An exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which took place in Wexford Town.
Over 800,000 people thronged the streets of the town over the past nine days, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins.
Wexford 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.
And once again Donegal played its part.
Below is a list of winners from the various sections of the Fleadh.
Competition, Place, Name, CCÉ, CCÉ, County
21A Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg / Whistle Slow Airs (under 12 years), 3rd place, Ollie Glendinning, CCÉ, Mín na Croise, Donegal
27D Bannaí Máirseála Cairdín / Accordion Marching Bands (O18 years), 1st place, St Catherine’s Band, Killybegs, , Donegal
28D Bannaí Máirseála Feadóg Mhór / Flute Marching Bands (O18 years), 1st place, Maghery Fife & Drum,, , , Donegal
29D Bannaí Máirseála Rogha Ghléas / Miscellaneous Marching Bands (O18 years), 1st place, Buíon Ceoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola, CCÉ, Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Donegal
29F Bannaí Máirseála Rogha Ghléas / Miscellaneous Marching Bands (Faoi 18), 1st place, Banna Cheoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola, CCÉ, Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Donegal
32A Amhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós (Fir) / Irish Singing (Men) (under 12 years), 2nd place, Séarlas Ó Baoill, Oileán Thoraí, , Donegal
33B English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná) (12-15 years), 2nd place, Shannan McKinley, Letterkenny, , Donegal
49H Comhrá Gaeilge (9-11), 2nd place, Cassie Nic Grianna, Anagaire, , Donegal
51A Scéalaíocht (under 12 years), 2nd place, Jonathan Ó Gallachóir, Ard an Rátha, , Donegal
51B Scéalaíocht (12-15 years), 1st place, Cara Gallagher, Cronkeerin, , Donegal
51C Scéalaíocht (15-18 years), 2nd place, Dearbhla Ní Dheoráin, Killybegs, , Donegal
Cllr Joe Sullivan, Chairperson of Wexford County Council said, “It has been a great honour to host this fantastic event in Wexford town for the second year running. What a privilege to showcase our town in the heart of the sunny south east to a global audience. I would like to thank everyone from the many voluntary groups to the visitors to the people of Wexford, and I sincerely hope that everybody had a wonderful, safe and happy time in our town and county.”
He continued, “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 prospered in the intervening years, and today plays a significant role in tourism with over 25% of the 800,000 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.
Up to 20,000 performers played, sang and danced at the All Ireland Fleadh. 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 800 Irish and international students of all ages taking part in various music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) announced that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place from Sunday 2nd August to Sunday 9th August 2026. This is only the second time the Fleadh has been held in Northern Ireland, having taken place in Derry in 2013. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is an annual event and is the world’s largest celebration of Irish trad music, language, songs and dance.
For all the results and further details on the Fleadh and competitions, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie
Donegal plays its part in Fleadh25 as local winners announced was last modified: August 12th, 2025 by Staff Writer
