Donegal CCÉs and musicians prepare for 2025 Ulster Fleadh in Warrenpoint

Donegal provides 139 entries for this year’s Ulster Fleadh in Warrenpoint, Down, due to take place from July 20 until July 27.  

The Mín na Croise (Meenacross) CCÉ leads the way in Donegal with 32 entries for the competition, followed by the Seamus Mac Giolla Bhríde CCÉ, based in Carndonagh, with 29 entries, and the CCÉ Phil Rooney branch, which covers the areas of Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Kinlough, and Tullaghan. 

Cloich Cheann Fhaola CCÉ (Cloughaneely) has entered competitors in 13 competitions, and Leitir Ceanainn CCÉ (Letterkenny) has eight entries.

Other locations to be represented at the 2025 Ulster Fleadh include Milford, Portnoo, Teelin, Carrigans, Fanad, Ardara, Gaoth Dobhair, Ranafast, and Annagry. 

The Ulster Fleadh is viewed as one of the most vibrant celebrations of traditional Irish music, song, dance, and culture in the province of Ulster. 

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Competitors qualified for the 2025 Ulster Fleadh after competing in the 2025 Donegal Fleadh, which was held in An Clochán Líath/Dungloe in May. 

Those who finish in the top two placings in the provincial competition will prepare for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, which is being held in Wexford from August 3 until August 10. 

Mín na Croise CCÉ has three musicians who have qualified for five separate competitions at this year’s Ulster Fleadh. 

Áine Ní Fhearraígh competes in the 15-18 age categories in concertina, banjo, sean nós singing, and sean nós dancing. She has also entered the duets competition in the 15-18 years category with Lucia Ní Mhiocháin. 

Iarla and Naoise will compete in the under-12 and 12-15 age categories in flute, whistle, miscellaneous, flute slow airs, and whistle slow airs competitions, respectively.