Host of Offaly winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford
Ballyboy, Birr and Edenderry Comhaltas branches features in winners line-up
AN exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which concluded in Wexford town earlier this month.
A large number of talented Offaly musicians featured in the winners line up.
These were:
11D Maindilín / Mandolin (O18 years), 1st place, Ademar O'Connor, CCÉ, Éadan Doire,
13B Mileoidean / Melodeon (12-15 years), 1st place, Fiadhna Ní Léime, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí,
13D Mileoidean / Melodeon (O18 years), 1st place, Ademar O'Connor, CCÉ, Éadan Doire
35D Feadaíl / Whistling (O18 years), 2nd place, Gráinne Ní Mhuineog, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí
36A Portaireacht / Lilting (under 12 years), 2nd place, Shane Ó Maoláin, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí
40A Rince Céilí Ochtair Mná / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing Ladies (under 12 years), 2nd place, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí
40D Rince Céilí Ochtair Mná / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing Ladies (O18 years), 1st place, Biorra
42D Rince Céilí Ceathrair Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing Ladies (O18 years), 1st place, Biorra
4B Feadóg / Whistle (12-15 years), 2nd place, Seamus Ó hAoileáin, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí
6B Consairtín / Concertina (12-15 years), 1st place, Fiadhna Ní Léime, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí
Over 800,000 people thronged the streets of the town over the past nine days, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins. Wexford town pulsed with Irish rhythm and revelry as age-old traditions were celebrated by new generations and the vibrancy of the Fleadh emanated throughout the streets. Every year, the Fleadh provides a cultural meeting place for those who carry the great traditions of Irish music, song and dance in their hearts.
Cllr Joe Sullivan, Chairperson of Wexford County Council, who has family connections with Durrow outside Tullamore said, "It has been a great honour to host this fantastic event in Wexford town for the second year running. What a privilege to showcase our town in the heart of the sunny south east to a global audience. I would like to thank everyone from the many voluntary groups to the visitors to the people of Wexford, and I sincerely hope that everybody had a wonderful, safe and happy time in our town and county."
Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann said, "When Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann commenced in 1951 it was obviously a very small event. In the intervening years the Fleadh has grown to be a Festival of world proportions. It emphasises how our childhood traditions have prospered in the intervening years, and today plays a significant role in tourism with over 25% of the 800,000 attending, coming from out of state."
At the core of the Fleadh are the competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers, singers and story tellers of all ages and backgrounds competing at All-Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions.
Up to 20,000 performers played, sang and danced at the All Ireland Fleadh. The standards were high and the music more than lived up to the expectations of judges who had a very difficult job choosing winners for each category and competition.
Scoil Éigse, the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ran throughout the week with over 800 Irish and international students of all ages taking part in various music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) announced that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place from Sunday 2nd August to Sunday 9th August 2026. This is only the second time the
Fleadh has been held in Northern Ireland, having taken place in Derry in 2013. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is an annual event and is the world's largest celebration of Irish trad music, language, songs and dance.
For all the results and further details on the Fleadh and competitions,
visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie