Westmeath Comhaltas celebrate bumper year for traditional music and song
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John Reynolds, Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ, receiving his prize from Westmeath CCÉ chairperson Brendan Doyle for placing third in the 12-15 button accordion.Image 2 of 8
Thomas Reynolds, Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ, receiving his prize from Westmeath CCÉ chairperson Brendan Doyle as All-Ireland champion in the U12 miscellaneous competition.Image 3 of 8
Aoife Dunleavy, Ballynacargy CCÉ, receiving her prize from Westmeath CCÉ chairperson Brendan Doyle for placing third in the 12-15 banjo and second in the 12-15 mandolin at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.Image 4 of 8
Ellen Murphy, Mullingar CCÉ, being presented with her prize from Westmeath CCÉ chairperson Brendan Doyle in recognition of winning the U12 fiddle slow airs competition 2025.Image 5 of 8
Dick Stokes, Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ, being presented with his prize from Westmeath CCÉ chairperson Brendan Doyle as All-Ireland champion in the newly composed song in English competition.Image 6 of 8
Emily Evans, Ballynacargy CCÉ, receiving her award for placing third in the U12 mandolin from Westmeath CCÉ chairperson Brendan Doyle.Image 7 of 8
The Ballynacargy set dancers of Gary Fagan, Ciara Corcoran, Greg Penrose, Amy Foley and Ben Wilson receiving their prizes from Brendan Doyle, Westmeath CCÉ chairperson.Image 8 of 8
Darragh McCabe and Liz Ryan accompanying Thomas and John Reynolds at the event in Áras an Mhuilinn.As we settle in to a new year, Westmeath Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann can look back with pride on a successful 2025.
At last year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford, Westmeath musicians secured an impressive three All-Ireland titles, along with a further five second and third place finishes. Those achievements were celebrated at an event in Áras an Mhuilinn on Sunday December 28, where county prizewinners were honoured for their performances.
All prizewinners took to the stage to perform for an appreciative audience, and afterwards refreshments were served. Chairperson of Westmeath CCÉ, Brendan Doyle, presented each prizewinner with commemorative scrolls and gifts, organised by county treasurer Linda Price.
Proceedings opened with a lively set from the Reynolds brothers of Ballinagore. Representing Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ, Thomas Reynolds claimed the All-Ireland U12 Miscellaneous title on bouzouki, while his brother John placed third in the 12–15 button accordion competition. The talented siblings are mentored by Ademar O’Connor.
Aoife Dunleavy delighted the audience, accompanied by her sister Anna and tutor Joe Connaire. Aoife enjoyed success at the All-Ireland Fleadh, placing second in the 12–15 mandolin competition and third in the banjo, and she is sure to be a strong contender for national honours again this year.
Mullingar CCÉ was represented by young fiddle player Ellen Murphy, who won the All-Ireland U12 slow airs title. Ellen delivered a powerful and mature rendition of her slow air on the day. She is tutored by the highly regarded Geraldine McLynn.
A particularly well-deserved national title was secured by Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ stalwart Dick Stokes, who won the newly composed song in English competition. His song, The Clara Train, performed by Shane Heraty, impressed adjudicators at every stage of the competition, earning Dick his long-awaited All-Ireland title.
Another rising star from the county is Emily Evans of Ballynacargy CCÉ, who was third in the U12 mandolin competition. Under the tutelage of Joe Connaire, Emily continues to make her mark on the traditional music scene, and she delivered a lovely performance at the event.
The afternoon concluded on a rousing note with the Ballynacargy CCÉ U18 full set mixed group, who were recognised for placing third in a highly competitive competition at last summer’s fleadh. Several members of the group performed a half set to bring proceedings to a spirited close.
Thanks were extended to all who helped organise the celebration.
County board for 2026
The Westmeath CCÉ AGM took place in November in Ballymore, where a constructive meeting included positive discussions on the future direction of the organisation in the county.
Long-serving county secretary Colette Glynn stepped down from her role, and heartfelt thanks were expressed for her dedication and commitment, particularly during her time on the Fleadh Executive Committee when Mullingar hosted the national event. Barbara Reynolds of Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ was appointed as her successor and was warmly wished well by members present.
The county committee for the year was adopted at the meeting and is as follows: chairperson, Brendan Doyle (Moate CCÉ); vice-chairperson, Enda Seery (Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ); secretary, Barbara Reynolds (Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ); treasurer, Linda Price (Ballynacargy CCÉ); PRO Nicole O’Brien (East Westmeath CCÉ); youth officer, Shane King (Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ); Irish language officer, Willie Penrose (Ballynacargy CCÉ); Ddelegates to Leinster Council, Colette Glynn (Ballymore CCÉ) and Sharleen Doyle (Moate CCÉ).
Comhaltas 75th anniversary
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is in Belfast for the first time, and the organisation celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Founded in Mullingar in 1951, Comhaltas began as a cultural dream that seemed ambitious at the time, yet has grown into what former president of Ireland Mary McAleese described as “the towering presence it is today”.
This year will provide an opportunity to celebrate the milestone, as well as the people of Westmeath who played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing Comhaltas at the heart of Ireland.