Westmeath winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023

Aoife Dunleavy of CCÉ, Ballynacargy, 1st Place all-Ireland winner for the Mandolin ‘Edmond Murphy Cup’ (Under 12) and 1st Place all-Ireland winner for the Banjo ‘Billy McEvoy Cup’ Under 12 at the 2023 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar. Photo by Anna Allen Photography

10A Bainseó / Banjo (Faoi 12) 1st Aoife Dunleavy, CCÉ, Ballynacargy

11A Maindilín / Mandolin (Faoi 12) 1st Aoife Dunleavy, CCÉ, Ballynacargy

29D Bannaí Máirseála, Rogha Ghléas / Miscellaneous Marching Bands (O18) 2nd Mullingar Town Band, CCÉ, Mullingar

44A Rince Seit, Mná / Full Set, Ladies (Faoi 12) 2nd CCÉ, Cill Áirne, Spa - Team Laura, Ciarraí, 3rd CCÉ, Ballynacargy

44C Rince Seit, Mná / Full Set, Ladies (15-18), 3rd Streamstown

44D Rince Seit, Mná / Full Set, Ladies (O18), 3rd CCÉ, Ballynacargy

45B Rince Seit, Measctha / Full Set, Mixed (12-15), 3rd Mullingar

46D Rince Leathsheit Measctha / Half Set, Mixed (O18), 3rd CCÉ, Ballynacargy

47L Rince Seit, Measctha, Os cionn 35 / Full Set, Mixed, O35 (O35) 3rd Bunbrosna

50C Storytelling (15-18) 3rd Alanna Corroon, The Downs

Published: Mon 14 Aug 2023, 10:09 PM

Last updated: Mon 14 Aug 2023, 10:10 PM

More than 5000 competitors from all over Ireland and overseas played, sang 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. 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 nine days the streets were full with Irish music, dance and culture once more.

Dr Labhrás Ó’Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann, said: “We were 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.

“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 all-Ireland winners, so all should be very proud of their amazing achievements.”

Joe Connaire, chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee, added: “It has been a pleasure to witness so many people enjoy traditional Irish music, song and dance in Mullingar again. I am grateful that the town’s beauty and character were the backdrop to the fleadh and I hope all enjoyed our home as much as we do.

“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 last two years so successful.”

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

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

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