Kildare has a host of winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has drawn to a close in Belfast following an extraordinary week of traditional Irish music, song and dance, with Co Kildare being host to many of the competition's winners.

More than 5,000 competitors from 25 countries travelled to Belfast to compete for coveted All-Ireland titles across music, dancing and sean nós singing, bringing together some of the finest emerging and established traditional performers from Ireland and around the world.

Hosted in Belfast for the first time by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Ards CCÉ, the Fleadh saw Belfast transformed into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, workshops and events taking place across the city.

At the core of the Fleadh are the All-Ireland competitions, were musicians, singers and dancers of all ages compete at the highest level following success at regional competitions. The standard of performance throughout this year's competitions was exceptionally high, with competitors travelling from across Ireland and internationally to take part.

The Kildare winners of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 are as follows:

Competition Name, Place, Competitor Name(s), CCÉ, Branch Name, County

Tionlacan / Accompaniment, Faoi 12, 2nd, Doireann Ní Bhriain, CCÉ, Craobh Bheartla Uí Fhlatharta, Cill Dara;

Foinn Mhalla, Fidil / Fiddle Slow Airs, 15-18, 3rd, Ruben Ó Mórdha, CCÉ, Kilteel/Eadestown, Cill Dara;

Fidil / Fiddle, Faoi 12, 2nd, Doireann Ní Bhriain, CCÉ, Craobh Bheartla Uí Fhlatharta, Cill Dara;

Fidil / Fiddle, 15-18, 1st, Ruben Ó Mórdha, CCÉ, Kilteel/Eadestown, Cill Dara;

Ceol Beirte / Duets, Faoi 12, 2nd, Doireann Ní Bhriain & Siún Ní Bhriain, CCÉ, Craobh Bheartla Uí Fhlartha, Cill Dara;

Amhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós (Fir) / Irish Singing (Men), O18, 1st, Felim Mac Donnacha, CCÉ, Kilteel/Eadesown, Cill Dara;

Amhráin Nuacheaptha, Gaeilge / Newly Composed Songs in Irish, Aon Aois/Any Age, 1st, Féilim Mac Donncha (Ní Bheidh tú in Ísle Brí), CCÉ, Kilteel/Eadestown, Cill Dara;

Rince Céilí Ceathrair, Measctha / 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Mixed, O18, 1st, Rinceoiri Mhaigh Nuad (Emma Ní Broin, Garret Ó hÓgáin, Liam Ó hAnnracháin, Natasha Preston), CCÉ, Maigh Nuad, Cill Dara;

Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes, O18, 1st, Cormac Keegan, CCÉ, Craobh Bheartla Uí Fhlatharta, Cill Dara.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world's biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance and provides a unique cultural meeting place for performers, competitors, families and visitors from Ireland and across the globe.

Belfast's selection to host the Fleadh for a second consecutive year was announced by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, following the success of the city's bid to host the 2027 event. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2027 will take place in Belfast from August 1 – 8 2027.

For all the results and further information on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie