Munster crown for trad musicians

An Charraig Céilí Band has earned a place among Ireland's finest traditional music ensembles after winning the prestigious Senior Céilí Band Competition at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Lismore. Their success now sees them qualify for the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Competition, which will take place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast in early August.

The band brings together an exceptional group of musicians from Tipperary, Offaly and Clare, highlighting the friendships and musical excellence that exist across county boundaries through Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Representing CCÉ Baile Uí Choimín, Tipperary are accordion player Kealan McGrath, banjo player Ciarán Slattery, and pianist Cathal Slattery. Sarah Bourke, Tipperary is on drums, while Mairéad O'Brien of CCÉ Ormond plays fiddle.

The Offaly contingent features fiddlers Ademar O'Connor and Séamas Kinsella, together with flute players Luke Maher and Róisín O'Connor. Completing the award-winning line-up is Colm Browne of County Clare on concertina.

Winning the Munster Senior Céilí Band title is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication, commitment and countless hours of rehearsal invested by the musicians. The band now turns its attention to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, where they will compete against the provincial champions from across the country on one of the biggest stages in Irish traditional music.

The celebrations do not end there. Best wishes are also extended to Ciarán Slattery and Kealan McGrath, who, together with William Holmes of CCÉ Roscrea, will compete in the Senior Trio Competition after capturing the Munster title at the recent Fleadh. Colm Browne who will represent Munster in the Sean Nós Dancing Competition and Luke Maher and Róisín O’ Connor in their respective flute competitions are also hot contenders for titles in the All-Ireland Fleadh.

Congratulations are also due to Mairéad O'Brien, who was crowned Senior Fiddle Champion at the Munster Fleadh in Lismore and will represent Munster in Belfast. Best of luck is also extended to Ademar O'Connor, the reigning Leinster Champion on the button accordion, who will also be competing at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The achievements of these outstanding musicians are a testament to the strength of traditional music in Tipperary, Offaly and Clare, and to the dedication of their local Comhaltas branches in nurturing talent and preserving Ireland's rich musical heritage.

As the countdown to Belfast begins, everyone associated with An Charraig Céilí Band and the wider traditional music community wishes the band and its members every success as they bid for All-Ireland honours on the national stage.