TALENTED Donegal participants triumphed across a broad range of categories at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast.
There was delight for Maghery Fife and Drum Band as they won their tenth consecutive All-Ireland title in the over 18 Flute Marching Bands category.
The band shared that “history has been written” with their remarkable win.
Both the Cloughaneely Senior and Junior Bands also enjoyed success as they defended their All-Ireland titles.
The Senior Band took first place in the over 18 Miscellaneous Marching Bands category, while the Junior Band won the under 18 competition.
The wins are particularly special as the 2026 Fleadh marks 40 years since the Junior Band’s first All-Ireland success and 10 years of the Senior Band.
Several members of the 1986 winning band are still proudly wearing the Cloughaneely uniform, performing today with the Senior Band.
St Catherine’s Band in Killybegs were named the overall winners of the over 18 Accordion Marching Bands competition, their third consecutive title.
Elsewhere, Buíon Cheoil Mullachdubh (Mullaghduff Band) took home second place in the over 18 Flute Marching Bands category, and Ramelton Town Band also scooped second place in the Miscellaneous Marching Bands over 18 competition.
There was continued success in the Men’s Irish Singing Competition, as Séarlas Ó Baoill from Tory Island won the 12-15 category, while Brian Mac Aodha from Derrybeg came second in the 15-18 competition.
Shannan McKinley from Letterkenny also took first place in the Ladies English Singing competition in the 12-15 category.
Donegal competitors took home prizes in the Comhrá Gaeilge (Irish Conversation) competition. In first place in the 9-11 category was Cassie Nic Grianna from Loch an Iúir. Ultán Ó Dónaill from Rainn na Feirste placed third in the 11-13 category and Dearbhla Ní Dheoráin was also third in the 15-18 category.
Local storytellers also achieved success, as Ardara’s Erin Ní Ghallachóir earned second place in the under 12 category, and Dearbhla Ní Dheoráin from Killybegs came third in the 15-18 competition.
Finally, Bríana McLaughlin achieved third place in the under 12 Flute Show Airs competition. She represented the Seamus Mac Giolla Bhríde branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Carndonagh.
Cloughaneely Senior Band in Belfast. Photo: Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola Facebook.
This year’s Fleadh has drawn to a close in Belfast following an extraordinary week of traditional Irish music, song and dance, with more than one million people visiting the city.
More than 5,000 competitors from 25 countries travelled to Belfast to compete for coveted All-Ireland titles across music, dancing and sean nós singing, bringing together some of the finest emerging and established traditional performers from Ireland and around the world.
Hosted in Belfast for the first time by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Ards CCÉ, the Fleadh saw the city transformed into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, workshops and events taking place across the city.
At the core of the Fleadh are the All-Ireland competitions, where musicians, singers and dancers of all ages compete at the highest level following success at regional competitions. The standard of performance throughout this year’s competitions was exceptionally high, with competitors travelling from across Ireland and internationally to take part.
Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast said, “A leithéid de sheachtain nach raibh feicthe ariamh i mBéal Feirste. Ceol, craic is draíocht san aer ar fud fad na seachtaine is trasna na cathrach ar fad.
“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days. The pictures and videos of our people, our music and our streets projected right around the world show our city at its best. Our spirit, our craic and our shared love of music, from all our different communities, have all been embraced and displayed for everyone to enjoy.”
Dr Labhrás Ó’Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said: “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has grown from its beginnings in 1951 into a festival of world proportions, and Belfast has demonstrated once again why traditional Irish music, song and dance have such a powerful international appeal. The presence of over 5,000 competitors from 25 countries is testament to the strength, diversity and continuing growth of our traditions.
“We congratulate Belfast City Council, Ards CCÉ, the many volunteers and all our partners on an outstanding Fleadh. The welcome from the city has been exceptional and the level of participation and attendance has exceeded expectations.”
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance and provides a unique cultural meeting place for performers, competitors, families and visitors from Ireland and across the globe.
Belfast’s selection to host the Fleadh for a second consecutive year was announced by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, following the success of the city’s bid to host the 2027 event. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2027 will take place from August 1-8.
For all the results and further information on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.