Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, one of the largest traditional music events in the world, was held in Tullamore last weekend. The town catered for over 200,000 people who attended events that featured in excess of 10,000 musicians. Those from Cork certainly didn’t hide in the shadows as the sun helped celebrate the success of Corks finest musicians. The most prestigious prize at the Fleadh is undoubtedly the senior céilí band competition. In an enthralling night of wonderful music, The Allow Céilí Band from north Cork distinguished themselves as the first Cork band ever to take the prize. Another fantastic achievement was that of Seán McCarthy from Mitchelstown who took two first prizes on the uilleann pipes in the senior competition. Another double winning piper was Shane Keating from Ballinacura, representing the Niall Ó Cathasaigh branch, who achieved the double in the 12-15 age category. Corks success was best reflected in the Grúpaí Cheoil competitions where Ceoltóirí Chairbre, featuring musicians from around the county, took second place under 12 and first place in the 12 to 15 age group. Congratulations to Martin Power and his team on his success in defending the latter title. Cork fared particularly well on those instruments often referred to as the ‘box’. Clíodhna Ní Chonghaile of the Skibereen branch took first prize on the piano accordion under twelve. From the same branch, Dónal Ó Coileáin also took first prize in the 12 to 15 competition. Donal Ó Lineacháin from the Milstreet branch took third prize in the 12 to 15 button accordion competition. Aoibheann Murphy from the Fermoy branch took second place in the 12 to 15 concertina competition. In the meleodeon comptition, Gearóid Ó Suilleabháin from the Bantry branch took first prize under 12 and Daithí Ó Catháin took second prize in the 12 to 15 category. Another All-Ireland Champion for 2007 is Eibhlís O’Sullivan from Bantry who won the Slow Airs competition on the flute 15-18. In the under 12 slow airs competition on tin whistle, Michelle Ní Choileáin from Skibereen took third place. Cliodhna Ní Chonghaile from the Skibereen branch also took third place in the under 12 piano competition. There was a Cork one-two in the 12 to 15 mouth organ competition where John Harrington of Athacaoire took second place to Fionn Mac Shéamais of the Bantry branch in the 12-15 category. In the under twelve competition, Cathal McCarthy took the title for the Skibereen branch. Two sisters took the first prize for Cork in the 15 to 18 duet competition where Maighréadh & Caitriona Ní Luasa took the title back to Cúil Aodha. In the Comhrá Gaeilge competition, Lara Ní Dhalaigh of Fermoy was second in the 13-15 age group. Singing is also an important feature of any Fleadh Cheoil and once again Cork proved successful. Muireann Ní Luasa of Cúil Aodha took second prize in the Ladies Irish Singing in the 12 to 15 age group while Diarmuid Ó Meachair, also from Cúil Aodha was second in the under twelve boys competition. Óisín Ó Corragáin from the Mainistir Bhán branch took third in the 15 to 18 Mens Singing in Irish. In a very humerous competition, Seán Ó Muimhneacháin from the Laichtín Naofa branch took third place in the newly composed ballads. Dancing also featured and congratulations to the Drimoleague Half Set who brought home the under 18 title. Congratulations to all the medal winners and to all those who qualified to take part in the competitions in Tullamore. Well done also to all the teachers and committee members who give time and energy to ensuring a musical future for the county. Many are now heading back to classes for the winter and will take part in other activities in preparation for qualifying for next years Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. By PJ O Sullivan and Daithi Kearney PRO/Asst. PRO Cork County Board