A wonderful weekend of music

What a weekend Co Tipperary Fleadh 2025 turned out to be!

Under blue skies and scorching sun, the streets of Clonmel came alive, filled with music, dance, comhrá and singing. From the Official Opening in The Coachman on Friday night, May 16, to the Farewell Session in Mulcahy’s on Sunday evening, May 18, there was craic agus ceol go leor.

At the Official Opening six people were awarded Gradams in recognition of their significant contributions to Irish culture, particularly music, dance, and language, as well as community service. The awardees were Maurice Walsh, Mary Prenderville, Emma Lacey, Eileen Boland, Martina Maher and Margaret Redmond.

Dr Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstúirthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann, was present to honour the awardees. This was then followed by songs from a local Ukrainian Choir, music by Flúirse and John Nugent, Ciarán Ó Gealbháin and Becky McCloskey. The céilí in the Gaelcholáiste on Friday night saw feet pounding to the lively music provided by Abbey Ceilí Band. Friday night set the scene for the remainder of the weekend with music galore in the pubs and on the streets throughout Saturday afternoon until late into the night.

Entertainment on the Plaza and Main Guard on Saturday and Sunday saw performances from our local Gaelscoil and Gaelchólaiste, Doireann Ryan dancing, local group That’s the Shot and Trad Company from Portlaoise. Branches from neighbouring counties, Mitchelstown and Craobh Osraí in Kilkenny provided most enjoyable singing, dancing and music. The virtual reality (VR) experience, which showed how VR can enhance musical performance, facilitated by students from TUS, under the steer of Paul Keating, proved to be a great hit for young and old. Through ‘The River of Music, the River of Experience’ you journeyed on the River Suir with a local boatman as the guide, listening to poetry and music composed by local artists.

The party atmosphere climaxed on Saturday evening as Ruaile Buaile took to the stage and wowed the people of Clonmel . The atmosphere was electrifying, with young and old taking to the streets, dancing and singing their hearts away.

At the closing competitions the Chair of the Co Tipperary Fleadh Cheoil, Róisín Egan, congratulated all the participants who took part in the competitions and wished the best of luck to those who qualified for the Munster Fleadh, taking place in Cork in July.

Over 230 musicians, dancers and singers from around Co Tipperary qualified and no doubt many of them will make us proud as they progress to the All Ireland Fleadh in Wexford in August.

Barbara Farrell, Chair of the Co Board, thanked all the people of Clonmel for their support in making 2025 a great Fleadh, in particular John McCarthy and his team in the Gaelcholáiste for trusting us with the school.

THANKS

A special thanks to the Fleadh Committee, under chair Róisin Egan from Powerstown/Lisronagh Branch who pulled out all the stops to make sure that the Fleadh was inclusive to all in the county, proving that community spirit is alive and well in Tipperary.

Finally, a huge thank you to all the businesses, shops and pubs who came on board and sponsored the County Fleadh. Their financial support made the Fleadh Committee’s vision a reality. A huge thank you to Co Tipperary Co Council and Clonmel Borough District for their funding and support, ensuring Co Tipperary Fleadh 2025 was a memorable event for all.