Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo officially launched by Mayo Minister
A wonderful evening of music, storytelling, and celebration marked the official launch of Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 at the Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina.
The Bofield branch of Comhaltas is hosting this year’s fleadh, which was launched by Minister Dara Calleary TD. He discussed the significance of Irish traditional music and the role Comhaltas plays worldwide in promoting it.
The evening featured two exceptional guest speakers: Brendan McGowan, author of Taking the Boat: The Irish in Leeds 1931–81, who shared fascinating insights into the cultural ties between Mayo and Leeds, and Tommie Cooke, a renowned local poet and playwright, whose story paid tribute to the enduring spirit of the Mayo diaspora in England.
The launch event also included a comprehensive rundown of the Community Fleadh events, presented by Conor Maheady, highlighting the wide range of activities on offer throughout the week.
A particularly moving moment came when Hannah Dunford received a special mention from Fleadh Chairperson Michael O’Donnell. Her heartfelt question — “When can I play in the Fleadh?” — sparked the creation of the Cuimsiú Competition, a major initiative that champions inclusivity in traditional music.
Michael also welcomed John and Maureen Ferguson to the launch. Now back living in Mayo, John made a significant contribution to traditional Irish music during his years in Leeds.
Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 takes place from May 3rd to 11th and is proudly hosted by the Gort na mBó/Bofield branch of Comhaltas.
The Fleadh competitions will be held as follows:
Monday, May 5th: Dancing competitions in Ballina Arts Centre
Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th: All other competitions in St. Mary's Secondary School
Fleadh entries are well up this year, and the Mayo County Board is expecting one of the biggest and most vibrant Fleadhanna in recent years.
Mayo Comhaltas chairperson Séamus Cawley said: “It was a fantastic night, and we look forward to the upcoming Fleadh. Míle buíochas to everyone who has helped so far, and to those who will assist in the coming weeks.”
A Packed Programme for the Community Fleadh
Alongside the competitions, the Community Fleadh will bring Ballina alive with music, performance, storytelling, and celebration. A session trail throughout the town will run from Saturday, May 3.
Other highlights include:
· Saturday, April 19th: Mayo Fleadh Concert at Ballina Arts Centre, featuring Pipers Cross Céilí Band, Siobhán O'Donnell, Seoda, Stephen Doherty, David Doocey, Mayo Trad Ensemble, Fergal Ó Murchú, and more.
· From May 3rd: Launch of two special exhibitions at the Jackie Clarke Collection:
North Mayo to Leeds Music Connection
Bofield to Battery Exploring musical and migratory connections.
Sunday, May 4th: ‘The Cheque in the Post’, a new play by Alice Lynch, staged at Ballina Arts Centre.
Monday, May 5th: Oíche Gaeilge in Rouse’s Bar – an informal and welcoming evening of Irish language, music, and song.
Wednesday, May 7th: Rambling House in Ballina Stephenites – a celebration of storytelling, songs, and music for all ages, with renowned Fear a Tí Joe Neary.
Thursday, May 8th:, Jackie Clarke Collection: Inclusive Sessiún, led by local musicians, from 2 to 5 p.m. accompanied by Bofield musicians
Friday, May 9th: Fleadh Concert featuring Tradwest, Billow Wood, and Seoda, followed by a lively Session Trail across Ballina’s pubs and venues.
Saturday, May 10th:
Céilí Mór with Pipers Cross Céilí Band at Ballina Stephenites
Live outdoor performances on the Gig Rig in Market Square
Busking competition
·Sunday, May 11th:
Session Trail continues
Gig Rig entertainment for all ages and tastes
Cuimsiú Competition – A Celebration of Inclusion
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, the Cuimsiú Competition returns in 2025.
This inclusive initiative creates performance opportunities for musicians of all abilities and was recently honoured with the Inclusive Award at the Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Awards.
Cuimsiú sessions and events will take place throughout Community Fleadh week, reflecting the core values of Comhaltas — inclusion and celebration through traditional music.
Acknowledgements
The Mayo County Board of Comhaltas and the Fleadh Committee in Ballina express their gratitude to Mayo County Council, Chairperson John O’Hara and Arts Officer Ann Marie McGing for their support.
Special thanks also to Councillors Annie May Reape, Marie Therese Duffy, and Michael Loftus, as well as Declan Turnbull, Head of Ballina MD, and Breege Gordon, Staff Officer, Ballina MD.
Additionally, appreciation is extended to Ann-Marie Forbes, Yvonne Corcoran, and their team at the Jackie Clarke Collection for hosting the launch event. Special thanks also goes to Mairead Melody Carr from Mayo North Tourism for her help over the past number of weeks and to the numerous sponsors supporting the community festival.
Thanks to the Bofield musicians who performed on the night, and to everyone working behind the scenes to ensure Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 will be an unforgettable celebration.
Massive congratulations to the hardworking Fleadh Committee, chaired by Michael O'Donnell, and the hosting branch, Bofield CCÉ, for putting together a brilliant programme of events.