Fermanagh Comhaltas started the new year with a bang on Friday, January 5, with a celebratory showcase of Fermanagh-based Ulster and All Ireland winners in the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen.

The full house was in for a treat with performances varying between ballads, Irish Language conversation and plenty of tunes throughout the night.

The night’s line-up included the following.

Olivia, Ciara and Aodhán O’Donnell (Roslea CCÉ); Damien McKenna (Derrylin CCÉ); Paddy Treacy (Dromore CCÉ); Ceara and Daithí Manley, Molly Hughes (Roslea CCÉ); Sarah McKeever (Bótha CCÉ); Cathy Brotton (Irvinestown CCÉ); Sean McAleer (Irvinestown CCÉ); Erin Whitely (Irvinestown CCÉ); John Joe Flynn (Newtownbutler CCÉ); Kerry McCabe (Newtownbutler CCÉ); Tiarnán Mac Giolla Phádraig (Newtownbutler CCÉ); Crónán Mac Giolla Phádraig (Newtownbutler CCÉ); and Ryan Maguire (Roslea CCÉ).

The concert was the first performance of the 2023 Senior All Ireland Céilí Band winners: The Piper’s Cross in Ulster.

Ryan Maguire (Roslea CCÉ) is the drummer for the Mayo-based Céilí Band, and was happy to give his bandmates a proper Fermanagh welcome.

If you missed out on attending the concert, Fermanagh Comhaltas will show a recording of it on their Facebook page soon.

Fermanagh Comhaltas has seven branches: Benaughlin CCÉ, Belleek CCÉ, Bótha CCÉ, Derrylin CCÉ, Irvinestown CCÉ, Newtownbutler CCÉ and Roslea CCÉ.

If you are interested in Irish Traditional music, contact your local branch or email Fermanagh@comhaltas.net for more information.