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06 Sept 2025

In Pictures: Portlaoise Comhaltas steal the show at Fleadh

The under-12 group dancers have become the pride of Portlaoise.

In Pictures: Portlaoise Comhaltas steal the show at Fleadh

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.

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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 chair finished.

This year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann saw over 600,000 attendees and over 7,000 competitors in Wexford town.

Over 180 competitions took place, with Laois Comhaltas groups winning dozens of awards. Over 180 competitions took place, with Laois Comhaltas groups winning dozens of awards.

Camross, Spink and Portarlington Comhaltas groups also proudly represented Laois this year, pulling in many awards.

Here is a list of wins achieved by Portlaoise Comhaltas this year:

11/08/2024 

23B, Ceol Beirte / Duets

3rd. CCÉ, Portlaoise/Camross, Laois - Fionnan O' Daltuin, Seaic O hUiginn

10/08/2024 

16C, Bodhrán

3rd. Taidhg O Daltuin - CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois

09/08/2024 

17B, Drumaí Céilí / Céilí Drums

2nd. Fionnan O' Daltuin - CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois

40A, Rince Céilí Ochtair, Mná / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies

2nd. CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois

09/08/2024 

42A, Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies

1st. CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois

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