Published: Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010 5:00pm

Stacey is whistling her way to the top

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A tin whistle player from Ballymahon Road, Mullingar was delighted to win the Senior Solo Instrument category of the All Ireland Pioneer Readoiri Competition in Limerick on Sunday, writes Glyn Semple.

Stacey Hogg, 17, won through five stages of the competition, beginning in October, before reaching the final.

When the judges announced the winner they called out 'Leinster' rather than her name so it took her a few seconds to realise she had won.

"I was so shocked," she said. "I didn't really understand at first."

In the final she played a jig called Over the Mountains and a slow air called Eileen Eivers.

Stacey told the Westmeath Examiner she was very grateful to her family and all who supported her, particularly Peter and Dermot Fagan.

Stacey has been playing the instrument for nine years and is only one exam away from qualifying to teach it.

She is studying a PLC course at Mullingar Community College.