All-Ireland success for local trio

Success at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast

Keelan McGrath, William Holmes and Ciarán Slattery have been awarded the Leo Rowsome Perpetual Cup as All-Ireland Senior Trio Champions at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast.

The talented trio delivered a superb performance in Belfast's Assembly Buildings at this year's All-Ireland Fleadh, bringing home one of the most prestigious honours in traditional Irish music.

Keelan McGrath and Ciarán Slattery, both from Baile Uí Chomín, were joined by William Holmes of CCÉ Roscrea for the Senior Trio competition. Their success marks a fantastic achievement for the three young musicians and their families, teachers and Comhaltas branches.The trio's journey to Belfast followed a strong record of achievement in traditional music, and they entered the All-Ireland competition determined to perform at their very best.

Their hard work and dedication paid off as they were awarded the Leo Rowsome Perpetual Cup, recognising their outstanding musicianship and ensemble performance at the highest level. Their victory in Belfast is a wonderful testament to the standard of young traditional musicians across the country and provides another memorable chapter in the trio's musical journey.

Congratulations to Keelan, William and Ciarán — All-Ireland Senior Trio Champions 2026!

In addition, warm congratulations are extended to Keelan McGrath and Ciarán Slattery on achieving second place in the Senior Duet competition, a remarkable accomplishment that further highlights their exceptional musical talent and versatility.

Further success was also achieved in the Senior Céilí Band competition, where Keelan and Ciarán performed alongside Cathal Slattery, Mairéad O’Brien, Sarah Bourke, and five other musicians from around Ireland, securing an outstanding second-place finish.

Their combined performance demonstrated excellent teamwork, energy, and musicianship on one of the biggest stages in traditional Irish music, in the fantastic setting of The Waterfront Theatre, Belfast. Indeed huge congratulations is also due to Mairéad of Ormond Comhaltas who won the covetous Michael Coleman Perpetual cup for first place in the Senior Fiddle Competition.

These achievements reflect an extraordinary weekend of success for all involved and underline the strength and depth of traditional music in their local communities.