It was an exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the 70th Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Over 500,000 people thronged the streets of Mullingar over the past nine days, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins.
The town pulsed with Irish rhythm and revelry as age-old traditions were celebrated by new generations and the vibrancy of the Fleadh emanated throughout the streets.
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.
Joe Connaire, Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee said, “It has been a great privilege to host this fantastic event and showcase Mullingar, Ireland’s Hidden Heartland to a global audience.
“I would like to thank everyone from the many voluntary groups to the visitors to the people of Mullingar, and I sincerely hope that everybody had a wonderful, safe and happy time in our town and county.”
“While we had a delay in bringing the Fleadh due to Covid, it was certainly worth the wait!
“It has been such a pleasure to host the Fleadh this year and we certainly are looking forward to 2023.
“Memories have been made that will last a lifetime and the legacy of the Fleadh is the increased interest in traditional Irish music, song and dance that will last for generations to come.
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 proposed in the intervening years, and today played a significant role in tourism with over 25% of the 500,0000 attending, coming from out of state.’”
At the core of the Fleadh are the competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers, singers and story tellers of all ages and backgrounds competing at All-Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions.
This year over 5,000 competitors played, sang or danced for All-Ireland titles in 230 competitions. 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.
Scoil Éigse, the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ran throughout the week with over 500 Irish and international students of all ages taking part in various music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes.
The first ever All-Ireland Fleadh was held in Mullingar in 1951. It was held in the town again in 1963 and in 2022. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will return to Mullingar in 2023.
For all the results and further details on the Fleadh and competitions, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.
Winner on the double – Sorcha Ní Scolaí of CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin 9, 1st Place All Ireland Winner for Uilleann Pipes (15-18 years) and 3rd Place All Ireland Winner for Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs (15-18 years) at the 2022 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar. Picture credit: Anna Allan Photography Mullingar
Winners:
DUBLIN
11D Maindilín / Mandolin (O18), 1st Tiarnan O’Connell, CCÉ, Craobh Phiarais Ui Ghreagain, Dublin
13C Mileoidean / Melodeon (15-18), 1st Aron Moore, CCÉ, Cn na bPíobairí Uilleann, Dublin
16D Bodhrán (O18), 3rd Matthew Hurrell O’Connor, CCÉ, Bray, Dublin
19C Foinn Mhalla, Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs (15-18), 3rd Sorcha Ní Scolaí, CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin
1B Fidil / Fiddle (12, 2nd Róisín O’Connor, CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin
23A Ceol Beirte / Duets (Faoi 12), 3rd Caoilinn Morrow, Eabha Morrow, CCÉ, Cn na bPíobairí Uilleann, Dublin
23B Ceol Beirte / Duets (12-15), 1st Niamh Landale, Róisín O’Connor, CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin
24C Ceol Trír / Trios (15-18), 1st Caoilfhionn Ní Scolaí, James Landale, Sorcha Ní Scolaí, CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin
26D Grúpaí Ceoil (O18), 2nd Ceoltóirí Rinn na Mara, Dublin, Dublin
35C Feadaíl / Whistling (15-18), 2nd Iarlaith MacArtáin, CCÉ, Craobh Seán Treacy, Dublin
4C Feadóg / Whistle (15, 3rd Síofra Ní Mhóráin, CCÉ, Craobh Seán Treacy, Dublin
7B Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes (12, 3rd Niamh Landale, CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin
7C Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes (15-18), 1st Sorcha Ní Scolaí, CCÉ, Beaumont, Dublin