Dundalk IT PhD student triumphs at Leinster Fleadh Cheoil

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) music student Darren Culliney, recently had multiple successes at the Leinster Fleadh Cheoil held in Drogheda.

Longford man Darren had a fantastic weekend, securing first place in four separate competitions. As a soloist, he triumphed in the Senior Button Accordion and added another win in the Senior Accompaniment on piano. Teaming up with his brother Cathal, he claimed victory in the Senior Duet, and the pair, joined by Liam Doherty, went on to win the Senior Trio competition.

Darren also earned third place in both the Melodeon and Lilting categories, and several of his students took part in various competitions throughout the weekend.

Darren is a TUTF PhD scholar at DkIT examining the role of the button accordion in the musical and cultural life of Ulster under the supervision of Dr Daithí Kearney and Dr Verena Commins (University of Galway). Darren is also chair of the Longford County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éíreann and the Education Officer for the Irish affiliate of the International Council for Traditional Music and Dance.

He has presented his research internationally and published articles on his research. Darren will also be competing at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will be held in Wexford in August. 

The Leinster Fleadh was seen as a great success, bringing thousands of people to Drogheda for a weekend of celebration. The opening concert in the Droichead Arts Centre included another tie to DkIT with a performance of ‘Oliver Plans a Party’, written and directed by DkIT lecturer Dr Daithí Kearney, who was involved across the weekend as a volunteer, including as MC on the Gig Rig where leading bands including Goitse performed to large crowds.