins at the Royal Mòd in Scotland in Prose competitions, and a second place in the Traditional Gold Medal competition.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE GAELIC MOD WILL ALSO BE PRESENTING A MINI CONCERT AT THE MAIN HILLSIDE THEATER AT 12:30 ON SATURDAY
2018 GAELIC MOD WINNERS
Gaelic Mòd first place medalists:
Duais Daibhidh Mhic Risnidh
Storytelling Combined Competition
Cam MacRae (one prescribed and one self-select)
Anne Alexander
Seearrag GhlainenamBàrd
Poetry recitation Seinn Chompàirteach
Anne Alexander Accompanied singing
Carol Kappus
Leughadhaiga’chiadshealladh
Sight reading
Hilary NicPhaidein Harmonized Singing
Sharon McWhorter
Farpais Fhosgailte & Anne Alexander
Singer’s choice song
Anne Alexander
Duais Daibhidh Mhic Risnidh
Storytelling Combined Competition
Cam MacRae (one prescribed and one self-select)
Anne Alexander
Seearrag GhlainenamBàrd
Poetry recitation Seinn Chompàirteach
Anne Alexander Accompanied singing
Carol Kappus
Leughadhaiga’chiadshealladh
Sight reading
Hilary NicPhaidein Harmonized Singing
Sharon McWhorter
Farpais Fhosgailte & Anne Alexander
Singer’s choice song
Anne Alexander
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2018 GAELIC MOD ADJUDICATORS
Adjudicators Michael Mackay and Alasdair Currie were in attendance at Ligonier in 2018 for the Gaelic Mod.
Michael Mackay has been learning Scottish Gaelic since the late 90’s, and is now a fluent contributor to BBC radio and television programs such as AithrisnaMaidne (The Morning Report) and PrògramChoinnich (Kenny MacIver’s morning show). He, along with Liam Cassidy, have presented an Internet Gaelic news topic show, Gaelcast. He has adjudicated at the North Carolina Mòd, connected with ACGA’s Grandfather Mountain Song and Language Week. Michael has won the ACGA National Mòd several times, as well as getting several first place wins at the Royal Mòd in Scotland in Prose competitions, and a second place in the Traditional Gold Medal competition. He comes back to us this year as one of the adjudicators for the Mòd’s competitions.
Alasdair Currie was born and raised on the Isle of Islay, Scotland and lived on a farm called Ballachlaven at the north end of the island. He began singing and competing in mòdan at a very young age. As a child he won the ‘Dunoon Observer Gold Medal’ for boy’s solo singing 10-12, the James C. Macphee badge for boy’s solo singing 13-15 and the open competition for boys aged 16-18.In his first year competing as an adult he won the Silver Pendant in Oban.He finished third in the Gold Medal competition the next year in Lewis and won the Gold Medal in Fort William in 2017.Alasdair studied bagpipes and small pipes at Sabhal MòrOstaig, the Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye for three years where he achieved a degree with distinction in Gaelic and Traditional Music and received tutoring from Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack and Blair Douglas.
2017 GAELIC MOD WINNERS
U.S. Mòd first place medalists:
Duais Daibhidh Mhic Risnidh Farpais Chòisir
Storytelling Choir competition
Michael MacKay Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio
Ron Hazelett, director
Seearrag GhlainenamBàrd
Poetry recitation Seinn Chompàirteach
Barbara Lynn Rice Accompanied singing
William Cassidy & Edward Bradshaw
Leughadhaiga’chiadshealladh
Sight reading The MacComb Shield
William Cassidy Men’s prescribed song:
James Ruff
Farpais Fhosgailte
Singer’s choice song The Herbert MacNeil Cup
Anne Alexander Overall best singer, men
James Ruff
Duais Daibhidh Mhic Risnidh Farpais Chòisir
Storytelling Choir competition
Michael MacKay Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio
Ron Hazelett, director
Seearrag GhlainenamBàrd
Poetry recitation Seinn Chompàirteach
Barbara Lynn Rice Accompanied singing
William Cassidy & Edward Bradshaw
Leughadhaiga’chiadshealladh
Sight reading The MacComb Shield
William Cassidy Men’s prescribed song:
James Ruff
Farpais Fhosgailte
Singer’s choice song The Herbert MacNeil Cup
Anne Alexander Overall best singer, men
James Ruff
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2017 U.S. NATIONAL MOD ADJUDICATORS
In 2017 there were two adjudicators at the U.S. National Mòd; Margaret Stewart and Murdo “Wasp” MacDonald.
Both Margaret and Murdo hailed from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Western Isles, and Scottish Gaelic is their first language. Margaret was brought up in Coll Uarach (Upper Coll), to the north of the town of Stornoway. Murdo is from Siadar a’ Chladaich, on the west coast of Lewis.
