Record-breaking all-Ireland winners from Laois at this year’s Fleadh
Runners-up in the 12 to 15 years category of the Trios at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford were Lila Nolan, Polly Nolan and Seaic O’hUiginn from the Camross branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
LAOIS competitors at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford brought home a treasure trove of trophies and medals with a record breaking 13 all-Ireland titles.
In total 29 musicians, singers and dancers from six of the nine Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branches in the county achieved major awards at the prestigious event.
Members from Portlaoise, Camross, Clonaslee, Portarlington, Kilcavan and Spink were highly praised for their accomplishments as the exciting week of competitions, concerts, céilithe and sessions ended at the biggest ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford.
Following the huge success of the local members the Laois Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann County Board said: “What an amazing Fleadh Cheoil 2025 for Laois Comhaltas across the board. A record breaking 13 all-Ireland titles in the one year for our beautiful county is astounding. not to mention the multitude of second and thirds too.
“Laois congratulates and commends every single performer who flew the flag for the county over the week in Wexford.
Best wishes to all our branches to the rest of the summer and the approaching return to classes in September. Well done to all in our vibrant ever-growing community of music song and dance in the heart of the country.”
Wexford town pulsated with Irish rhythm and revelry as over 800,000 people thronged the streets as age-old traditions were celebrated by new generations and the vibrancy of the Fleadh emanated throughout the streets.
Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann Dr Labhrás Ó’Murchú said: “When Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann commenced in 1951 it was obviously a very small event. In the intervening years the Fleadh has grown to be a festival of world proportions. It emphasises how our childhood traditions have prospered in the intervening years and today plays a significant role in tourism with over 25% of the 800,000 attending, coming from out of state.”
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) announced that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place from Sunday to Sunday 2 to 9 August.
The full list of winning Laois competitors at the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann were:
Banjo (under 12 years); 1st place, Liam Ó’hUiginn - (Camross)
Banjo (12-15 years); 1st place, Fionnán Ó’Daltúin - (Portlaoise)
Mandolin (12-15 years); 1st place, Fionnán Ó’Daltúin - (Portlaoise)
Melodeon (12-15 years); 2nd place, Seaic Ó hUiginn - (Camross)
Melodeon (15-18 years); 3rd place, Fionn Connolly - (Portlaoise)
Accompaniment (15-18 years); 3rd place, Taidhg Ó Daltúin - (Portlaoise)
Bodhrán (12-15 years); 1st place, Lily Butler - (Portlaoise)
Bodhrán (12-15 years); 2nd place, Rian Nolan - (Camross)
Céilí Drums (12-15 years); 2nd place, Seaic Ó hUiginn - (Camross)
Over18’s Céilí Drums; 3rd place, Noel Stapleton - (Craobh Seán Ryan, Kilcavan)
U-12 years Flute Slow Airs; 1st place, William Walsh - (Spink)
Whistle Slow Airs (15-18 years); 2nd place, Taidhg Ó Daltúin - (Portlaoise)
Harp Slow Airs (15-18 years); 1st place, Nell Kettle - (Portlaoise)
12-15 years Duets; 1st place, Fionnán Ó Daltúin and Seaic Ó hUigínn - (Portlaoise/Camross)
15-18 years Duets; 3rd place, Edel Ní Conbhai, Laura Scott - (Clonaslee/Camross)
12-15 years Trios; 2nd place, Lila Nolan, Polly Nolan and Seaic O hUiginn - (Camross)
15-18 years Trios; 3rd place, Kiều Conroy, Seaic Ó hUigínn and Tom Hudson -(Portlaoise/Portarlington/Camross).
15-18 years Music Groups; 3rd place, The Golden Croft - (Portlaoise)
12-15 years Button Accordion; 2nd place, Seaic Ó hUiginn - (Camross)
Over 18s Button Accordion; 1st place, Noel Stapleton - (Craobh Seán Ryan, Kilcavan)
Ladies English Singing (15-18 years); 1st place, Laura Scott - (Camross)
Any age Newly Composed Tunes; 3rd place Fionn Connolly - (Portlaoise)
Ladies eight hand Céilí Dancing (under 12 years); 1st place - (Portlaoise)
Ladies eight hand Céilí Dancing (12-15 years); 2nd place - (Camross)
Four Women's Ceili Dance; 1st place - (Portlaoise) Four Women's Ceili Dance; 3rd place - (Portlaoise)
Ladies Four-hand Céilí Dancing (12-15 years); 2nd place - (Portlaoise)
Mixed Foursome Céilí Dance; 1st place - (Camross)
Irish Harp (15-18 years); 1st place - Nell Kettle - (Portlaoise)
