Local winners at Comhaltas All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar
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.
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 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.
Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann, Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, 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.”
Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Joe Connaire, 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.”
“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 from August 4 until August 11, 2024.
Westmeath winners:
10A Bainseó / Banjo (Faoi 12) 1st. Aoife Dunleavy, CCÉ, Ballynacargy, Westmeath
11A Maindilín / Mandolin (Faoi 12) 1st. Aoife Dunleavy, CCÉ, Ballynacargy, Westmeath
29D Bannaí Máirseála, Rogha Ghléas / Miscellaneous Marching Bands (O18) 2nd. Mullingar Town Band, CCÉ, Mullingar, Westmeath
44A Rince Seit, Mná / Full Set, Ladies (Faoi 12) 2nd. CCÉ, Cill Áirne, Spa - Team Laura, Ciarraí 3rd. CCÉ, Ballynacargy, Westmeath
44C Rince Seit, Mná / Full Set, Ladies (15-18) 2nd. CCÉ, Inis Cathaigh Kilrush - St Maura's HFL, An Clár 3rd. Streamstown, Westmeath
44D Rince Seit, Mná / Full Set, Ladies (O18) 2nd. CCÉ, Sliabh Luachra - Team Raecaol, Ciarraí 3rd. CCÉ, Ballynacargy, Westmeath
45B Rince Seit, Measctha / Full Set, Mixed (12-15) 2nd. CCÉ, Inis Cathaigh Kilrush - St Brendan's HFL, An Clár 3rd. Mullingar, Westmeath
46D Rince Leathsheit Measctha / Half Set, Mixed (O18) 3rd. CCÉ, Ballynacargy, Westmeath
47L Rince Seit, Measctha, Os cionn 35 / Full Set, Mixed, O35 (O35) 3rd. Bunbrosna, Westmeath
50C Storytelling (15-18) 3rd. Alanna Corroon, The Downs Mullingar, Westmeath
For all the results and further details on the Fleadh and competitions, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.