Newcastle CCÉ are on song at Ulster Fleadh

3 August 2022

MUSICIANS from all over Ulster have been showcasing their musical talents at this year’s Ulster Fleadh in Dromore, with Newcastle CCÉ bringing a clutch of successes home.

The week ebbed and flowed to the tune of Irish music, song and dance, from countless concerts and performances, to three days of competitions at St. John’s Secondary School, rounded off by multiple music seisuns in the Co Tyrone town.

Newcastle CCÉ is always incredibly proud of its musicians and this year it was no exception – with three of its members, Niamh Howell, Ruáirí Howell and Ciara Maguire performing with the Ulster Comhaltas Orchestra.

The trio appeared in the debut of a brand new suite of music composed and arranged by the fabulous Michael Rooney.

Ómós na nUltach followed the path of the province in a historical context, leading to the present day and the bright future of our place and people.

The music marked a number of historical events and key milestones such as the Flight of Earls, industry within the province, and also reflected on ongoing issues such as emigration.

The branch was also well represented in the various competitions over the week, including solo, duet, trio, grupaí cheoil and comhrá, with a number of competitors being awarded first, second or third place in their competitions.

As a result, the finishers will progress on to the All-Ireland Fleadh which is being hosted in Mullingar in Co. Westmeath next week.

Getting through to compete in the All-Ireland Fleadh is a tremendous accolade for members of the branch, which is bursting with pride for its skilled musicians, singers and dancers.

The branch is very aware that its success would not be possible without the commitment and support of its parents, tutors, committee and branch members throughout the year. The group would therefore like to take the opportunity to wish each member moving forward to the All-Ireland Fleadh the very best of luck, and to be sure to enjoy the weekend and the experiences it will afford their musical journey.

The musicians also paid tribute to Dromore CCÉ, which are no strangers to hosting the prestigious event. And after a

three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Newcastle CCÉ said the Tyrone branch carried it off flawlessly.

Registration for Newcastle CCÉ classes and membership for the 2021/2022 year will happen in early September and will be advertised in the local press.

People can keep up-to-date on all Newcastle CCÉ activities by liking its Facebook and Instagram pages and checking its website www.newcastlecce.com.

Newcastle CCÉ Ulster Fleadh results

Over 18 Accompaniment: 2nd Rory McEvoy

Newly Composed Songs: 1st Terry Cowan

Fiddle Slow Airs (over 18) : 3rd Ciara Maguire

Fiddle (over 18): 3rd Ciara Maguire

Fiddle Slow Airs (15-18): 2nd Cathleen Garland

Ladies Singing In English (15-18): 2nd Cathleen Garland

Ladies Singing in Irish (15-18): 2nd Tara McAnarney

Uilleann Pipes (under 12): 3rd Rory McAllister

Comhrá Gaeilge: Jude Brannigan

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