Connaught Fleadh competitors are on their way to Wexford this August for All-Ireland Fleadh
The atmosphere is lovely, it's really special - chairperson of Leitrim CCE
Several young Leitrim competitors are on their way to Wexford this August after receiving first and second place in a number of competitions at the Connacht Fleadh, Ballinasloe which took place from June 29 to July 6.
Among the winners were the Grey Ridge Céilí band representing Drumsna CCÉ who claimed 3rd place in the 12-15 category.
Tiarnán and Saoirse Kellegher Ballinamore CCÉ were winners in miscellaneous and tin whistle competitions and Liam Meehan won 2nd place representing Drumsna CCÉ.
Fionnuala Maxwell chairperson of Leitrim CCE spoke to the Leitrim Observer about the event. "What is really nice is meeting the Leitrim crew - Leitrim is so small that we all know each other - and it's always so lovely to see the support there; you have everyone willing each other on. The atmosphere is lovely, it's really special.
Ms Maxwell stated that while bagging a trophy is a fantastic experience for the youngsters, those who don't succeed this time around are also gaining valuable experience. "It helps them to realise that winning isn't everything and while they may not win today, they can try again which is a good life lesson. It's very inclusive."
Ms Maxwell also works with the Drumsna Comhaltas Branch and explained there are five Comhaltas groups in Leitrim. "There is one in Glenfarne/Manorhamilton, Drumsna, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore and Carrigallen branch. Children from all those areas already competed in the county Fleadh which took place in April in Ballinamore. Anyone who placed first or second and got through would have competed in the Connaught Fleadh over the weekend in Ballinasloe.
Those who qualified will now head on to the All-Ireland Fleadh which is set to take place in Wexford.
Next year, Leitrim will host the Connaught Fleadh so Ms Maxwell said that locals will be hearing a lot more about the festival.
She continued: "Last year's All-Ireland story-telling champion was Leo Earley who would've started out telling a story at Leitrim Fleadh and got through to Connaught and the All-Ireland and now is being cast in the upcoming Harry Potter series. That's a big claim to fame. Even yesterday the little ones doing the story-telling were saying 'Oh my gosh! Did you hear what happened to last year's winner?"
Rich history of the Fleadh in Leitrim
There is a rich history of traditional music and dance running through the country that dates back decades, Ms Maxwell told the Leitrim Observer.
"The likes of Eleanor Shanley would have sung at Fleadhs years back in Leitrim," she said.
Ms Maxwell continued: "There is a lovely trophy, the Pee Fitzpatrick's trophy, a fiddle player from Mohill and that was donated in his memory. And Mae Reynolds Malone, was a well-known ballad singer who only recently passed away in December of last year. She was an All-Ireland champion ballad singer and years back, she was responsible for the Connaught Fleadh coming to Mohill years ago and was a very important character."
Musicians of note from Leitrim are many and include the McNamaras as well as the McGovern family. "Even today, McNamaras from Aughavas would be well known musicians throughout the world. Their children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews still compete now. The McGovern family from Ballinamore would also be very well known and also their children are now competing. That tradition continues through.
She added: "There are many musicians that are also completely new to the Fleadh, of every nationality; it's a really inclusive thing. That would be through the classes. There are the Carrick Trad classes in Carrick-on-Shannon which is our branch and then Carrigallen has their classes and Seisúns that are ongoing. Joe Mooney Summer School is the big thing from Drumshanbo."
She said she is heartened to see older children in their teens becoming interested in trad. "Secondary schools are embracing the Fleadh more and that's nice to see because it becomes a thing where it's cool and you have bands like Kingfishr who are coming from trad. It's great to see that."
Full list of winners
Fleadh Cheoil Connacht 2025
Béal Átha na Sluaighe/Ballinasloe
1B Fidil / Fiddle (12-15)
3rd. Rían Cleary, CCÉ, Phil Rooney, Liatrom
3B Feadóg Mhór / Flute (12-15)
1st. Cáit Ní Raghallaigh, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
3D Feadóg Mhór / Flute (O18)
3rd. Andrew Beirne, CCÉ, Ceol Alainn, Liatrom
4A Feadóg / Whistle (Faoi 12)
2nd. Charlie McKiernan, CCÉ, Ceol Alainn, Liatrom
4B Feadóg / Whistle (12-15)
1st. Béibhinn Flynn, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
4D Feadóg / Whistle (O18)
1st. Andrew Beirne, CCÉ, Ceol Alainn, Liatrom
2nd. Saoirse Ní Chéilleachair, CCÉ, Ballinamore, Liatrom
7B Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes (12-15)
2nd. Séamus Flynn, CCÉ, Drumshanbo, Liatrom
10A Bainseó / Banjo (Faoi 12)
3rd. Liam Meehan, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
10C Bainseó / Banjo (15-18)
3rd. Holly McKiernan, CCÉ, Ceol Alainn, Liatrom
11A Maindilín / Mandolin (Faoi 12)
2nd. Liam Meehan, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
11C Maindilín / Mandolin (15-18)
2nd. Holly McKiernan, CCÉ, Ceol Alainn, Liatrom
14D Rogha Gléas / Miscellaneous (O18)
1st. Tiarnán O'Céilleachair, CCÉ, Ballinamore, Liatrom
17B Drumaí Céilí / Céilí Drums (12-15)
3rd. Kevin Óg English, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
19B Foinn Mhalla, Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs (12-15)
21A Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg / Whistle Slow Airs (Faoi 12)
2nd. Séimí Barra Murphy, CCÉ, Ballinamore, Liatrom
3rd. Áille Ní Mhíacháin, CCÉ, Ballinamore, Liatrom
21D Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg / Whistle Slow Airs (O18)
24B Ceol Trír / Trios (12-15)
3rd. CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom - Emily McNamara, Katie McNamara, Kieva Munnelly
25B Bannaí Céilí / Céilí Band (12-15)
3rd. The Grey Ridge Céili Band, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
33A English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) (Faoi 12)
2nd. Sadhbh Reynolds, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
33C English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) (15-18)
2nd. Ailíse Maxwell, CCÉ, Drumsna, Liatrom
34B English Singing (Men) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Fir) (12-15)
3rd. Sean Mac Gearailt, CCÉ, Fred Finn, Liatrom
38E Newly Composed Songs in English / Amhráin Nuacheaptha, Béarla (Aon Aois/Any
Age)
2nd. Oisin Ó Ceallaigh, CCÉ, Ballinamore, Liatrom
40A Rince Céilí Ochtair, Mná / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies (Faoi 12)
1st. CCÉ, Cailíní Cora Droma Rúisc B Drumsna, Liatrom
2nd. CCÉ, Cailíní Cora Droma Rúisc A Drumsna, Liatrom
42A Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies (Faoi 12)
3rd. CCÉ, Cailíní Cora Droma Rúisc, Drumsna, Liatrom
42B Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies (12-15)
45A Rince Seit, Measctha / Full Set, Mixed (Faoi 12)
3rd. CCÉ, Ballinamore, Liatrom
48A Rince ar an Sean-Nós (Faoi 12)
2nd. Skyla McPartland, CCÉ, Glenfarne, Liatrom