FLEADH Cheoil na hÉireann bid farewell in the early hours of Monday morning with performance from winning Senior Céilí Band at City Hall Gig Rig
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann came to a close at Belfast City Hall with a rousing performance from the Lissadel Céilí Band, this year’s winners of the Senior Céilí Band competition.
Audiences watched on as the band, whose members hail from Sligo, Mayo, Cavan, Westmeath and Tipperary, brought eight days of music, colour and friendship at the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture to an end.
Earlier, Campbell College Bugles, Pipes and Drums took to the stage, followed by Each Time the Song is Sung, a multi-cultural showcase from host branch Ards CCÉ, and performances from Zoë Conway, John McIntyre, Louise Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy and Edwina Guckian.
Speeches from Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Attracta Ní Bhradaigh, Uachtarán, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Dr Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Niall McClean from Ards CCÉ and John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council and Co-chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee, rounded off the evening’s bill.
Lord Mayor Cllr Róis-Máire Donnelly said: “A leithéid de sheachtain nach raibh feicthe ariamh i mBéal Feirste. Ceol, craic is draíocht san aer ar fud fad na seachtaine is trasna na cathrach ar fad.
“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days. The pictures and videos of our people, our music and our streets projected right around the world show our city at its best.
“Our spirit, our craic and our shared love of music, from all our different communities, have all been embraced and displayed for everyone to enjoy.
“Tháinig na sluaite isteach go lár a’ bhaile lenár gceol is ár gcultúr a roinnt le chéile agus bhí sé galánta An Ghaeilge a fheiceáil chomh flúirseach sin is le cloisteáil gach áit.
“When I opened Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last Sunday, I described it as a full circle moment for our city. But it’s also been a watershed moment – a sign of our city’s strength, ambition and future potential. Fleadh 2026 has surpassed all of our expectations.
“Go raibh céad míle maith agaibh to everyone for their support, participation and generosity of spirit – you have all done Belfast proud.”
Dr Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said: “We have had an unprecedented Fleadh of music, magic and memories. Belfast opened its doors and hearts to the multitudes who came from far and near for this amazing celebration, which will have an encore in 2027.
“One million fans can say to Belfast ‘you are the envy of the world’, with perhaps billions worldwide aware of the cultural history made in August 2026.”
Niall McClean, Chair, Ards CCÉ and Co-chair of Fleadh Executive Committee added: “What an incredible week. Everyone I have spoken to has had an amazing time here in Belfast, thousands of people all on a high.
“Belfast has shone, the world has come to our doorstep, bringing the biggest numbers ever seen for a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
“I’m so proud of our branch and all our members, and what we have achieved together. We dared to dream and those dreams have come true.
“Bringing the Fleadh to everyone, to every community, has put a permanent smile on my face. I’m the happiest man in Belfast. Roll on 2027!”
This year’s Fleadh – held in Belfast for the first time – attracted record footfall, with final figures expected to top one million, making it the best attended Fleadh ever. The festival will return to the city from 1-8 August 2027, hosted once again by Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.