Both Margaret and Murdo had won gold medals at the Royal National Mòd in Scotland.
Both Margaret and Murdo hailed from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Western Isles, and Scottish Gaelic is their first language. Margaret was brought up in Coll Uarach (Upper Coll), to the north of the town of Stornoway. Murdo is from Siadar a’ Chladaich, on the west coast of Lewis.
Both Margaret and Murdo had won gold medals at the Royal National Mòd in Scotland.
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2016 GAELIC MOD WINNERS
Duais Daibhidh Mhic Risnidh Seearrag Ghlaine nam Bàrd
Storytelling - Cathleen Mackay Poetry Recitation - Barbara Lynn Rice
Sight Reading Farpais Fhosgailte
Liam Cassidy Singer's Choice Song - Sharon McWhorter
A'Seinn mar Aon
Unison Singing - Barbara Lynn Rice and John Grimaldi
Farpais Chòisir
Choir Competition - Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio, Ron Hazelett, Director
Puirtà beul Òranobrach
Mouth music - James Ruff Work song - Carol Kappus
The SCOTS Shield
Women’s prescribed song - Anne Alexander
The MacComb Shield
Men’s prescribed song - James Ruff
The Herbert MacNeil Cup
Overall Best Singer, Men - James Ruff
The Marietta NicLeòid Cup
Overall Best Singer, Women - Anne Alexander
Storytelling - Cathleen Mackay Poetry Recitation - Barbara Lynn Rice
Sight Reading Farpais Fhosgailte
Liam Cassidy Singer's Choice Song - Sharon McWhorter
A'Seinn mar Aon
Unison Singing - Barbara Lynn Rice and John Grimaldi
Farpais Chòisir
Choir Competition - Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio, Ron Hazelett, Director
Puirtà beul Òranobrach
Mouth music - James Ruff Work song - Carol Kappus
The SCOTS Shield
Women’s prescribed song - Anne Alexander
The MacComb Shield
Men’s prescribed song - James Ruff
The Herbert MacNeil Cup
Overall Best Singer, Men - James Ruff
The Marietta NicLeòid Cup
Overall Best Singer, Women - Anne Alexander
2016 WINNERS ANNE ALEXANDER & JAMES RUFF WITH DR. GILLIES
2016 GAELIC MOD COMPLETE RESULTS
Friday, September 23:
Storytelling: Poetry:
1. Cathleen Mackay 1. Barbara Lynn Rice
(Audit) Liam Cassidy 2. Mary Swope
Sight Reading:
1. Liam Cassidy
2. Anne Alexander
3. (Tied), Barbara Lynn Rice and Mary Swope
Saturday, September 24:
Open song category: Work song:
1. Sharon McWhorter 1. Carol Kappus
2. Carol Kappus 2. Anne Alexander
3. Anne Alexander 3. Cathleen Mackay
Prescribed song: Puirt:
Men 1. James Ruff
1. James Ruff 2. Carol Kappus
Women
1. Anne Alexander
2. (Tied) Cathleen Mackay and Carol Kappus
3. Mary Swope
Choir: Final song Results:
1. Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio Men’s:
Unison/harmonized singing: 1. James Ruff
1. Barbara Lynn Rice & John Grimaldi Women’s:
1. Anne Alexander
2. Cathleen Mackay
3. Carol Kappus
Overall Mòd Gold Medal results:
Women’s:
Men’s: 1. Anne Alexander
1. James Ruff 2. Cathleen Mackay
3. Carol Kappus
Awards:
Searrag Ghlainne nam Bàird (Edinburgh Crystal Decanter). Presented by Mòd co-founder Donald F. MacDonald to the winner of the competition in bàrdachd recitation at the Mòd.
Barbara Lynn Rice
Duais Dhaibhidh Mhic Risnidh (David MacRitchie Award). Presented for best traditional story in Gaelic.
Cathleen Mackay
Duais Iain Mhic Mhurchaidh (John MacRae Award). Presented for best original poem submitted to the Mòd.
Barbara Lynn Rice
Duais Leòdhais agus na Hearadh (Lewis and Harris Award). Presented for best performance of a Lewis or Harris song (in memory of Donnie MacLean).
James Ruff
MacComb Shield for the Men’s prescribed highest score
James Ruff
SCOTS Shield for Women’s prescribed song highest score
Anne Alexander
Herbert P. MacNeal Memorial Quaich. Presented by Clan MacNeil Society to highest scoring male solo singer (Gold Medal).
