Longford performers sparkle at biggest ever All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) announced that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026
An exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which concluded in Wexford town.
Over 800,000 people thronged the streets of the town over the past nine days, 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.
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.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) announced that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 9 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.
Longford results
The following were Longford winners at the Fleadh;
Bainseó / Banjo (15-18 years), 3rd place, Tomás Ó Maolagáin, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford;
Rogha Gléas / Miscellaneous (O18 years), 1st place, Owen Smith, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford;
Drumaí Céilí / Céilí Drums (15-18 years), 3rd place, Saidbh Flynn, CCÉ, John Dungan, Longford;
Rince Seit Measctha / Full Set Mixed (15, 3rd place, CCÉ, John Dungan, Longford;
Storytelling (15-18 years), 1st place, Chloe Spollen, CCÉ, Joe Callaghan, Longford
For all the results and further details on the Fleadh and competitions, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.