Louth musicians shine at record-breaking Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Louth had great success across a range of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which concluded in Wexford town last week. 

Winners from Louth included: 

• 10D Bainseó / Banjo (O18 years), 3rd place, Enda Dooley, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth
• 11D Maindilín / Mandolin (O18 years), 2nd place, Enda Dooley, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth
• 22A Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (under 12 years), 2nd place, Méabh Ní Éiligh, CCÉ, Cú Chulainn, Louth
• 22B Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (12-15 years), 1st place, Ryan Martin, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth
• 22D Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (O18 years), 2nd place, Rachael Dooley, CCÉ, Dún Dealgan, Louth
• 34A English Singing (Men) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Fir) (under 12 years), 1st place, Dáithí McCann, CCÉ, An Bonnán Buí, Louth
• 5D Cairdín Pianó / Piano Accordion (O18 years), 1st place, Séamus de Faoite, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth
• 8D Cruit / Irish Harp (O18 years), 2nd place, Rachael Dooley, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Over 800,000 people thronged the streets of the town, 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 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.”

He continued, “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.”

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.

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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.