This Sunday at 2 PM, Wexford town will host the anticipated All Ireland Fleadh Marching band competition. The competition features a trio of highly competitive marching bands, each bringing a unique history and aspirations to the event.
Cloich Cheann Fhaola, the dominant force in the Junior Miscellaneous category, is on the verge of making history. Having secured the All Ireland title 11 times over the past two decades, they are aiming for their third consecutive win, a feat last achieved by the band from 2006 to 2009. They enter this year’s competition as double Ulster champions, bolstered by their recent victories and a solid legacy of success since establishing a senior band in 2017, which has won three senior titles.
Their main competition comes from St. Kevin’s Marching Band, hailing from Ferns in Wexford. This relatively new ensemble, having emerged as Leinster champions, seeks to secure their first All Ireland title having come close last year being runners up. Despite being recently formed, St. Kevin’s participated in the 2016 All Ireland Fleadh and demonstrated their potential as strong contenders.
The third competitor, Moyne National School Band, brings a rich history dating back to the 1950s. The band, consisting of students from 4th to 6th class, recently qualified for the All Ireland Fleadh by succeeding at the Munster Fleadh in Thurles. Known for their traditional uniforms and a variety of instruments, including newly introduced trumpets, Moyne National School Band is set to add depth and color to the competition.
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