Council Chair hosts reception to recognise All-Ireland Fleadh achievers

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, hosted a reception on Friday 10 October at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, to recognise the All-Ireland Fleadh achievers.

Speaking at the event, Chair of the Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all here this evening to the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh for this reception celebrating the All-Ireland Fleadh achievers and recognising your remarkable talent and dedication.

The All-Ireland Fleadh is recognised as the world’s largest annual showcase of Irish music, song, and dance. Since its inception in Mullingar in 1951, ‘The Fleadh’ has grown into a pillar of our national heritage and symbol of Irish tradition, drawing over 600,000 visitors each August to the host town for a week filled with dynamic festivities and lively competitions.

The Fleadh is much more than a competition it is a powerful showcase of our heritage, bringing together performers and audiences in a shared celebration of tradition and talent.

Over the past three years, performers have secured an outstanding 52 All-Ireland placements, including an impressive 18 first-place titles. This evening, each Comhaltas group will present a short performance, giving us the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the remarkable talent of these All-Ireland achievers. We are very much looking forward to what promises to be a memorable showcase.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to promoting, protecting and enhancing our rich, diverse culture and heritage including traditional Irish music, language and dance. The Fleadh is a perfect example of how we can achieve this, by celebrating and preserving our traditional Irish music and cultural heritage.

It is for this reason that I am pleased to welcome you all here this evening as we gather to applaud your incredible successes. Events such as this would not be possible without the talents of the performers. Your performances have been both a joy to witness and a true source of inspiration. Equally important is the opportunity these events provide for performers and enthusiasts of traditional Irish music and culture to come together, share their passion, and entertain the gathered crowds.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would once again like to commend all you competitors on your achievements. Achieving success at the All-Ireland Fleadh is an exceptional accomplishment, one that reflects immense talent, dedication, and perseverance. These prestigious titles are hard-earned and should be cherished with pride. In closing, I extend my best wishes for continued success in all that lies ahead.”