Westmeath enjoy success at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
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Members of Ballynacargy CCÉ busking and dancing on the streets of Wexford. The musicians include Aoife Dunleavy who placed third in the U12 mandolin at the weekend.Image 2 of 3
Thomas Reynolds from Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ was awarded third place in the U12 banjo competition.Image 3 of 3
Grúpa Naomh Odhrán from Ballynacargy CCÉ were playing in the senior Grúpa Cheoil competition on Saturday.Following one of the best Fleadhs ever, in Mullingar last year, it was the turn of Wexford to host the largest traditional Irish music festival this year. Although the bar was set high, the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil was another success and it provided an enjoyable week-long celebration of Irish culture.
The sunny south east lived up to its name as good weather provided the backdrop to a feast of music, song and dance, and a large Westmeath contingent headed down last week to enjoy the festivities on the banks of the river Slaney.
The competitions are at the heart of the Fleadh Cheoil and Westmeath were represented by 32 teams and individuals in music, singing and dancing. The competitors qualified following their success at the Leinster Fleadh, in Wicklow in July. Westmeath won four medals.
Thomas Reynolds from Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ saw off stiff competition to take a home third place in the U12 banjo, winning his first ever All-Ireland Fleadh medal. Aoife Dunleavy, representing Ballynacargy CCÉ, also won a bronze medal in the U12 mandolin.
In the dancing, Ballynacargy CCÉ were awarded second place in the 12-15 ladies full set following a fantastic performance against strong Munster and Connaught opponents. Leo Glynn from Moate CCÉ danced his way to a silver medal in the U12 sean-nós dancing.
Ballynacargy Comhaltas had the honour of performing in the senior Grúpa Cheoil competition in the Wexford Credit Union dome on Saturday evening. The large marquee was the venue for a competitive event in which groups from every corner of the country performed in the hope of claiming All-Ireland glory.
Grúpa Naomh Odhrán, representing their county and province, gave an excellent account of themselves with a polished performance under the mentorship of Áine Ní Raghallaigh. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be on the day for this young group as the team from Tyrone were crowned All-Ireland champions.
Westmeath were represented in numerous other competitions across the weekend and were unfortunate to be just outside the top three medal winners.
Overall it was a brilliant weekend for the lake county at a most enjoyable Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Full list of Westmeath prize-winners:
10A Banjo U12, 3rd, Thomas Reynolds, Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ.
11A Mandolin U12, 3rd, Aoife Dunleavy, Ballynacargy CCÉ.
44B Full Set Ladies 12-15, 2nd, Ballynacargy CCÉ Team 1.
48A Rince ar an Sean-Nós U12, 2nd, Leo Glynn, Moate CCÉ