Major success for Offaly at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
by Emily Sheehan
Following an exciting week of competitions, concerts, céilithe and session, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 has come to a close.
The week saw great success for Offaly across a range of instruments and styles.
Ademar O'Connor from CCÉ Éadan Doire (Edenderry) took the 1st place spot in the Miscellaneous O18 competition, and placed 2nd in both Melodeon O18 and Button Accordion O18.
Fiadhna Ní Léime from CCÉ Báile Átha Buí placed 3rd in the 12-15 Melodeon competition, while Gráinne Ní Mhuinneog, also from CCÉ Baile Átha Buí placed 2nd in the O18 Whistling competition.
The O18 Trios saw Aoibhe Ní Dhubhlaoich, Meibh Ní Dhubhlaoich, and Naoise Ní Dhubhlaoich, from CCÉ, Craobh Chuilinn clench first place, while Meibh Ní Dhubhlaoich and Naoise Ní Dhubhlaoich placed 2nd in the O18 duets.
The O-18 Ladies 8-Hand Céilí Dancing saw Birr take home 1st place, with the group seeing further success in the O-18 4-Hand Céilí Dancing also/
Finally, the 15-18 Ladies 4-Hand Céilí Dancing saw CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn took home 2nd place.
Over 600,000 people took to the streets of Wexford over the past nine days to celebrate the Fleadh, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins.
Speaking about the event, Councillor Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council said,
“It has been a great honour to host this fantastic event in Wexford town for the first time.”
“What a privilege to showcase our town in the heart of sunny south east to a global audience.
I would like to thank everyone from the many voluntary groups to the visitors to the people of Wexford, and I sincerely hope that everybody had a wonderful, safe and happy time in our town and county.”
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 25% of the 600,0000 attending, coming from out of state.”
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.
Wexford has been chosen to host the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from August 3 to 10 next year.