Moate comes alive with craic agus ceol at Fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí
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Congratulations to Béibhínn Nic Gabhann, who came first in U18 fiddle and second in duet. Best of luck Béibhínn in the Leinster fleadh.Image 2 of 10
Congratulations to Cait Ní Hóra, who was second in U12 whistle, third in U12 mandolin, third in U12 Fiddle and was part of the Tristernagh U12 céilí band who came first place also. Best of luck, Cait, in Leinster.Image 3 of 10
Congratulations to Ciaran Wallace, who was second in miscellaneous competition and second in accompaniment competition. Congratulations to his tutor Jacqui O’Meara. Best of luck in the Leinster fleadh.Image 4 of 10
Congratulations to Emily Evans, who was second in U12 Banjo and Mandolin at Fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí 2025. Congratulations to her tutor Joe Connaire, and all the best in Leinster to Emily.Image 5 of 10
Congratulations to Grace Lambden, who was first in U12 Banjo, first in U12 English singing Ladies, first in U12 accompaniment competition, first in U12 ceili band competition and also had success in set dancing. Grace received a trophy for overall highest marks for U12 at Westmeath fleadh 2025. Ballynacargy CCÉ also congratulate tutors Joe Connaire, Jacqui O’Meara, Kerrie Penrose and Niamh Penrose. Best of luck to Grace heading in Leinster.Image 6 of 10
Congratulations to Lauren Brennan, who came first in the ceili drums U12. Lauren was also part of the Tristernagh ceili band who came first at Fleadh na hIarmhí 2025 under the mentorship of Joe Connaire. Well done Lauren and best wishes in Leinster from all at Ballynacargy CCÉ.Image 7 of 10
Congratulations to Molly O’Hara, who came first in U10 Banjo.Image 8 of 10
Ballynacargy CCÉ had fantastic wins for the new U12 Tristernagh Céilí band and the U15 Harbour ceílí band at fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí in Moate 2025. Ballynacargy Comhaltas has worked hard to implement and support the two bands. These children worked hard alongside Joe Connaire, their tutor since their formation a couple of months ago. Joe’s guidance and expertise were evident on the day. It was a special day for all the children involved in the ceílí bands, some of them winning their first county medals, which are deserved after all their hard work. A special thank you to all the parents who bring them to classes weekly and help out in many ways.Image 9 of 10
Ballynacargy CCÉ had fantastic wins for the new U12 Tristernagh Céilí band and the U15 Harbour ceílí band at fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí in Moate 2025. Ballynacargy Comhaltas has worked hard to implement and support the two bands. These children worked hard alongside Joe Connaire, their tutor since their formation a couple of months ago. Joe’s guidance and expertise were evident on the day. It was a special day for all the children involved in the ceílí bands, some of them winning their first county medals, which are deserved after all their hard work. A special thank you to all the parents who bring them to classes weekly and help out in many ways.Image 10 of 10
Congratulations to William Connolly, third in U12 Banjo at Fleadh na hĺarmhí in Moate. Best of luck to William in Leinster.Shane King
The town of Moate was alive with music, colour, and culture this past weekend as Fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí made its long-awaited return to the south Westmeath town for the first time in eight years.
Over the course of three days, Moate was the centre of Irish culture, celebrating the very best of music, dance, song, storytelling, and Gaeilge through a packed programme of competitions and events.
The festivities began on Friday evening with an official opening ceremony at the Dún na Sí Heritage centre. Local musicians and dancers brought great energy to the launch event, setting the perfect tone for a weekend steeped in celebration.
Uachtarán of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Attracta Brady, delivered a keynote address to officially open the Fleadh. Attracta’s connection to the location is particularly special as her father, John Brady, composed the tune ‘A Trip to Dún na Sí’ in honour of the heritage centre, a fitting tribute to the branch’s deep musical roots.
Saturday night brought a major highlight to the weekend with a much-anticipated concert in the Tuar Ard Arts Centre, featuring the renowned button accordionist Damien Mullane. Mullane, known for his modern and lively playing style, was joined by the talented Seán O’Meara on guitar and Conor Broderick on piano.
The trio captivated a packed auditorium with their dynamic rhythms and impressive tunes which kept toes tapping throughout the evening.
Westmeath has long held a proud reputation as the leading county for set dancing in Leinster, and this year’s Fleadh reaffirmed that status. The dancing competitions drew hundreds of the finest dancers from across Westmeath who all delivered top-class performance across all age groups.
From the lively Plain Set to the spirited Cashel Set, the dancers commanded the stage with energy and precision, leaving both the adjudicators and the audience very impressed.
On Sunday, the crowds returned to Moate Community School, for a broad spectrum of competitions in music, song, storytelling, and comhrá Gaeilge.
The anticipation and excitement was palpable around the corridors as hundreds of young and seasoned performers vied for the coveted county medals and the chance to represent Westmeath at the Leinster Fleadh.
The air was filled with the sound of jigs and reels, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere that echoed far beyond the school gates.
Beyond the competitive spirit of the Fleadh, a great sense of camaraderie took over as the county’s finest musicians came together for lively sessions throughout the weekend. The sound of traditional music could be heard in the many pubs around the town, with all eight local Comhaltas branches contributing to the session trail over the weekend.
Chairperson of Westmeath CCÉ and Moate man, Brendan Doyle, said the weekend was a “tremendous success” and thanked all those involved.
“Everything went very well and we were lucky with the fabulous weather. We had a great team and committee of volunteers who all pulled together to make sure that the fleadh ran smoothly.
“We were very thankful to have had the use of Moate Community School this weekend. I would like to thank the principal, Tom Lowry, and Brian Mullin, who were so accommodating to our every request and we really appreciate their assistance,” he said.
Brendan expressed his admiration for the “exceptional standard of music, song, and dance” at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil.
“We had a great array of competitions in all age groups, from under 12 up to every age. My dad, I believe, was the oldest competitor at 86 years of age, so it was great to see both young and old taking part.
“Everybody is going home happy. We have had fantastic adjudicators, brilliant clerks and great help across the board. Roll on the county fleadh in Mullingar next year,” he concluded.
Those placed first and second from the county competitions will now represent Westmeath at the Leinster Fleadh, set to take place in Drogheda on July 11-13.
Given the high standard of performances in Moate, there is great anticipation for the county’s representatives to make a significant impact at the provincial level.