Wicklow group celebrates Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 win

Irish Independent

2 days ago

For Wicklow, it was the Bray branch of Comhaltas Ceoiltóirí na hÉireann which emerged victorious, with Réiltín Nic Eoin in third place (Comhrá Gaeilge, 9-11), Ferdia Mac Eoin in first place (Comhrá Gaeilge, 11-13) and Fionn Crean Mac Oireachtaigh also in third place (Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes, 12-15).
More than 800,000 people thronged the streets of the town over the 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.
Commenting on the event, 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 25pc 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.
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.
Meanwhile, a celebration of sorts for the Bray branch of Comhaltas Ceoiltóirí na hÉireann will take place on Saturday, August 23, from 2pm to 3.30pm, as past and present members will entertain gatherers outside the Holy Redeemer Church, with a selection of traditional Irish music tunes.
The 'Trad Jam' will feature tin whistles, flutes, fiddles, banjos, bodhrans, concertinas, uileann pipes and harps, so be sure to drop by and join in on the fun. In September, traditional Irish music classes will resume in Coláiste Ráithín, Bray on a Wednesday night and in Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath on a Thursday night. For enrolment details, go to: braycce.ie.