Aoibhinn propels Mullinalaghta and Longford onto the world stage with her All-Ireland Fleadh triumph

Mullinalaghta were well represented at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil which took place in Mullingar.

All qualifiers for the Fleadh have to first win their County Fleadh in early spring, and then finish in the top two in their provincial Fleadh in July in order to get the right to compete against the top musicians from each province and from Comhaltas branches from around the world at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil.

First up was to be Culleenmore’s Cormac Lynch, who after winning his Leinster title in July in the 12-15 Sean Nós dancing category was looking forward to the All-Ireland competition. Unfortunately, however, Cormac had an accident on the Saturday before the Fleadh and broke his ankle, so was unable to take part at the Fleadh.

The accident also ruled him out action for the Northern Gaels under-14 team who faced a vital championship play off against Killoe last Wednesday night.

Leitrim’s Lucy McHale had qualified to compete in the under-12 mandolin competition and played two beautiful tunes in front of a packed hall of traditional music enthusiasts on Saturday morning. Her reel “Tribute to Michael Coleman” and jig “Siobhán O’Donnell’s” were well received by the two adjudicators, but despite a fantastic performance, Lucy narrowly missed out on an All-Ireland medal. However, Lucy is definitely a young musician to watch for the future and is already looking forward to next year’s All-Ireland in Wexford.

Plenty of Longford winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Longford's budding musicians once again raised the entertainment bar to a new level by claiming a plethora of prizes at this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Next up was Áine Fitzpatrick from Toome, who had qualified to compete in the All-Ireland Senior Piano as the Leinster Champion. Áine played to a full house, performing four fantastic tunes; “The Luckpenny” jig, The “Abbey Tavern” Hornpipe, the “Madame Bonaparte” set dance, and the “Kidafodda” reel. In what was an extraordinary close competition, Áine was very unlucky not to be among the medals, but we know she is also looking forward to Wexford 2024.

The final participant was Culleenmore’s Aoibhinn Lynch who participated as a Leinster winner in the Newly-Composed Tune, Any Age category.

Aoibhinn’s self-composed tune, a reel called “The Mullinalaghta Shout”, was competing against excellent tunes from all over the world, with entries from the four provinces and from as far afield as Japan, Australia and America. With people travelling such journeys to compete in this coveted competition, the hall was packed when Aoibhinn’s tune was played and later announced as the All-Ireland Winner for 2023, seeing Aoibhinn pick up her second All-Ireland title.

Aoibhinn’s winning tune will now be introduced and played at Comhaltas tours all over the world over the next twelve months, and will see Mullinalaghta mentioned in cities all over the world during the next 12 months. Heartiest congratulations to Aoibhinn and to all our participants who did us all so proud in Mullingar.

It’s a testament to our very small area that traditional Irish music is so strong and a central part of our culture.

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