26 All-Ireland wins for Limerick as county stars shine at Belfast Fleadh

Young traditional musicians from across Limerick have brought home an impressive 26 All-Ireland titles from the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Limerick musicians strike gold with 26 All-Ireland titles at 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Young traditional musicians from across Limerick have brought home an impressive 26 All-Ireland titles from the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, as the prestigious festival came to a close in Belfast.

Limerick Comhaltas branches enjoyed remarkable success at this year’s national finals, with performers securing top honours across solo, duet and group competitions.

Leading the county’s medal haul was CCÉ Castleconnell Ahane Herbertstown, which produced a series of outstanding performances throughout the week.

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Among the headline successes was Jamie Ó Hehir, who took first place in the Chuimhneachain Darina Nic Aindriu Cup for Piano Accordion in the 12-15 years category.

The branch also celebrated first-place finishes for Tomás Ó Laoidhigh in the Donlan Memorial Cup for Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs for under-12s, and Liam Mac Giobún in the Tom Meehan Memorial Trophy for Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs for competitors over 18.

Castleconnell Ahane Herbertstown also secured the prestigious Under-12 Grúpaí Ceoil title, with its group Ceoltóirí Reált na Maidíne taking gold.

Other strong performances in the under-12 categories saw Senán Ó hAnnaidh win the Uilleann Pipes title, while Eadbhard Coistealbha and Tomás Ó Laoidhigh claimed first place in the Under-12 Duets. Áine Ní Choileáin also took gold in Under-12 Ladies English Singing.

In the 12-15 age group, Páidí De Blacúil enjoyed a double success for Castleconnell Ahane Herbertstown, winning gold in both Uilleann Pipes and Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs, while Jamie Ó Hehir added another national title in Piano Accordion.

There was further success in the senior competitions, with Micheál Ó Brúdair of CCÉ Teampall an Ghleanntáin taking first place in the Over-18 Mandolin competition. Hugh Quinn was also named an All-Ireland winner in the Mandolin category, while Micheál Ó Brúdair secured third place in the Over-18 Banjo competition.

Liam Mac Giobún added to his individual success by partnering with Ríona Ní Éilí to win the Senior Duets title.

The remarkable Limerick results also included strong performances from CCÉ Pheig Uí Riain and CCÉ Teampall an Ghleanntáin, underlining the strength of traditional music throughout the county.

More than 5,000 competitors from 25 countries travelled to Belfast for the festival, competing in music, dancing and sean nós singing. The event also attracted huge crowds, with organisers reporting more than 900,000 visitors in the first five days alone.

The 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was hosted in Belfast for the first time by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ, the Fleadh transformed the city into a major celebration of Irish culture, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, workshops and events taking place across Belfast.

At the heart of the festival were the All-Ireland competitions, where musicians, singers and dancers competed at the highest level after progressing through regional competitions.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, described the festival as a landmark event for the city.

“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days,” she said, praising the music, culture and community spirit displayed throughout the festival.

She added that Fleadh 2026 had “surpassed all of our expectations”, describing it as a watershed moment and a sign of Belfast’s strength, ambition and future potential.

Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said the attendance of competitors from 25 countries demonstrated the international appeal and continuing growth of Irish traditional music, song and dance.

He also confirmed that Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann again from August 1 to 8, 2027, following the success of the city’s bid for a second consecutive year.

For Limerick, however, the focus now turns homewards, with 26 All-Ireland titles providing a remarkable reward for the dedication of the county’s young performers, musicians, tutors and families.

The haul is a powerful reflection of the thriving traditional music scene across Limerick city and county and ensures the county’s musicians will return from Belfast with plenty to celebrate.