What a week in Sligo! We’re really proud of all the young ones from Newbridge CCE who went to the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil and contributed to a hugely enjoyable festival of our culture by attending the Scoil Eigse, competing in competitions, playing at sessions and going to the many and varied events laid on by the organisers. Our thanks to their parents and tutors for their help and encouragement in getting them to such a high standard of musicianship that they were able to compete with the best traditional musicians in Ireland, the UK and the USA.
Well done to Padraig Mullan, Ellie Conway, Roise McCloy and Caoimhe O’Kane who all competed in solo competitions at the weekend. Special congratulations to Caoimhe O’Kane, Caoimhe Purvis and Patrick Magee who all returned with second place medals in group competitions – Caoimhe O’Kane in the 12-15 Ceili Band and Caoimhe Purvis and Patrick Magee in the 15-18 Grupa Ceoil, all representing Ceoltoiri Crosskeys.
We’re indebted to everyone at Loughbeg CCE for the opportunities afforded our children to participate in their Ceoltoiri Crosskeys bands and groups and congratulate their other members who competed, especially Jane and Molly Walls who are All-Ireland champions in U-12 uilleann pipes slow airs (Jane) and 12-15 duets (Jane & Molly).
Congratulations, also, to our neighbours at Loup CCE who did so well – to Mairead and Maria Mitchell, Lauren O’Neill, Rosie McElroy who were all placed in their competitions and, in particular to Bridgeen Mitchell, 15-18 tin whistle champion for 2015.