Kildare musicians take home honours at Fleadh
Conal Mullarkey (centre) of Kilcock Comhaltas receiving his trophy for the ‘Newly Composed Tune’ category
AN EXCITING and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which concluded in Wexford town recently with Kildare competitors taking home two gold and one silver.
Felim Mac Donnacha of Eadestown came first for his sean nós singing, with Conal Mullarkey
from Kilcock taking gold in the ‘Newly Composed Tune’ category, and Maynooth CCE taking silver with their eight-hand ceili dancing.
Conal, aged just 20, was up against a host of national and international talent in the 'Newly Composed Tune' category but triumphed with his composition .
A multi-instrumentalist, Conal is a renowned accomplished musician who is in high demand for his teaching and performances.
He has previusly won the Meitheal an Oirthir competition for another of his compositions Over 800,000 people thronged the streets of Wexford town for the festival, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins.
Wexford town pulsed with Irish rhythm and revelry as age-old traditions were celebrated by new generations and the vibrancy of the Fleadh emanated throughout the streets. Every year, the Fleadh provides a cultural meeting place for those who carry the great traditions of Irish music, song and dance in their hearts.
Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann said, “When Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann commenced in 1951 it was obviously a very small event”.
“In the intervening years the Fleadh has grown to be a Festival of world proportions, and it emphasises how our childhood traditions have prospered in the intervening years, and today plays a significant role in tourism with over 25 per cent of the 800,000 attending, coming from out of state.”
At the core of the Fleadh are the competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers, singers and story tellers of all ages and backgrounds competing at All-Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions.
Up to 20,000 performers played, sang and danced at the All Ireland Fleadh.
Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
