Louth Winners at Comhaltas All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil

Over 5,000 competitors from all over Ireland and overseas played, sung or danced for Comhaltas All Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023 in Mullingar.

From storytelling to concertina, sets to lilting, victors of regional competitions travelled far and wide to compete in one or more of the 230 competitions.

And there was plenty of Louth winners at it this year.

Louth Winners:

Maindilín / Mandolin (15-18), 1st place, Enda Dooley, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (Faoi 12), 1ST place, Kayla Martin, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (15-18), 1ST place, Rachael Dooley, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Irish Harp (Faoi 12), 1st place, Kayla Martin, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (12-15), 2nd place, Ryan Martin, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Rince Céilí Ochtair Measctha / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing Mixed (12-15), 2nd place, CCÉ, Cú Chulainn, Louth

Cruit / Irish Harp (12-15), 2nd place, Ryan Martin, CCÉ, Dhún Dealgan, Louth

Amhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós (Mná) / Irish Singing (Ladies) (Faoi 12), 3rd place, Lucy De Burca Ó Fachtna, CCÉ, Drogheda, Louth

Rince Céilí Ochtair Measctha / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing Mixed (Faoi 12), 3rd place, CCÉ, Cú Chulainn, Louth

The competitions play a central role in the Fleadh and title holders are highly regarded in the traditional Irish music community.

For the second consecutive year, the All Ireland competitions were held in the historic, cultural and very musical town of Mullingar. The town was home to the first ever All-Ireland Fleadh in 1951. It hosted again in 1963, 2022 and 2023. Over the past nine days the streets have been overflowing with Irish music, dance and culture once more.

Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann said: “We are delighted to return to Mullingar for the second year of the homecoming. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann began here in 1951 and it is extraordinary to see how big and beloved it has become.

"72 years ago it was a small event; this year 600,000 people came to celebrate Irish culture.”

He continued: “I would like to congratulate all winners of the competitions.

"There was an incredible level of skill and talent from all contestants, as there is every year. Few people can say they are an all Ireland winner, so all should be very proud of their amazing achievements.”

Joe Connaire, Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee said: “It has been a pleasure to witness so many people enjoy traditional Irish music, song and dance in Mullingar once again.

"I am grateful that the town’s beauty and character was the backdrop to the Fleadh and I hope all enjoyed our home as much as we do.”

He continued: “It takes a lot of people to make such a wonderful event and create the beautiful moments we will remember from 2023. I would like to thank everyone who helped to make the past two years so successful.”

The 51st Annual Scoil Éigse, the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ran throughout the week with over 500 Irish and international students of all ages taking part in various music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 will take place in Wexford town on 4th - 11th August 2024.

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