Over 600 competitors to take part in Offaly Fleadh 2026 at Tullamore and Killeigh venues

BETWEEN 600 to 700 competitors will take part in this year's Fleadh Cheoil Uíbh Fhailí which will take place at venues in Tullamore and Killeigh in April.

The mammoth event is being organised by the Offaly County Board of Comhaltas and the Killeigh branch of Comhaltas, among whose members is the National President of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Attracta Brady.

Speaking to the Tribune at the launch of the event in the offices on its main sponsors, Arachas, in Tullamore on Monday afternoon, Attracta paid tribute to all the event's sponsors and the venue providers, in particular Colaiste Choilm where the competitions are taking place.

The Fleadh runs from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26 next with a host of events, competitions and sessions over the weekend.

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Events will also take place in the lead up to the fleadh including a session in Annie Kelly's pub, Harbour St on Tuesday, April 21, and a table quiz in Maunsells, Cloncollig, on Thursday, April 23.

On Friday, April 24, there will be a ceili, set dancing and sean nos singing in Colaiste Choilm, starting at 6pm.

The official launch of the fleadh takes place in Killeigh Comhaltas's Teach Ceoil centre on Offaly St at 8pm that evening and this will feature a concert by northern group, Chunky Business. The group is composed of Gary Curley and Stephen McKee who play the accordion and bango. Tickets for that event are now available.

The competitions kick off on Saturday in Colaiste Choilm at 10am and will continue all day. Competitions continue on Sunday with the ever popular ceili band competition taking place that afternoon.

On Saturday, a major concert will also take place in St Patrick's church in Killeigh commencing at 6pm.

"Thjis year is the 75^th anniversary of the foundation of Comhaltas and events will take place throughout the year all over Ireland including a gala event in Dublin's Mansion House on May 2 next," outlined Attracta Brady.

She said the organisers of the Offaly Fleadh were delighted with the support they had received, especially from sponsors, Colaiste Choilm, the people of Tullamore and Offaly County Council.

Arachas has officially pledged its support to Killeigh Comhaltas as a major sponsor for the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil Uíbh Fhailí.

The sponsorship will assist with the significant operational costs of hosting the event, which expects to draw upwards of 600 competitors and thousands of spectators.

Personal Lines Managing Director Ollie Gorman was on hand to welcome members of the organising committee to the local Arachas office on Monday to kick off the countdown to the event.

He said: "The fleadh is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of our heritage. As a local business, Arachas is privileged to help Killeigh Comhaltas deliver a memorable fleadh for the musicians and visitors arriving in Tullamore this spring.

"At Arachas, we are incredibly proud to partner with Killeigh Comhaltas as one of their major sponsors for Fleadh Cheoil Uíbh Fhailí 2026.

"This event is a cornerstone of our local culture, bringing together over 600 competitors and thousands of visitors to Tullamore.

"Our team here in Tullamore and our office in Birr, firmly believe in supporting the heartbeat of our community, and we look forward to seeing the town of Tullamore come alive with music, song, and dance this April."

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