More than 500 took part in weekend Fleadh

More than 500 young musicians, singers and dancers from across Westmeath took part in a hugely successful county Fleadh competition weekend in Mullingar, organisers have said.

The three-day event, centred around Holy Family Primary School and other venues in the town, featured traditional music competitions, céilí band contests, dancing, singing, open-air sessions and a special launch event marking the branch’s continuing preparations for the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Fleadh officially began on Friday evening with a launch attended by Comhaltas president Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, who formally opened the event.

During the launch, a special perpetual trophy was unveiled in honour of long-serving Mullingar branch chairperson Noel Battle in recognition of his decades of dedication to Comhaltas and traditional music in Westmeath.

The trophy was later presented by Mr Battle himself to the winning U12 grúpa ceoil on Sunday.

Organisers said Mr Battle, who has been associated with the branch since at least the 1980s, remains a hugely respected figure among musicians young and old. “He’s an icon in the branch,” Moira Roe, branch PRO, said.

“The little ones absolutely love him and he’s a huge inspiration. The words can’t describe what Noel Battle has done for the branch and continues to do.”

Mr Battle also competed during the weekend as part of a grúpa ceoil that qualified for the Leinster Fleadh finals later this summer.

Another new perpetual trophy, sponsored through the Castletown-Geoghegan branch in honour of David Joe Fallon, was presented to one of the winning céilí bands.

Competitions got under way in earnest on Saturday, and there were dancing events throughout the day alongside the popular U10 non-qualifying competitions designed to encourage younger children beginning in music.

“There must have been around 60 children in the U10 events alone,” Ms Roe said. “It gives them an opportunity to play, compete and learn the tunes before progressing further.”

Saturday afternoon also saw an outdoor traditional music session in Market Square, where young musicians from across the county performed in bright sunshine.

Leading musicians included Enda Seery, who composed and performed a special piece to mark the organisation’s upcoming anniversary celebrations. “There was a beautiful photograph of Enda playing while three children just stared at him,” Ms Roe said. “It captured the whole spirit of the weekend.”

Sunday began with a special Fleadh Mass featuring local musicians and the cathedral choir, before competitions resumed from 10am and ran until almost 8pm.

Organisers said some categories attracted entries of up to 30 competitors, and first and second place qualifiers progress to the Leinster Fleadh in Portlaoise at the end of June. Successful competitors there qualify for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast in August.

Adjudicators travelled from across the country, including counties Kerry and Louth, and approximately 10 judges were working throughout the weekend alongside clerks and support teams.

Behind the scenes, volunteers worked continuously to keep the event running smoothly.

Geraldine Cornally and Martina Hughes coordinated catering for adjudicators, volunteers and officials, while Brian Murphy oversaw parking and volunteer scheduling. Paul Hughes and Geraldine Mangan produced the official programme, while Martin Coyle organised Friday night’s céilí in Áras an Mhuilinn featuring music by Rise the Dust.

Siobhán Murphy coordinated publicity artwork and promotional materials, while vice-chairperson Máirín Uí Mhuirí was praised for her organisational work and contingency planning. “She was always looking at every possible issue so nothing fell through the cracks,” Ms Roe said.

The committee also acknowledged the support of neighbouring Comhaltas branches, many of whose volunteers returned for a second day after enjoying the atmosphere so much on Saturday. “It was like the All-Ireland Fleadh on a mini scale,” Ms Roe said. “You had that same buzz and excitement all centred around the school and the town.”

Special thanks were also extended to Holy Family Primary School and Wilson’s Hospital School for making facilities available, as well as local sponsors, Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Credit Union for financial and practical support.

Organisers are now turning their attention to further anniversary celebrations later this year as Comhaltas prepares to mark 75 years since its foundation in Mullingar in 1951.