Derry competitors hoping for fleadh-bulous time in Belfast
One of the youngest Derry competitors making her way over the Glenshane Pass this week is Laoise Ní Mhianáin
We’ve hardly caught our breaths from Fleadh Uladh 2026 in Warrenpoint but Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is already upon us.
Organised annually by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the largest festival of Irish traditional music, song, dance, storytelling and Irish language in the world.
It features prestigious competitive events, vibrant street sessions, and massive cultural celebrations and is expected to draw between 700,000 and 800,000 visitors to Belfast this week.
One of the youngest Derry competitors making her way over the Glenshane Pass this week, with mum, Bernie, and dad, Gearalt, is Laoise Ní Mhianáin.
Laoise will be competing in the Comhrá Gaeilge (9-11) [Irish Conversation] competition.
Speaking to The Derry News, Gearalt, a well-known musician in the city and beyond, explained Laoise had come first in the competition at Fleadh Dhoire, which was hosted in April by Loup CCÉ.
“Laoise was nervous going through to Ulster,” said Gearalt, “but she performed really well there. She had a solid conversation with the adjudicator which lasted over five minutes.
“They asked her about her name, Laoise, and its origins, and about her pastimes, what sports she played, about school and her favourite subjects. Laoise was clearly enjoying herself throughout,” he added.
“Bernie and I felt very pleased with how she dealt with questions about the GAA and Comhaltas.
“Her final piece was the recitation of a poem that she had written herself about the children of Palestine called ‘Mo Chairde sa Phalaistín’.
“She spoke her poem with strong feelings of love and compassion. We are so proud of her using this opportunity to speak out against injustice and reminding people of the ongoing devastation in Palestine.
“We were all over the moon and Laoise was delighted when the judge called her name, especially as her friend from the Loup, Enya Mitchell, also qualified. It is fantastic that Derry has two qualifiers in the All Ireland in this section,” grinned Gearalt.
“The extended family and friends are very proud and supportive of Laoise. Plenty of people gave her good advice and encouragement along the way,” added Bernie.
“When she is not Fleadh-ing, Laoise loves to play camogie and football. She also plays the tin whistle and is learning the fiddle. She goes to classes at the Jimmy O’Hara Comhaltas group in Dungiven.
“We have all been at Tradfest this week where Laoise took part in a tin whistle masterclass with David Sheridan.
“She also really enjoys singing, swimming, reading and judo. Laoise is a member of Samurai Uladh Judo Club,” said Bernie.
Derry News asked Laoise what she would say to anyone thinking of entering Fleadh Dhoire next year.
“You should definitely do it,” she replied without hesitation. “It’s a great experience no matter what happens!
“I loved it. It was great fun. I meet the same people each year and it’s lovely seeing them.
“I am really excited about going to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. I can’t wait. I hope to make my branch, county and province proud. I will give it my best shot,” said Laoise.
“Is Gael óg ghealgháireach í Laoise a bhfuil croí mór maith aici,” duirt Gearalt.
“Tá sí thar a bheith sásta go bhfuil an seans aici páirt a ghlacadh i bhFleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann i mBéal Feirste.
“Is mór an onóir di ionadaíocht a dhéanamh ar son Chraobh Jimmy O’Hara den Chomhaltas, ar son Dhoire agus ar son Chúige Uladh.
“An rud is tábhachtaí do Laoise ná an deis a bheith aici labhairt amach do na páistí sa Phalaistín nach bhfuil glór acu.”
Congratulations to all of the Derry Ulster Fleadh winners and ádh mór oraibh to everyone who will be competing in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this week:
Comhrá Gaeilge (9-11): Enya Mitchell - Moneymore, Doire and Laoise Ní Mhianáin - CCÉ, Jimmy O'Hara, Doire; Feadóg / Whistle (15-18): Éadaoin O'Hagan - CCÉ, Cormac Ó Ceallaigh, Doire; Fionn Mhalla Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (15-18): Phoebe Kelly - Portstewart, Doire; Feadóg Mhór / Flute (15-18): James Kealey - CCÉ, An Lúb, Doire; Comhra Gaeilge (11-13): Doireann de Brúntún - CCÉ, Cormac Ó Ceallaigh, Doire; Fionn Mhalla Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (Faoi 12): Saorla Nicholson - CCÉ, Cormac Ó Ceallaigh, Doire; Cruit / Irish Harp (Faoi 12): Béibhinn Ní Dhonnghaile - CCÉ, An Suaitreach, Doire; Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes (Faoi 12): Devin Forrest - CCÉ, Craobh Doire, Doire; Amhránaíocht Ar An Sean Nós (Mná) / Irish Singing (Ladies) (15-18); Éinín Duggan - CCÉ, Jimmy O'Hara, Limavady, Doire; Amhránaíocht Ar An Sean Nós (Fir) / Irish Singing (Men) (15-18): Aodhán Glass - CCÉ, Cormac Ó Ceallaigh, Doire; Ceol Trír / Trios (Faoi 12): CCÉ, An Suaitreach, Doire - Úna O'Loughlin, Béibhinn Ní Dhonnghaile, Máire McEldowney; Newly Composed Songs in English / Amhráin Nuacheaptha, Béarla:Tommy Dunn (The Day The Bogside Bled) - CCÉ, Baile na gCailleach, Doire; Maindilín / Mandolin (12-15): Gena Hutton - CCÉ, An Lúb, Doire; Portaireacht / Lilting (O18): Fearghal Mag Uiginn - CCÉ, Craobh Doire, Doire; English Singing (Men) / Amhráin Bhéarla (Fir) (O18): JJ McWilliams - Baile na Scríne, Doire; Maindilín / Mandolin O18: Catríona Lagan - CCÉ, Baile na gCailleach, Doire; Consairtín / Concertina O18: Bronagh Bradley - CCÉ, An Lúb, Doire and Siobhan Magee - CCÉ, Newbridge, Doire (Aontroim); Consairtín / Concertina (15-18): Mary-Theresa Kelly - CCÉ, An Lúb, Doire; Foinn Mhalla, Cruit / Harp Slow Airs (O18): Kerri Mullan - Maghera, Doire; Cruit / Irish Harp (O18): Sinéad Close - CCÉ, Loughbeg, Doire and Kerri Mullan - Maghera, Doire; Bosca Ceoil / Button Accordion (O18): Grace-Anne Kelly - CCÉ, An Lúb, Doire; Foinn Mhalla, Píb Uilleann / Uilleann Pipes Slow Airs O18: Joe Marshall - CCÉ, Rasharkin, Doire; and Rince Ar An Sean-Nos (O18): Anthony Hargan - CCÉ, Baile na gCailleach, Doire.