Westmeath musicians tune up for Leinster Fleadh this weekend
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Lydia Maxwell and April Corroon from Mullingar CCÉ Grúpa Ceoil. The group will be among the Westmeath representatives at the Leinster Fleadh. Photo Paul Molloy.Image 2 of 2
Ross Maxwell, Kathryn Maxwell and Ethel Conry from Mullingar CCÉ Grúpa Ceoil playing at the Westmeath Fleadh in Moate. Photo Paul Molloy.Traditional music enthusiasts from near and far will be making their way to the ‘Wee County’ this weekend, as Drogheda plays host to the provincial round of the Fleadh Cheoil. The Leinster Fleadh kicks off on Friday, July 11, and runs through to Sunday, July 13, promising to be a bumper weekend of music, song and dance.
With an estimated 10,000 visitors expected to descend on the North East town, the stage is set for a brilliant celebration of Irish culture. Drogheda is no stranger to the spotlight, having previously hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in both 2018 and 2019.
At the heart of the festivities are the much-anticipated competitions, where Westmeath will be strongly represented across all categories. These talented performers earned their place at the provincial stage following their success at the county fleadh in May.
This year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí took place in Moate, where over 350 individuals and groups competed across a range of disciplines.
The strong levels of participation suggest that the momentum created from the resounding success of the All-Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar in 2022 and 2023 is still going strong.
Those placed first and second in the county competitions will be representing the Westmeath this weekend, and will have their eyes set on taking home silverware and earning a place in the final at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, being held in Wexford for a second consecutive year.
In addition to the highly entertaining competitions, a stellar line-up of performers will take to the gig rig in the heart of the town. The line-up includes All Folk’d Up, Goitse, the Beartla Ó Flathartha Céilí Band and Rapscallion.
The stage will come alive with the pulse of jigs and reels, with entertainment for all the family across the three days.
Competitions begin at 10 o’clock each morning. Music, singing, Comhrá Gaeilge and storytelling competitions will take place in the local secondary school, Ballymakenny College, and the dancing events take place at separate locations.
Céilí dancing is being held in Presentation Primary School, set dancing will take place in St Oliver’s NS and the sean-nós dancing is lined-up to be in Ballymakenny College.