Cloughaneely’s Senior and Junior Bands have both taken top honours at the Donegal Fleadh, winning the Senior and Junior Miscellaneous categories with confident performances that mark a strong start to their 2025 season.
The Senior Band presented a refreshed music programme, featuring enhanced harmonies and a newly introduced slow air. The additions bring more depth to their overall sound and reflect careful musical development over the winter. Following last year’s All-Ireland, where St Roch’s of Glasgow claimed an unexpected win, the Cloughaneely seniors are focused on refining their performance with hopes of regaining the All Ireland title later this year.
The Junior Band, winners of the All-Ireland title in both 2023 and 2024, are now aiming for a third consecutive win. Their presentation at the Donegal Fleadh showed continued consistency and musical maturity beyond their years.
Both bands will next travel to Warrenpoint for the Ulster Fleadh on July 27th, a key step on the path to the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford. The upcoming competitions will provide an important opportunity for adjudication and feedback — allowing both bands to make improvements and build momentum heading into the national stage.