Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann produces plenty of Offaly winners

Over 5000 competitors from all over Ireland and overseas played, sung or danced for Comhaltas All Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023 in Mullingar.

There were a number of winners from Offaly in the various categories.

From storytelling to concertina, sets to lilting, victors of regional competitions travelled far and wide to compete in one or more of the 230 competitions. The competitions play a central role in the Fleadh and title holders are highly regarded in the traditional Irish music community.

For the second consecutive year, the All Ireland competitions were held in the historic, cultural and very musical town of Mullingar. The town was home to the first ever All-Ireland Fleadh in 1951. It hosted again in 1963, 2022 and 2023. Over the past nine days the streets have been overflowing with Irish music, dance and culture once more.

Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann said, “We are delighted to return to Mullingar for the second year of the homecoming. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann began here in 1951 and it is extraordinary to see how big and beloved it has become. 72 years ago it was a small event; this year 600,000 people came to celebrate Irish culture.”

He continued, “I would like to congratulate all winners of the competitions. There was an incredible level of skill and talent from all contestants, as there is every year. Few people can say they are an all Ireland winner, so all should be very proud of their amazing achievements.”

Joe Connaire, Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee said, “It has been a pleasure to witness so many people enjoy traditional Irish music, song and dance in Mullingar once again. I am grateful that the town’s beauty and character was the backdrop to the Fleadh and I hope all enjoyed our home as much as we do.”

He continued, “It takes a lot of people to make such a wonderful event and create the beautiful moments we will remember from 2023. I would like to thank everyone who helped to make the past two years so successful.”

The 51st Annual Scoil Éigse, the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ran throughout the week with over 500 Irish and international students of all ages taking part in various music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 will take place in Wexford town on 4th - 11th August 2024.

A list of the Offaly winners are below.

1D Fidil / Fiddle (O18)1st. Ademar O'Connor, CCÉ, Eadan Daoire, Uíbh Fhailí'

2A Bosca Ceoil / Button Accordion (Faoi 12) 2nd. Seamus Ó hAoileáin, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí 3rd. Jacob Ó Daimhin, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

3A Feadóg Mhór / Flute (Faoi 12) 3rd. Seamus Ó hAoileáin, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

4A Feadóg / Whistle (Faoi 12) 1st. Seamus Ó hAoileáin, CCÉ, Baile Atha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

10D Bainseó / Banjo (O18) 1st. Ademar O'Connor, CCÉ, Eadan Daoire, Uíbh Fhailí

11D Maindilín / Mandolin (O18) 2nd. Ademar O'Connor, CCÉ, Eadan Daoire, Uíbh Fhailí

12C Pianó / Piano (15-18) 3rd. Fiannit Ní Dhubhlaoich, CCÉ, Craobh Chuilinn, Uíbh Fhailí

13B Mileoidean / Melodeon (12-15) 3rd. Fiadhna Ní Léime, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

13D Mileoidean / Melodeon (O18) 3rd. Ademar O'Connor, CCÉ, Eadan Daoire, Uíbh Fhailí

16D Bodhrán (O18) 3rd. Marc Ó Breacáin, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

20D Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg Mhór / Flute Slow Airs (O18) 2nd. Gráinne Ní Mhuineog, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

23D Ceol Beirte / Duets (O18) 2nd. CCÉ, Craobh Chuilinn, Uíbh Fhailí - Meibh Ní Dhubhlaoich, Naoise Ní Dhubhlaoich

33D English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) (O18) 2nd. Caitlin Ní Mhuineoig, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

35D Feadaíl / Whistling (O18) 2nd. Gráinne Ní Mhuineog, CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

40D Rince Céilí Ochtair, Mná / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies (O18) 2nd. Birr, Uíbh Fhailí

42C Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies (15-18) 2nd. CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí

42D Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies (O18) CCÉ, Ardacha-Carraigchiarraí, Luimneach 3rd. CCÉ, Biorra, Uíbh Fhailí

43B Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Measctha / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Mixed (12-15) 2nd. CCÉ, Mullahoran, An Chabhán 3rd. CCÉ, Baile Átha Buí, Uíbh Fhailí