Plenty of Longford winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Aoibhinn Ní Loinsigh (Píosaí Ceoil Nuacheaptha / Newly Composed Tunes) of John Dungan CCÉ and Laoise Ní hÁinle (Scéalaíocht 15-18) of Joe Callaghan CCÉ brought home All-Ireland titles, with a number of other Longford representatives featuring in the top three.

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 very 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.

Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann 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.”

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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.”

Joe Connaire, Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee 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.”

He continued, “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 on August 4 - 11, 2024.

For all the results and further details on the Fleadh and competitions, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.

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Longford winners at this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Orgán Béil / Mouth Organ (12-15) 3rd Oran Lennon, CCÉ, Lios Breac - An Longfort, Longford

Bodhrán (15-18) 2nd Nadine Ní Gabhann, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford

Drumaí Céilí / Céilí Drums (15-18) 2nd Nadine Ní Gabhann, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford

English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) (15-18) 3rd Erin Ross, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford

Píosaí Ceoil Nuacheaptha / Newly Composed Tunes (Aon Aois/Any Age) 1st Aoibhinn Ní Loinsigh, CCÉ, John Dungan, Longford

Rince Seit, Measctha / Full Set, Mixed (Faoi 12) 3rd CCÉ, John Dungan, Longford

Storytelling (15-18) 2nd Chloe Spollen, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford

Scéalaíocht (15-18) 1st Laoise Ní hÁinle, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford

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