Waterford musicians come out on top at this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
All Ireland Winner of the De Mangan Memorial Trophy for Button Accordion Joseph Mannion of CCÉ Craobh na gComarach, Port Láirge with his family at the 2026 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast. Photo: Anna Allen Photography Mullingar
Four Waterford musicians took Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann by storm in Belfast last week, winning national titles in voice, concertina, button accordion and melodeon.
Waterford's Comeragh branch, Craobh na gComarach, had two winners at this year's Fleadh, Joseph Mannion who placed first in the senior button accordion competition, earning him the All Ireland title, and Mary Ní Dheagh who placed third in the 15 - 18-year-old category, for concertina performance.
Iona Ritchie, of the Waterford City Comhaltas branch, performed in the senior ladies English singing competition, earning herself second-place at the national competition.
Waterford's Ballyduff/Ballinvela/Ballysaggart Comhaltas also had a winner at this year's Fleadh Cheoil, with Amhlaoibh Ó Síocháin-Ó Beoláin coming home with the third-place prize in senior melodeon performance.
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.
This year's fleadh seen over 5,000 competitors from 25 countries, making the Waterford winner's achievements that bit more inspiring.
