Ballynacargy banjo player among the medals at Fleadh

There were two local winners at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda.

Banjo player Ben Keary ( CCÉ Ballynacargy) finished in third place in Banjo (15-18 years) competition, while Rian Dully (CCÉ Mota) finished third in the Rince ar an Sean-Nós (12-15 years).

This year’s fleadh, which came to an end of Sunday, saw 500,000 people throng the streets of Drogheda during the eight day celebration of Irish traditional music and dance.

Lolo Robinson, chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee, said: “It has been a great privilege to host this fantastic event and showcase Drogheda’s beauty and history to a global audience. 

“I would like to thank everyone from the many voluntary groups to the visitors to Drogheda, and I sincerely hope that everybody had a wonderful, safe and happy time in our town and county.”

Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said: “In the region of 500,000 people have attended the fleadh over eight days, possibly the largest attendance in the history of the fleadh cheoil. 

“A feature of this year’s fleadh is the widespread representation from countries worldwide, countries such as Japan, North America, Britain and Australia. 

“In fact, more than 25% of those attending are from out of state, helping to generate an estimated €40 million for the local economy.

“The fleadh is a model of partnership between Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Louth County Council.”

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.

This year some 7,000 competitors played, sang or danced for all-Ireland titles in 180 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.