Success for 40-strong Moate group at Comhaltas final in Tipperary

The Moate branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann enjoyed success on the national stage recently when a group of more than 40 of its young members competed at the Plearacha na Óg All Ireland final.

The national Comhaltas competition was held in the Brú Ború centre in Cashel, Tipperary, on Sunday, January 25.

The Moate group "practised day and night" in preparation for it, and their hard work paid off when they achieved a third place finish in the Under-18 competition.

"It was the first time a Westmeath group got this far since 1965, when Mick Foster and his crew won it that year," said Sharleen Doyle of Moate CCÉ.

"The kids came second in the Leinster final in Laois back in November, and were delighted to perform for the first time at the All Ireland in Cashel."

The competition is a 30-minute long performance of music, song, dance and storytelling. Moate was represented by 44 children - with the average age being 10 - and they delivered a hugely entertaining and enjoyable performance.

"We would like to congratulate these incredible young people and say a special thank you to all of the team that got them to the final," added Sharleen.

"We will be performing our show at events throughout the year for audiences to come along and watch it."