Camross Comhaltas impressed at the recent Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Wexford town, taking three first prizes and two third places.
The Laois group faced fierce competition with a total of 7,000 participants in over 250 competitions at the week-long celebration of Irish traditional music and culture.
In the senior bodhran competition Aedin Lowry, accompanied by Caoimhe Lowry, came first.
In the U-12 years bodhran contest, Rian Nolan, accompanied by Noel Stapleton also took the top award.
The U-12 years ceili drums section was won by Rian Nolan, accompanied by Aaron Makassey.
In the 12-15 years ceili band competition, third place went to the St. Feargal’s ceili band: Jack Higgins, Ruairdhi O’ Dea, Emily Cuddy, Aaron Kirwan, Darragh Kelly, Polly Nolan, Clodagh Guilfoyle, Lila Nolan, Aine Kinsella and Grace Cuddy.
Jack Higgins and Fionnan Dalton came third in the 12-15 years duet.
“The standard of musicianship was exceptional at All-Ireland level and it is a major achievement to be in the winners’ enclosure,” said a delighted Camross Comhaltas chairperson, Mary Collier.
“The Camross branch, through the commitment of its tutors, parents and committee has brought the branch to the highest level, competing and winning against the well known strongholds of traditional music in the country,” she said.
“While all the successes are cherished and applauded, it was particularly sweet to win a third place with a young 12-15 age group ceili band.
“The branch had not been successful with an underage band since our All-Ireland win in Clonmel in 2003 with a 15-18 ceili band and credit must be given to their inspirational tutor, Patricia Clarke, for this success,” said Mary.
“This young band was given great confidence and impetus by the success of our senior ceili band, The Grange, when in 2022 they were placed second at the All-Ireland in Mullingar, and the members of that band have continued to support and encourage these young musicians,” the chairperson said.
“The other piece of history in the making over the weekend was that Aedin Lowry who won her All-Ireland on Saturday had little time to celebrate as she had to prepare for her All-Ireland camogie final on Sunday in Croke Park and while they were not successful on this occasion, we salute Aedin on her commitment and dedication on all fronts,” Mary said.
“The branch is proud of the competitors who contested this year’s All-Ireland and also salute their fellow Laois contestants and winners.”
All-Ireland Fleadh Laois Results
23B, Ceol Beirte / Duets
3rd – CCÉ, Portlaoise/Camross, Laois – Fionnan O’ Daltuin, Seaic O hUiginn
1A, Fidil / Fiddle
3rd. Leon Magennis – CCÉ, Portarlington, Laois
16C, Bodhrán
3rd. Taidhg O Daltuin – CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois
25B, Bannaí Céilí / Céilí Band
3rd. St Fergals – CCÉ, Camross, Laois
16D, Bodhrán
1st. Aedin Ni Labhrai – CCÉ, Camross, Laois
22D, Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs
1st. Aoibhe Kettle – CCÉ, Craobh Seán Ryan, Cill Chabháin, Laois
33C, English Singing (Ladies) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Mná)
3rd. Edel ní Conbhaí – CCÉ, Cluain na Slí, Laois
18A, Foinn Mhalla, Fidil / Fiddle Slow Airs
1st. Leon Magennis – CCÉ, Portarlington, Laois
21B, Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg / Whistle Slow Airs
2nd. Ailíse Dowling McDonald – CCÉ, Spink, Laois
17B, Drumaí Céilí / Céilí Drums
2nd. Fionnan O’ Daltuin – CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois
16A, Bodhrán
1st. Rian Nolan – CCÉ, Camross, Laois
14A, Rogha Gléas / Miscellaneous
3rd. Leon Magennis – CCÉ, Portarlington, Laois
20B, Foinn Mhalla, Feadóg Mhór / Flute Slow Airs
1st. Ailíse Dowling McDonald – CCÉ, Spink, Laois
17A, Drumaí Céilí / Céilí Drums
1st. Rian Nolan – CCÉ, Camross, Laois
40A, Rince Céilí Ochtair, Mná / 8-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies
2nd. CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois
42A, Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Mná / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Ladies
1st. CCÉ, Portlaoise, Laois
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