Success for Cavan and Monaghan musicians at All-Ireland Fleadh
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Winner on the double, Eimear McCabe of CCÉ Cavan Town, is the All-Ireland Champion for the Céilí Drums and won the Frank Conway Cup in the 15-18 category. She also placed 3rd in the Bodhrán (15-18). Anna Allen PhotographyImage 2 of 7
Keenan Smith of CCÉ Cavan Town, took 3rd place in the Whistle (15-18). PHOTOS: Anna Allen 8Photography Mullingar Anna Allen PhotographyImage 3 of 7
Andrea Smith of CCÉ Cavan Town, placed 2nd in the Céilí Drums (12-15). Anna Allen PhotographyImage 4 of 7
Danielle Meehan, É.Ó Muirí CCÉ placed third in the harp (12-15). Anna Allen PhotographyImage 5 of 7
Maria Lambe, Carrickmacross CCÉ, took second place in the Sean-Nós Dancing (15-18). Anna Allen PhotographyImage 6 of 7
The Lambe family from Carrickmacross enjoyed the All-Ireland Fleadh in Belfast. Anna Allen PhotographyImage 7 of 7
The team from Mullahoran CCÉ placed 2nd in the 8-Hand Céilí Dancing, Mixed, 12-15. Back (from left): Lorcán Flynn, Tommy Nannery, Rían Higgins and Killian Leddy; front, Shauna Galligan, Guia Brady, Maisie Jane Nannery and Kate Brady.Cavan Town and Monaghan Town CCÉ led the way in the medals for this region at the Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann in Belfast.
Visitor numbers topped one million to the city for the historic event, which drew to a close on Sunday evening after an extraordinary celebration of Irish culture.
More than 5,000 competitors from 25 countries travelled to Belfast to compete for coveted All-Ireland titles across music, dancing, singing, storytelling and comhrá.
Among the medal winners from County Cavan was Eimear McCabe from Cavan Town CCÉ who was crowned the All-Ireland champion in the Céilí Drums, 15-18. She also placed third in the Bodhrán for the same age group.
Monaghan singers and dancers set the gold standard at this year's fleadh.
Dean Mac Thaidhg from Monaghan Town CCÉ took the cup for men’s English singing in the 12-15 age group; while Katie Brabazon from CCÉ Corcaghan was first in the 15-18 ladies’ English Singing.
Fionn Ó Mearáin from CCÉ Dún Dealgan was All-Ireland champion for the Mandolin (15-18).
Hosted in Belfast for the first time by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Ards CCÉ, the Fleadh saw the city transformed into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, workshops and events taking place across the city.
Cllr Róis-Máire Donnelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast said: “A leithéid de sheachtain nach raibh feicthe ariamh i mBéal Feirste. Ceol, craic is draíocht san aer ar fud fad na seachtaine is trasna na cathrach ar fad.”
“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days. The pictures and videos of our people, our music and our streets projected right around the world show our city at its best. Our spirit, our craic and our shared love of music, from all our different communities, have all been embraced and displayed for everyone to enjoy.”
Dr Labhrás Ó'Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said, “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has grown from its beginnings in 1951 into a festival of world proportions, and Belfast has demonstrated once again why traditional Irish music, song and dance have such a powerful international appeal.”
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world's biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance. The 2027 Fleadh will take place in Belfast from August 1-8, 2027.