Talent with local ties shines on senior céilí band stage

The Senior Céilí Band Competition, often considered the pinnacle of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is regarded as the All-Ireland final of traditional Irish music. Comparable in stature to the Sam Maguire or Liam MacCarthy cups, the battle for the Dál gCais Trophy draws the finest traditional musicians from across the country and this year, Westmeath was proudly represented on the grand stage.

Several musicians with strong Westmeath ties took to the Wexford Credit Union Dome on Sunday evening, performing before a large crowd in one of the most anticipated events of the week.

Among them was Daniel Boland, a talented fiddle player from Rosemount, who performed with the Lissadell Céilí Band, based in Sligo. The band, runners-up at the Connacht Fleadh, were making only their second appearance at the All-Ireland, but delivered a powerful performance that lifted the dome. Current chairperson of Ballymore CCÉ, Daniel played a pivotal role in driving the band’s spirited display on Sunday evening.

Ademar O’Connor, a tutor with Mullingar CCÉ from neighbouring Offaly, joined forces with Keelan McGrath, tutor this year with Ballynacargy CCÉ, in the Carrig céilí band representing Tipperary.

Though the band didn’t make the top three this year, their performance was impressive, especially considering it was their debut appearance as a group. With 10 highly accomplished musicians, they are sure to be strong contenders in the near future.

The competition was a brilliant spectacle, culminating in a long-awaited victory for Glór na dTonn, the Connacht champions from Achill, County Mayo, who finally captured the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band title after several near-misses in recent years.

The Colla céilí band from Armagh secured second place, and Drombeg céilí band from Cork took third place to complete the podium.