Ádh mór oraibh for Fleadh Uladh

Seven proud members of the city's Baile na gCailleach Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann craobh are getting ready to compete at the Ulster Fleadh.

Fleadh Uladh is taking place in Dromore in County Tyrone at the weekend and Derry's magnificent seven are hoping to make it through to the iconic Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar in August.

The CCÉ Baile na gCallieach hopefuls, who all won medals in the recent Fleadh Dhoire 2023, which was held in Dungiven, will be competing in a range of traditional arts competitions.

Meidhbhín Ni Dhonghaile.

The seven hopefuls are: Daithí Ó Donghaile (Comhrá, age 9-11); Meidhbhín Ni Dhonghaile (Comhrá); Tommy Dunn (New composed song in English); Dillion McLaughlin (Bango dance tunes, age 15-18); Aoibhe Nic Lochlainn (U12 Harp Dance Tunes and Harp Slow Airs); Róise Ní Mhurchú (Singing in Irish, Singing in English, Fiddle slow airs, Lilting, and Whistle slow airs, age 15-18); and Sophie McIntyre (Whistle, under 12).

Speaking to Derry Now, Sophie's mammy, Caroline explained that there were 31 entrants in Sophie's competition at the Derry Fleadh.

“They were broken into two groups and the top two in each group had to perform twice, so the pressure was on,” said Caroline. “Sophie was amazed at how well she had done and was absolutely buzzing.

Tommy Dunn.

“It really helped her with her confidence and motivated her for Ulster Fleadh.”

Sophie said she was feeling “so excited” for the weekend.

“I am nervous about the high standard of whistle players I will be competing against.

Daithí Ó Donghaile.

“I am playing 'The Wandering Minstrel' and 'John Brady’s' and if there is a recall, 'The Galway Rambler.'”

Sophie began learning the tin whistle with Siobhan Molloy. “Since Siobhan left, I have been learning with Clodagh Holland in CCÉ Balie na gCailleach and also Ciaran Carlin, since June this year.

“I would like to wish everyone who is entering competitions in Fleadh Uladh 'good luck'.

“It will be an amazing day, and a great way to celebrate traditional Irish music,” she added.

Caroline said: “We are extremely proud of how much work Sophie has put in this year for each competition, and we are loving watching her grow as a musician. Our Nerves will be wrecked at the weekend though!”

Sophie wants to add, good luck to everyone entering competitions in Ulster Fleadh. It will be an amazing day, and a great way to celebrate traditional Irish music.

Aoibhe Nic Lochlainn

Young Aoibhe Nic Lochlainn said she was completely surprised when she heard she had won her Harp competitions at the Derry Fleadh.

“There were 15 people in my competition,” said Aoibhe, “and I wasn't expecting it at all. I wasn't in the room for the adjudication as I was in another competition, so it was all a bit of a whirlwind.

“I was so proud to win Derry. I practiced really, really hard this year and loved my tunes this year too. In Fleadh Uladh, I am playing a jig and a reel and two lovely slow airs. I really love my reel 'The glass of beer'. It's my favourite tune at the minute.

Dillion McLaughlin.

“I have mixed emotions about Ulster. I'm only just 10, so I am young in the competition but I would so love one day to get to compete at an All Ireland Fleadh in my Derry shirt. I am also attending Scoil Éigse on harp for the first time this year and I can't wait.

My teacher is Emer Mallon. I love my classes with Emer. Maybe one day ill end up in a Trad band like her,” said Aoibhe. Emer is a member of the well known group, Connla, who played Fleadh Dhoire in 2019.

Aoibhe's mammy, Sinéad said the whole family was “super proud” of her reaching the Ulster Fleadh for the second year.

Róise Ní Mhurchú.

“She has a great talent, a natural gift for Trad music and she thoroughly enjoys playing the tunes at every opportunity,” said

Sinéad, “at home and with her Comhaltas branch and sharing her lovely music within the community.”

“Aoibhe will play with great pride. There will be excitement and nerves on Sunday but we want her to have fun and enjoy the craic too, as this is what the Fleadh is also about. But, our Aoibhe is already thinking about year's tunes!”