Fermoy’s Amhlaoibh Ó Síocháin Ó Beolain has been named among the country’s top musicians at the Comhaltas All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. The local claimed the second place win in the 13 C Mileoidean/Melodeon (15-18) category for CCÉ Ballyduff/Ballinvela/Ballysaggart.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, held earlier in August in Wexford Town, saw an exciting week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, and more with awards dished out to numerous Cork, Waterford, Tipperary and Limerick competitors. Over 600,000 people thronged the streets over the duration of the Fleadh Cheoil, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins.
Every year, the Fleadh provides a cultural meeting place for those who carry the great traditions of Irish music, song and dance in their hearts. Dr Labhrás Ó’Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann said, “When Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann commenced in 1951 it was obviously a very small event.
“In the intervening years the Fleadh has grown to be a festival of world proportions. It emphasises how our childhood traditions have prospered in the intervening years, and today plays a significant role in tourism with over 25% of the 600,0000 attending, coming from out of state,” Dr Ó Murchú said.
At the core of the Fleadh are the competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers of all ages and backgrounds competing at All-Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions. Up to 20,000 performers played, sang and danced at the All Ireland Fleadh. The standards were high and the music more than lived up to the expectations of judges who had a very difficult job choosing winners for each category and competition.
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