Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds a huge success in Ballinasloe
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U18 Open All-Ireland Fiddle competition winner Aoibhinn McGovern, from Cavan, is presented with her prize by Jimmy Reynolds, son of Larry, and grandson Declan from Boston.Image 2 of 2
Larry Reynolds Feile Cheoil committee members pictured at the event launch in Ballinasloe. Back row, L-R: Martina Flanagan, Alex Farrell, Kathryn Gibbons, Alison Madden. Front row, L-R: Christopher Feeney, Claire Gibbons, Helena Coughlan, Mary Feeney, Robbie Rougheen.Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds attracted record crowds to Ballinasloe, delivering a sold-out programme celebrating the very best of Irish traditional music, heritage, and community spirit.
From the first note to the last, every concert, workshop, and session was full.
Visitors travelled from across Ireland and from as far afield as Italy, Brittany, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, New Zealand and the UK, giving this year’s festival a truly international flavour.
The atmosphere throughout the town was electric, with 44 organised music sessions and countless impromptu gatherings filling pubs, cafés, and streets with the unmistakable sound of East Galway music. The programme showcased its breadth and diversity with workshops, heritage walks, competitions in fiddle, busking, art, and Irish language, as well as a packed schedule of concerts, CD launches and presentations celebrating East Galway composers and their unique lyrical tradition.
One of the standout highlights was the Interactive Crafters' Village, where local artisans, musicians, and children’s entertainers attracted huge crowds for hands-on demonstrations and performances. The energy carried late into the evenings, with céilís and singers’ sessions reminding all present why Ballinasloe has become such a home for traditional culture.
“This year’s Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds has exceeded all our expectations,” festival chairperson Martina Flanagan said.
“Visitor numbers are growing year on year, both our domestic and international cohort and the calibre of artists, of all ages, is fantastic. To see packed venues filled with music and visitors from near and far celebrating with us is truly heartening.
“Every single event was sold out, showing the growing love and support for the East Galway tradition. It’s not just about the music, it’s about community, heritage and the connections forged through this festival. Larry Reynolds would be very proud.”
The organising committee extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, volunteers, musicians, and the local community, whose energy and support made this year’s Féile such a resounding success.
With memories of fiddle tunes, songs, céilí sets, and late-night sessions still ringing, planning is already underway for Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds 2026, which promises another unforgettable celebration.