Moate comes alive with music during Westmeath Fleadh
By Shane King
Moate was alive with music, colour, and culture this past weekend as Fleadh Cheoil na hIarmhí returned to the south Westmeath town for the first time in eight years.
Over the course of three days, Moate was the centre of Irish culture, celebrating the very best of music, dance, song, storytelling, and Gaeilge through a packed programme of competitions and events.
The festivities began on Friday evening with an official opening ceremony at the Dún na Sí Heritage centre. Local musicians and dancers brought great energy to the launch event, setting the perfect tone for a weekend steeped in celebration.
Uachtarán of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Attracta Brady, delivered a keynote address to officially open the Fleadh. Attracta’s connection to the location is particularly special as her father, John Brady, composed the tune ‘A Trip to Dún na Sí’ in honour of the heritage centre.
Saturday night's concert in the Tuar Ard Arts Centre featured the renowned button accordionist Damien Mullane, who was joined by Seán O’Meara on guitar and Conor Broderick on piano.
The dancing competitions throughout the weekend drew hundreds of the finest dancers from across Westmeath who all delivered top-class performances across all age groups.
On Sunday, the crowds returned to Moate Community School, for a broad spectrum of competitions in music, song, storytelling, and comhrá Gaeilge.
Click the arrows to navigate the gallery below:
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Finn McArdle, Sophia Walsh, Ella Nohilly, Nesss Harte, Grace Browne, Sophie Keating, Molly Doyle, Ava Hatton, Eva Gaffey and Darragh Flood with Moate CCE céili band practising at the Westmeath Fleadh in Moate last Sunday. ALL Photos Paul Molloy.Image 2 of 4
Mary McLoughlin, Michael McLoughlin, James McLoughlin and Fiachra McLoughlin in Bo Allen’s.Image 3 of 4
Liam Maher, Susan Carey and Barney Whelahan in Bo Allen’s.Image 4 of 4
Kevin O’ Brien and his grandson Louis Walsh at the Westmeath Fleadh in Moate.Beyond the competitive spirit of the Fleadh, a great sense of camaraderie took over as the county’s finest musicians came together for lively sessions throughout the weekend.
Chairperson of Westmeath CCÉ and Moate man, Brendan Doyle, said the weekend was a “tremendous success” and thanked all those involved.
“Everything went very well and we were lucky with the fabulous weather. We had a great team and committee of volunteers who all pulled together to make sure that the Fleadh ran smoothly.
“We were very thankful to have had the use of Moate Community School this weekend.
“I would like to thank the principal, Tom Lowry, and Brian Mullin, who were so accommodating to our every request and we really appreciate their assistance,” he said.
Brendan expressed his admiration for the “exceptional standard of music, song, and dance” at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil.
“We had a great array of competitions in all age groups, from under 12 up to every age. My dad, I believe, was the oldest competitor at 86 years of age, so it was great to see both young and old taking part," he said.
Those placed first and second from the county competitions will now represent Westmeath at the Leinster Fleadh, set to take place in Drogheda on July 11-13.