First of all – big congratulations to every one of our competitors who took part in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda this year. It is a huge achievement to get that far – getting placed in one of the medal positions is a bonus on top of it.
We had a number of musicians taking part in solo, duet and trio competitions – well done to Daniel Aylward, Aoibhe Kettle, Noise Kettle, Nell Kettle, Mary Lawler, Michael Lawler, Sean Lawler, Michael Lynch, Aaron Mackessy, Ciara Mackessy, David Vesey and Mark Vesey.
Congratulations to the following competitors who got placed in solo competitions:
Noise Kettle – 1st place in Fiddle 15-18
Noise Kettle at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2018 in Drogheda on Comaltas Live
Here‘s Noise performing on Fleadh TV:
Aaron Mackessy – 2nd place in Mandolin O18
Here‘s Aaron playing a hornpipe and a reel at a Spink Comhaltas Summer Seisiún in Abbeyleix Heritage House:
Mark Vesey – 1st place in Miscellaneous 15-18. Mark was playing Tenor Guitar.
Here‘s Mark performing in Abbeyleix Heritage House as part of the Spink Comhaltas Summer Seisiún series:
This year, two of our groups qualified for the All Ireland Fleadh in Leinster:
Our U18 Grupa Cheoil, „CeoltóiríOwenBeg“ – Congratulations to all the musicians and our teacher, Paula Dowling, for a wonderful arrangement and for all the hard-work.
The Senior Grupa Cheoil, „Laochra“, under the direction of Siobhan Buckley also performed magnificently – congratulations to Siobhan and all of the musicians – representing a number of branches across Laois Comhaltas.
Unfortunately, our Ballyroan Half Set dancers were unable to compete in the All Ireland because of travel commitments. They have represented Spink Comhaltas for 40 years.
The Senior trio O18 featuring David and Mark Vesey as well as Caoimhe Lowry from Camross placed 3rd.
