All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil winners

It was an exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the 70th Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Over 500,000 people thronged the streets of Mullingar over the nine days, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins. The 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.

Joe Connaire, Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee said: “It has been a great privilege to host this fantastic event and showcase Mullingar, Ireland’s Hidden Heartland to a global audience.”

He continued: “While we had a delay in bringing the Fleadh due to Covid, it was certainly worth the wait! It has been such a pleasure to host the Fleadh this year and we certainly are looking forward to 2023. Memories have been made that will last a lifetime and the legacy of the Fleadh is the increased interest in traditional Irish music, song and dance that will last for generations to come.”

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.”

At the core of the Fleadh are the competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers of all ages and backgrounds competing at All-Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions.

This year over 5,000 competitors played, sang or danced for All-Ireland titles in 230 competitions. 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.

The first ever All-Ireland Fleadh was held in Mullingar over 50 years ago in 1951. It was held in the town again in 1963 and in 2022. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will return to Mullingar in 2023.

LOCAL WINNERS

Pianó/Piano (12-15): Third, Clodagh Ní Chathaláin, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Rogha Gléas/Miscellaneous (12-15): First, Jack Mac Craith, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Rogha Gléas/Miscellaneous (15-18): First, Emma Nic Gearailt, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Tionlacan/Accompaniment (12-15): Second, Jack Mac Craith, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Tionlacan/Accompaniment (12-15): Third, Clodagh Ní Chathaláin, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Foinn Mhalla, Fidil/Fiddle Slow Airs (12-15): Third, Laoise Ní Chinnéide, CCÉ, Ormond

Fidil/Fiddle (12): First, Laoise NÍ Chinnéide, CCÉ, Ormond

Bosca Ceoil/Button Accordion (O18): First, Keelan Mac Craith, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Amhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós (Fir)/Irish Singing (Men, O18): Second, Ryan Mac Craith, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Píosaí Ceoil Nuacheaptha/Newly Composed Tunes (Aon Aois/Any Age): First, Laoise Ní Chinnéide T, CCÉ, Ormond

Comhrá Gaeilge (Faoi 9): Second, Sally Duggan, CCÉ, Ormond

Feadóg/Whistle (Faoi 12): Second, Maria Ní Mhaidin, CCÉ, Ros Cré

Píb Uilleann/Uilleann Pipes (12): First, Muireannn Meade, CCÉ, Loughmore

Orgán Béil/Mouth Organ (Faoi 12): second, DJ Mac Gerailt, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín

Orgán Béil/Mouth Organ (O18): First: Liam Mac Thomais, CCÉ, Ros Cré

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

ROSCREA AND CARNEY MUSICIANS AT THE FLEADH

The Roscrea branch of Comhaltas congratulates two of its members - William Holmes and Marie Madden - on their wonderful achievement at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar. Maria Madden set the ball rolling by coming second in the Under 12 tin whistle on Saturday.

William, who is no stranger to all-Ireland success, came first in the senior Mouth Organ on Sunday. William took his first mouth organ lessons from Billy Hynes, Roscrea.

The Mullingar Fleadh has been a tremendous success and for Comhaltas Roscrea, it has been further enhanced by the aforementioned successes.

Meanwhile, there was sibling success for the Fitzgeralds of Carney as Emma Fitzgerald became All-Ireland Champion on her guitar at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2022.

She came in first place and received a trophy cup and an all-Ireland medal.

This is an absolutely great achievement for Emma and she is delighted with it.

Her brother DJ also achieved at the All-Ireland in Mulingar.

He came in second place with his music and received an all-Ireland medal.

He is only 10 years of age and it was his first competition ever.

This is an absolutely massive achievement for such a young boy.

The judge asked DJ if he was happy with his win and he told the judge: “I'm just happy it's all over and I can get back to work with my daddy and cut the grass for my grandad again!”