Cathal Slattery won the senior accompaniment competition playing on the piano in Wexford at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Well done, too, to his brother Ciarán, who played banjo with him on the day along with Ademar O’Connor on the accordion. Cathal started his piano playing under the careful guidance of the late Billy Greenall  and has steadily developed his style under the guidance of Laura Kearney, Mary Meagher and Ryan Molloy. Cathal continues in the proud musical tradition of his family and the members of Ballycommon CCÉ.

Tipp winners at All-Ireland Fleadh

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An exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann concluded in Wexford town on Sunday, August 10.

Over 800,000 people thronged the streets of the town over the past 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.

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Chairperson of Wexford County Council said: “It has been a great honour to host this fantastic event in Wexford town for the second year running. What a privilege to showcase our town in the heart of the sunny southeast 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.”

He continued: “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.”

Róise Ní Chiara Pickrell of CCÉ Ormond, first place, All-Ireland, winner of the Turlough Ó Carolan Cup for the Harp Slow Airs (under 12 years) at the 2025 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford.Photos: Anna Allen Photography, Mullingar Photo by Anna Allen Photography

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 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, August 2 to Sunday, August 9, 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.

Mollie Cahill from Drom & Inch came first in the under 12 Whistling at the All-Ireland Fleadh. Mollie was representing Loughmore Comhaltas. Photo by Anna Allen Photography

LOCAL WINNERS

15D Tionlacan / Accompaniment (O18 years), first place, Cathal Ó Slatara, CCÉ, Baile Ui Choimín;

20D Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg Mhór / Flute Slow Airs (O18 years), second place, Seosamh Ó Baoill, CCÉ, Loughmore;

22A Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (under 12 years), first place, Róise Ní Chiara Pickrell, CCÉ, Ormond;

33A English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) (under 12 years), second place, Emily Ní Mhaoineacháin, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín;

35A Feadaíl / Whistling (under 12 years), first place, Mollie Cahill, CCÉ, Loughmore;

43C Rince Céilí Ceathrair Measctha / 4, third place, Clonmore;

50B Storytelling (12-15 years), second place, Dáithí Ó Cinnéide, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín;

8A Cruit / Irish Harp (under 12 years), second place, Róise Ní Chiara Pickrell, CCÉ, Ormond;

9A Orgán Béil / Mouth Organ (under 12 years), first place, Jack Mac Gearlt, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín;

9B Orgán Béil / Mouth Organ (12-15 years), third place, DJ Mac Gearlt, CCÉ, Baile Uí Choimín.

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

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