Newcastle Comhaltas members in tremendous success

Newcastle Comhaltas members in tremendous success

24 July 2024

NEWCASTLE Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) enjoyed tremendous success at the recent Fleadh an Dúin. 

Newcastle CCÉ were honoured to host the 2024 County Fleadh in Castlewellan at St Malachy’s High School.

The school has now been home to several county and provincial fleadhanna, with their facilities often being lauded as one of the best venues in Ulster.

Branch chairperson Grainne Scullion said: “It was an honour for the branch to host Fleadh an Dúin in Castlewellan once again.

“We received fantastic support from local businesses and the principal and staff of St Malachy’s High School.

“Without their support and the financial support from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, events like these could not happen – Newcastle CCÉ wish to thank all those who supported the Fleadh in anyway.”

She added: “Well done to all our members who took part in the competitions. You are a credit to yourselves and your parents and we are immensely proud to have you as our members.

“Huge congratulations to those who got placed and go on to compete at the Ulster Fleadh in Dromore, Tyrone – be sure to enjoy every minute.” 

Several local musicians have qualified for the Ulster Fleadh which include Erin Maginn who will compete in the Fiddle category for people aged 15-18 and Ciara Maguire will compete in the O-18 fiddle category. DaIthi Sloan and Caoimhe Savage will play the button accordion in the 12-15 category while Aaron Murphy will play in the 15-18 competition.

Flute players Jamie Rice and Rose McGrady will play in the age 15-18 group, with Jamie also playing the whistle at the Ulster Fleadh along with Rory McAlister.

Lorcán Howell will play the concertina in the 15-18 group while Rory McAlister will also play the uileann pipes for the 12-15 contest.

Irish harp players Louisa Gribben, Alice McAlister, Grace Scally and Cian Maginn will compete in different age groups while at the Ulster Fleadh.

Twelve year-olds Eoin McAlister and Dultach O’Hare will compete in the banjo categrory, with Eoin also competing in the mandolin category.

Piano players Lishin O’Hare and Derarca O’Hare will also journey to Dromore for the Ulster Fleadh.

There will be two singing duets from Erin Maginn and Odhran Keown and from cousins Lorcán Howell and Cian Maginn, with Lorcan also participating in the men’s English singing category along with Michael Scally.

Clare Scally, Cathleen Garland and Tiarna McGreevy will take part in the ladies’ English singing competition.

Terry Cowan will participate in the newly composed songs in English, while the newly composed tunes competition will be contested by Ryan Savage.

Dultach O’Hare, Gráinne-Roisin Murphy, Caoimhe Savage, Derarca O’Hare and Lishin O’Hare will participate in the Comhrá Gaeilge competitions.