Cork musicians triumphant at All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil

A host of Cork musicians and groups achieved success at the recent Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which was held in Wexford.

Famous faces such as Ed Sheeran, Michael Flatley and Daniel O’Donnell were among those who paid a visit to Wexford town, as over 800,000 attended over the week-long festival. Tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins.

Up to 20,000 performers played, sang and danced at the All-Ireland Fleadh. The standard of competition was high once again, with the judges having a very difficult job in choosing the winners for each category and competition.

There were Leeside winners across various different competitions, including in areas such as the button accordion, flute, as well as singing.

Among the Cork victors was Seamus Ó Liatháin of CCÉ, Chronáin, who was the All-Ireland Winner of the Ena Doocey Perpetual Trophy for the Button Accordion (under 12 years). 

Meanwhile, Colm Dullea of CCÉ Baile Núis was the All Ireland Winner of the Tom Vesey Cup for the Céilí Drums (12-15 years).

Finín Ó Conaill of CCÉ, Lachtaín Naofa was the All-Ireland Winner of the Mhairead Ui Chearnaigh Cup for Irish Singing (Men) (15-18 years).

Members of CCÉ Beal Átha an Spidéal were crowned All Ireland Winners of the Pearl River School of Irish Music Perpetual Cup for Céilí Band (under 12 years).

At the core of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers, singers and story tellers, from all ages and backgrounds, competing at All-Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions and events.

“When Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann commenced in 1951 it was obviously a very small event,” Dr Labhrás Ó’Murchú, ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann said.

“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.”

Councillor Joe Sullivan, chairperson of Wexford County Council 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.”

Mr Sullivan added: “Memories have been made that will last a lifetime and the legacy of the Fleadh is the increased interest in traditional Irish music, song and dance that will last for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) has announced that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026, which will take place from Sunday August 2 to Sunday August 9.

This is only the second time the Fleadh has been held in Northern Ireland, having also taken place in Derry in 2013.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is held annually, is the world’s largest celebration of Irish trad music, language, song and dance.

For full details of the results and for further information on the Fleadh and competitions, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.