The Portlaoise Comhaltas group did extremely well at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, with performances sweeping up several awards. The comhaltas group have many all-Ireland winners, including first place for the 4-Hand Céilí Under 12 group, and second place for the 8-Hand Céilí Under 12 group. More on the story below image. Pictured: Portlaoise Comhaltas 8-hand Céilí under 12 winners with family. The 4-Hand Céilí Under 12 1st Place Winners were Chloe Ní Lochlainn Emma Mc Donald Millie-Ann Buggie Sophie Ellis. The 8-Hand Céilí Under 12 2nd Place Winners Chloe Ní Lochlainn Emma Mc Donald Freya Carroll Heidi Mulhall Millie-Ann Buggie Sophie Ellis Violet Kruger O Connell Zoe Bowe. Portlaoise Comhaltas group proudly congratulated their members for their hard work and participation in this year's National competition in Wexford town. "While the fleadh has become more commercialised in recent years, free street entertainment continues to be the main attraction for many, in addition to the 190 competitions held indoors," said Portlaoise Comhaltas Chairperson PJ Phelan. "In keeping with the ethos of freely sharing the cultural traditions in music, song and dance, the Gig Rig stage, which was located on the quayside at Wexford, was a major attraction for visitors," the chairman said. "Portlaoise Branch seisiún group, which earned a reputation for high quality, lively entertainment as featured previously at Drogheda and Mullingar, were invited to headline the entertainment on Tuesday August 6. "More than fifty performers drawn from all age groups, under musical direction of Sarah Hale and choreographed by Gráinne and Briann Buggy, represented Portlaoise, many of them also competing for all-Ireland glory later in the week. "A number of the cast are also members of other groups under various banners such as Gael Linn, Meitheal, Ceoltóirí Óga Laighean and Music Generation as well as being individual competitors. Other Gig Rig performers from Laois included Portarlington and Spink branches," the
In Pictures: Portlaoise Comhaltas steal the show at Fleadh
