We have previewed the competitors for each section of the competition on Sunday
30E Bannaí Máirseála, Píb
·**12:00 Clonoe independent Pipe Band
·**12:15 Letterkenny & District Pipe Band
In a remarkable resurgence, the Clonoe Independent Pipe Band has reemerged onto the scene this year after a hiatus of over two decades. This resurgence carries with it a resolute determination to capture their first All Ireland Fleadh title since their triumphant run of victories spanning 1992 to 1994.
Their recent triumph at this year’s Ulster Fleadh, where they outshone the reigning Ulster champions from the previous year, underscores their renewed prowess and commitment.
Letterkenny Pipe Band, secured victory at last year’s Ulster Fleadh, marking a significant milestone in their journey. This year, they continued to impress, claiming an second place at the competition and qualifying for this years All Ireland Fleadh. It is expected the band won’t attend due to other commitments this weekend at the Ulster Pipe Band Championships.
27D Bannaí Máirseála, Feadóg Mhór O18
·**14:00 Kenstown and Senchelstown Marching Band
K and S this year set their sights on the coveted senior accordion title and are determined to reclaim the glory that has eluded them for over 20 years. The last time they emerged victorious in the senior category was back in 2002, and since then, they have been a dominant force, consistently securing victory in the junior accordion section. In fact, they hold the record for the most junior accordion titles, an impressive total of 13 wins with 4 in the past 8 years.
If successful on Sunday they will take the Senior accordion trophy to Leinster for only the second time ever.
28D Bannaí Máirseála, Feadóg Mhór O18
**14:15 Buíon Ceoil an Mhacaire
**14:30 Maghery Fife & Drum
In what must be competition history, two Maghery flute bands will engage in competition on Sunday. This marks a notable milestone, as Maghery has previously had both Senior and Junior participants at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 2011 and 2012; however, this marks the first time that two senior bands have entered the same section.
Buíon Ceoil an Mhacaire, often referred to as the “old band,” has made the bold decision to challenge the Senior competitive band, known for their exceptional musical performances. They enter the competition as Donegal and Ulster Fleadh champions.
The Maghery Fife and Drum band boasts an impressive track record of clinching the All Ireland titles six times in a row, solidifying their reputation as one of the finest bands in the entire country. Their exceptional drill performances, exemplified by their triumph in the Limerick International Championship where they outperformed 20 other bands to win the title of Best Drill, further cements their reputation.
Remarkably, the Maghery Senior band is in close pursuit of the longstanding record for the most consecutive All Ireland victories; currently standing at six, the band to beat is Mullaghduff Fife and Drum, who have an astounding nine-year winning streak and a staggering total of fourteen All Ireland titles.
29F Bannaí Máirseála,Rogha Ghléas U18
**14:45 St Louis Irish Arts
**15:00 St Kevins
**15:15 Banna Cheoil Cloich Cheann Fhaola
St Louis Arts are an American based band who qualified for last years All Ireland Fleadh but did not travel over as is expected this year too.
Hailing from the picturesque Ferns in Wexford, the newly established ensemble, St. Kevin’s Marching Band, has set their sights on a triumphant milestone – securing their inaugural All Ireland title. Although a recently formed group, their ambition is matched by their dedication. Notably, they participated in the All Ireland Fleadh of 2016, marking a previous chapter in their journey towards triumph.
Cloich Cheann Fhaola, a band renowned for their exceptional achievements, stands as the final contenders of this competition – a title they clinched prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Their illustrious journey includes an impressive record of securing four Junior All Ireland titles since 2014, underscoring their remarkable history.
29F Bannaí Máirseála,Rogha Ghléas O18
**15:30 Mullingar Town band
**15:45 Banna Cheoil Cloich Cheann Fhaola Senior
Mullingar Town Band, have impressive heritage spanning nearly 150 years, are poised for a captivating encore at only their second All Ireland Fleadh appearance. With their sights set on achieving consecutive All Ireland titles, for the first time in their history.
Distinguished by their brass and woodwind instrumentation, Mullingar Town Band offers a unique experience that stands apart from the traditional accordion and tin whistle amalgamation typical of this section. Their distinctive approach promises to captivate the discerning ears of adjudicators.
Beyond the All Ireland Fleadh, the band engages in competition within the IMBA arena, where they have proven their mettle. Their breakthrough came in 2017 when they secured their maiden victory in the All Ireland IMBA competition, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Venturing onto the international stage, Mullingar Town Band showcased their exceptional talent by claiming victory in the Limerick Marching Band Championships of 2022.
The final band who will perform on the day are Cloich Cheann Fhaola senior band who are aiming for their first title since 2018. The band formed as past members from their highly successful junior band got together for a homecoming, leading them to a resounding All Ireland victory during their inaugural year in 2017 winning the Donegal and Ulster titles along the way as well.
Their journey continued to flourish, culminating in consecutive victories in 2018, a testament to their unwavering dedication. The subsequent year, 2019, witnessed a closely contested performance between four bands, resulting in a commendable second-place finish by the narrowest of margins.
The results of the competition are expected around 4pm. With the parade expected to follow at 16:30. It will leave the stadium and proceed down castle street.
*All times are approximate and subject to change on the day.
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