Donegal musical and marching band success at 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Marching bands and musicians from Donegal achieved great success at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, held in Wexford, the world’s largest festival of traditional Irish music. 

Over 150 competitions took place, showcasing some of the finest talents that Irish traditional music has to offer.

The event, which was opened by President Michael D. Higgins, was expected to attract over 500,000 visitors to the Model County during the last weekend. 

Banna Ceoil Cloich Cheann Fhaola won the double, scoring first place in both the under-18 and over-18 Miscellaneous Marching Band competitions.

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There was joint success also in Killybegs, as locally-based group St Catherine’s Band won the over-18 Accordion Marching Bands competition, and Dearbhla Ní Dheoráin finished second in the Scéalaíocht 15-18 competition.

Other wins for Donegal included Cara Gallagher of Cronkeerin, who was successful in the Scéaloaíocht 12-15 category, and Maghery Fife & Drum Band, who won in the over-18 Flute Marching Bands competition.

Donegal had more success in the Scéalaíocht competitions, as Jonathan Ó Gallachóir of Ard an Rátha CCÉ was placed second in the u12 category. 

More competitors from Donegal were placed second and third in this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Shannan McGinley (Letterkenny CCÉ), Cassie Nic Grianna (Anagaire CCÉ), and Séarlas O’Baoill (Oileán Thoraí) placed second in the English Singing Ladies 12-15, Comhrá Gaeilge 9-11, and Irish Singing Men u12 competitions, respectively.

Finally, Ollie Glendinning, of Mín na Croise CCÉ placed in third place in the under-12 Whistle Slow Airs competition.