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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry club's talented dancers and musicians score All-Ireland success after years of coming up short
It was a case of finally getting over the line for many of the victors, who endured disappointments in the past but continued to hone their skills in the hope of one day seeing glory. Kilcummin dancers swept the board in the senior competitions, claiming All-Ireland titles in the highly-contested Over 18 Full Set Mixed, Over 18 Half Set Mixed, Over 18 Full Set Ladies, and Over 35 Full Set Mixed competitions. In the junior ranks, Kilcummin girls achieved glory in the 15-18 Ladies' Set. The CCÉ's dancers placed second in the U12 Mixed Set while the U12 Ladies' Set entrants narrowly missed out on a placing in their competition. Brynn McCarthy also delivered a superb performance in the U12 Irish Singing competition, setting the stage for more success ahead. Kilcummin's young musicians matched the success of their association's dancers. Michael Healy emerged as All-Ireland champion in the 15-18 Melodeon contest, and Eoin Foley was victorious in the 12-15 Button Accordion competition and placed third in the 12-15 Melodeon category. Colm Fleming brought home another All-Ireland title for Kilcummin after rising to the top in the U12 Melodeon, while he finished second in the U12 Button Accordion competition. Sean Butler also put in a fine display to finish runner-up in the 15-18 Mouth Organ contest. Derek O'Leary, Kilcummin Comhaltas PRO, told The Kerryman his organisation has not experienced such success in many years. 'Some of the competitors would have been knocking on the door of achieving an All-Ireland for a long number of years but just didn't get over the line,' Mr O'Leary said. 'They would have been pipped at the post.' ADVERTISEMENT 'A lot of the winners this year were of that nature, where they were competing in All-Ireland finals for seven, eight, nine years, and just never got to the final pinnacle.' Mr O'Leary puts the success down to ongoing commitment and perseverance of members. 'It's a huge undertaking,' he said. 'From a set dancing point of view, they have hours of practice put into that, rehearsing three or four times a week coming up to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.' The future is bright for the Comhaltas because there is plenty of talent vying for competition places. 'It's like football in a way - you're all trying to create the best you can with what you have,' Mr O'Leary said. 'We're always looking for new people to come through as well.' The Comhaltas is planning to hold a 'hooly' to mark the success of its members at the end of this month. It offered its gratitude to the Moriarty School of Dancing for the preparation of its dancers, the musicians who played for sets, and the tutors who worked tirelessly with its musicians and singer. Thanks was also extended to the families and supporters of Kilcummin CCÉ, who provide year-round encouragement.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Mayo musicians secure huge medal haul at 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Over 7,000 competitors took part in this year's Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann, which drew an estimated 800,000 visitors to Wexford town for the eight-day fleadh. This included ten first-place finishes for the Glór na dTonn Céilí Band of CCÉ, Scoil Acla (Céilí Band Over-18), Cian Kilkenny of CCÉ Castlebar (Flute Over-18), Nicole Kilkenny of CCÉ, Castlebar (Accompaniment 15-18), Martin Woods of CCÉ, Michael Davitt (Banjo 15-18), John Green of CCÉ, Michael Davitt (Flute Slow Airs 12-15), Oisín O'Donnell of CCÉ, Bofield (Flute Slow Airs 15-18), Mícheál Mac Éil of CCÉ, Admiral Brown (Whistle Slow Airs Under-12), John Devanney of CCÉ, Sheosamh Mhic Ghabhann (Harp Slow Airs Over-18), Áine Fox, Aodhán Hughes and Cathal Walsh of CCÉ, Castlebar (Trios Over-18) Ailbhe de Róiste of CCÉ, Craobh Iorrais, Maigh Eo (Comhrá Gaeilge, Under-9). There were second places for Eilidh Jackson of CCÉ, Ballindine (Piano 12-15); Seán Holmes of CCÉ, Admiral Brown (Mouth Organ 12-15); Cillian Gallagher of CCÉ, Cleary Coyne, Claremorris in (Melodeon 15-18); Aoife Sherry of CCÉ, Bofield (Irish Harp 15-18); Conor Ó Sionnaigh of CCÉ, Admiral Brown (Amhráin Bhéarla (Fir) (15-18); Julian Hopkins of CCÉ, Admiral Brown (Storytelling Under-12); Aoife Sherry of CCÉ, Bofield (Harp Slow Airs 15-18) and CCÉ, Cuilmore, Newport in the Full Set, Ladies (Faoi 12) and the Full Set, Ladies (15-18). There were third place finishes for Nell Ní Mhongáin of CCÉ, Craobh Iorrais (Sean Nós singing Under-12); Peadar Ó Sionnaigh of CCÉ, Admiral Brown (Rince ar an Sean-Nós Over-18); Lucy Canny of CCÉ Cleary Coyne (Irish Harp Under-12); Padraig Maonghaile O'Caoimh of CCÉ, Bofield (Uilleann Pipes Under-12 and Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs Under-12); Emily Rooney of CCÉ Sheosamh Mhic Ghabhann (Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) Over-18); Aoife Sherry of CCÉ Bofield (Piano 15-18); Oonagh Kelly of CCÉ Cleary Coyne Harp Slow Airs Under-12); Cora Ní Neachtain of CCÉ Bofield (Comhrá Gaeilge 11-13); Emer de Róiste of CCÉ Craobh Iorrais (Scéalaíocht Under-12) and Saoirse Moran of CCÉ Caisleán an Bharraigh (Harp Slow Airs 15-18). A campaign is currently underway to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Ballina in 2027. The north Mayo town hosted the world-renowned festival twice during the 1990s.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Causeway prepares for first ever Cuimsiú
Kerry Comhaltas is proud to introduce Cuimsiú—the Irish word for 'inclusion'—a new competition designed specifically for performers with a disability or additional needs. Some elements of the competition will be open to a public audience, offering a special opportunity to celebrate inclusivity in traditional Irish music. The concept of an inclusive Fleadh competition was first proposed by Runaí Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, who recognised the need to expand participation in Irish traditional arts across all communities. The idea was enthusiastically received and unanimously supported by the County Board delegates before being formally ratified in January. A dedicated subcommittee—comprising Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, Geraldine Guilfoyle, Alannah Kissane Casey, Martina O'Neil, and Gerard O'Carroll—was formed to bring the initiative to life. Catrina also sought advice from CCÉ officers in Mayo and Clare, where similar competitions had been successfully held. Numerous local organisations supporting individuals with additional needs were contacted, with the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland responding with strong support. The organisation's Uachtaráin is also now a member of the Cuimsiú subcommittee. This year's event represents an important first step, with the hope that the Cuimsiú competition will expand to provincial and national levels in the future. Kerry Comhaltas expresses its sincere thanks to all members and supporters who have helped make this inclusive initiative a reality. Ní neart go cur le chéile—there is no strength without unity. Those interested in learning more about the Cuimsiú competition are invited to contact Catrina Uí Ifearnáin at 085 1770463 or via email at secretarykerrycce@ This year's competitors include Lorcan Harnett, Aaron Costello, and Laura Dillane.