James Ruff
Marietta MacLeod Memorial Quaich. Presented by Donald F. MacDonald to the highest scoring woman solo singer (Gold Medal).
Anne Alexander
Storytelling: Poetry:
1. Cathleen Mackay 1. Barbara Lynn Rice
(Audit) Liam Cassidy 2. Mary Swope
Sight Reading:
1. Liam Cassidy
2. Anne Alexander
3. (Tied), Barbara Lynn Rice and Mary Swope
Saturday, September 24:
Open song category: Work song:
1. Sharon McWhorter 1. Carol Kappus
2. Carol Kappus 2. Anne Alexander
3. Anne Alexander 3. Cathleen Mackay
Prescribed song: Puirt:
Men 1. James Ruff
1. James Ruff 2. Carol Kappus
Women
1. Anne Alexander
2. (Tied) Cathleen Mackay and Carol Kappus
3. Mary Swope
Choir: Final song Results:
1. Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio Men’s:
Unison/harmonized singing: 1. James Ruff
1. Barbara Lynn Rice & John Grimaldi Women’s:
1. Anne Alexander
2. Cathleen Mackay
3. Carol Kappus
Overall Mòd Gold Medal results:
Women’s:
Men’s: 1. Anne Alexander
1. James Ruff 2. Cathleen Mackay
3. Carol Kappus
Awards:
Searrag Ghlainne nam Bàird (Edinburgh Crystal Decanter). Presented by Mòd co-founder Donald F. MacDonald to the winner of the competition in bàrdachd recitation at the Mòd.
Barbara Lynn Rice
Duais Dhaibhidh Mhic Risnidh (David MacRitchie Award). Presented for best traditional story in Gaelic.
Cathleen Mackay
Duais Iain Mhic Mhurchaidh (John MacRae Award). Presented for best original poem submitted to the Mòd.
Barbara Lynn Rice
Duais Leòdhais agus na Hearadh (Lewis and Harris Award). Presented for best performance of a Lewis or Harris song (in memory of Donnie MacLean).
James Ruff
MacComb Shield for the Men’s prescribed highest score
James Ruff
SCOTS Shield for Women’s prescribed song highest score
Anne Alexander
Herbert P. MacNeal Memorial Quaich. Presented by Clan MacNeil Society to highest scoring male solo singer (Gold Medal).
James Ruff
Marietta MacLeod Memorial Quaich. Presented by Donald F. MacDonald to the highest scoring woman solo singer (Gold Medal).
Anne Alexander
A.C.G.A. welcomed Dr. Anne Lorne Gillies as the adjudicator of the 29th annual U.S. National Mòd in 2016.
Anna Latharna NicGillìosa grew up on a croft in Argyll and won the women's gold medal at the Royal National Mòd in Scotland at the age of 17. Her work spans a solo career in singing, work in music, radio, television, education, politics and writing in both English and Gaelic. Dr. Gillies' book Songs of Gaelic Scotland was awarded the prestigious Radcliff Prize in 2006. Dr. Gillies earned a PhD in Gaelic Education from the University of Glasgow and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. She was appointed Gaelic Ambassador by the Scottish government in 2009 and inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
Anna Latharna NicGillìosa grew up on a croft in Argyll and won the women's gold medal at the Royal National Mòd in Scotland at the age of 17. Her work spans a solo career in singing, work in music, radio, television, education, politics and writing in both English and Gaelic. Dr. Gillies' book Songs of Gaelic Scotland was awarded the prestigious Radcliff Prize in 2006. Dr. Gillies earned a PhD in Gaelic Education from the University of Glasgow and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. She was appointed Gaelic Ambassador by the Scottish government in 2009 and inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
2015 GAELIC MOD WINNERS
2015 U.S. Mòd Men's Gold Medalist Tom Terry with adjudicator Gillebride MacMillan.
2015 U.S. Mòd Women's Gold Medalist Connie Smith with adjudicator
Gillebride MacMillan
Gillebride MacMillan
More 2015 U.S. Mod Winners
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Duais Daibhidh Mhic Risnidh
Storytelling - Liam Cassidy |
Seearrag Ghlaine nam Bàrd
Poetry Recitation - Barbara Lynn Rice |
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Farpais Fhosgailte
Singer’s Choice Song - Sharon McWarton |
Farpais Chòisir
Choir Competition - Còisir Ghàidhlig Ohio Ron Hazelett, Director |
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The SCOTS Shield
Women’s prescribed song - Anne Alexander |
The MacComb Shield
Men’s prescribed song - Tom Terry |
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The Herbert MacNeil Cup
Overall Best Singer, Men - Tom Terry |
The Marietta NicLeòid Cup
Overall Best Singer, Women - Connie Smith |
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