Feis Dhoire Cholmcille celebrated its 100th birthday during Easter week in what was a very welcome return after the pandemic postponements of 2020 and 2021. The Feis, as it is affectionately known, was established in 1922 by Mrs Edward Henry O'Doherty and Fr John McGettigan, to showcase the talent in Donegal and Derry and further afield. Since then it has welcomed thousands of young people and adults through its doors, and in turn, sent many of these out into the world with added confidence and expertise. Competitors take part in an eclectic range of competitions including music, Irish, history, classical music, Irish dancing, speech and drama and traditional music. This year's feis rounded off with a gala concert in the Millennium Forum on Sunday, at which the welcoming address was given by Jim Sharkey, the first Irish ambassador to Russia and a proud son of Urris, in Inishowen. The concert featured outstanding performances from 2022 feis winners and former competitors, who have gone on to have glittering careers, including Bronagh Gallagher, David James, Margaret Keys and Eoin O'Callaghan. It was compèred by Laura Keogh, a music teacher at Crana College,  and Blathnaid Biddle. As usual, Inishowen was well represented among the medal winners. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.placeholder image
Feis Dhoire Cholmcille celebrated its 100th birthday during Easter week in what was a very welcome return after the pandemic postponements of 2020 and 2021. The Feis, as it is affectionately known, was established in 1922 by Mrs Edward Henry O'Doherty and Fr John McGettigan, to showcase the talent in Donegal and Derry and further afield. Since then it has welcomed thousands of young people and adults through its doors, and in turn, sent many of these out into the world with added confidence and expertise. Competitors take part in an eclectic range of competitions including music, Irish, history, classical music, Irish dancing, speech and drama and traditional music. This year's feis rounded off with a gala concert in the Millennium Forum on Sunday, at which the welcoming address was given by Jim Sharkey, the first Irish ambassador to Russia and a proud son of Urris, in Inishowen. The concert featured outstanding performances from 2022 feis winners and former competitors, who have gone on to have glittering careers, including Bronagh Gallagher, David James, Margaret Keys and Eoin O'Callaghan. It was compèred by Laura Keogh, a music teacher at Crana College,  and Blathnaid Biddle. As usual, Inishowen was well represented among the medal winners. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

WATCH: Talent shines at 100th Derry Feis

By Catherine McGinty
Published 28th Apr 2022, 21:33 GMT

Do you recognise any of the Feis prizewinners?

Finley Hampson, who placed 3rd in the children’s verse (under 5) at the recent Derry Feis. Finley is a pupil of Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

13.

Finley Hampson, who placed 3rd in the children’s verse (under 5) at the recent Derry Feis. Finley is a pupil of Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

Emma Douglas pictured with her medal after placing 3rd in the Girls verse (age 6-7) at the Derry Feis. Emma is a pupil of Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

14.

Emma Douglas pictured with her medal after placing 3rd in the Girls verse (age 6-7) at the Derry Feis. Emma is a pupil of Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

Max and Lucy McElhinney from Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Max placed 2nd in the Boys Verse (age 7-8) and Lucy received a very highly commended in the Girls Verse (age 9-10) at Feis Dhoire Cholmcille. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

15.

Max and Lucy McElhinney from Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Max placed 2nd in the Boys Verse (age 7-8) and Lucy received a very highly commended in the Girls Verse (age 9-10) at Feis Dhoire Cholmcille. Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

Lucy and Ben McDermott, pupils of Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Lucy received a certificate for the Children’s Verse (age 5) and Ben won first place in the Boys Verse (age 7-8).  Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

16.

Lucy and Ben McDermott, pupils of Réalta Academy of Speech and Performance. Lucy received a certificate for the Children’s Verse (age 5) and Ben won first place in the Boys Verse (age 7-8).  Use the NEXT > to go through the gallery.

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