Double All-Ireland success for Aoife
In what was a memorable weekend for talented musician Aoife Dunleavy, she won All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles in the U12 mandolin and banjo competitions.
Aoife’s intense practising paid dividends and not only is she extremely talented, but dedicated to her chosen pastime.
“I have done about an hour each instrument every day since the start of the year. Joe Connaire is my teacher in both disciplines and I’m a member of the Ballynacargy Comhaltas branch. I was chuffed when my name was announced as the winner in both and it was a special time with my family and friends,” she said.
As well as being superb on banjo and mandolin, Aoife also plays the guitar and piano.
It was a proud day for Aoife’s parents, Hazel and Kenneth Dunleavy, and for the entire family. Hazel paid tribute to Joe Connaire for his many hours of dedication.
“He has been outstanding over many years. He’s great in the Ballynacargy branch; he’s wonderful to all the children. He’s very fair and gives great encouragement and it’s a fun environment. It’s a great way to be able to teach music.”
Hazel and Kenneth’s younger daughter, Anna, plays guitar and banjo, while another daughter, Emma, plays the tin whistle. All three are dancers.
Joe Connaire is extremely proud of Aoife’s double success on Saturday. It capped off an incredible week for the Westmeath Fleadh Executive Committee chairman, who realised his dream of bringing the Fleadh Cheoil to Mullingar for the second year running.
“It’s a remarkable achievement for Aoife to win two all-Ireland titles and it is really the icing on the cake for me. She has been a pupil of mine since the age of five and is very dedicated,” Joe said.
“Aoife has won county and provincial titles in recent years, but this is just an outstanding achievement for her. She has got to the top through hard work and dedication and she is an example to all other young people. It’s a proud moment for her and her family.”
Joe had 18 musicians playing on the NMCU Gig Rig at the fleadh on Saturday evening for Céilí House, the RTÉ radio 1 programme.
“I’m thrilled with how everything has gone and to be working with so many young people in music. I put a lot of time into teaching; I love giving something back. That is what makes Comhaltas the success it is,” he said.
“There are few music teachers who get over the line and win all-Ireland titles with pupils. It’s not easy to achieve. Ben Keary did it in the past and now Aoife Dunleavy has enjoyed two all-Ireland victories on the same day. It’s wonderful.”