Two Ulster pipe bands — Clonoe Independent Pipe Band from County Tyrone and Letterkenny Pipe Band from County Donegal — are set to take part in this year’s All-Ireland Fleadh, with the pipe band competition taking place this Sunday at 12pm.
Clonoe Aiming for Three-in-a-Row
Clonoe Independent Pipe Band will be aiming to win their third consecutive All-Ireland Fleadh title. The band last achieved a similar run in the 1990s, and since reforming in recent years, they’ve made steady progress both competitively and in the wider music scene. Clonoe have also performed at large events, including Ulster Senior Football Championship matches, and have become a regular feature at public performances across the province.
The band also competed in the East Ireland pipe band championships placing 3rd in grade 4B this was the first time the band had competed at an association competition in 25 years.
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Letterkenny Hoping for First Title
Letterkenny Pipe Band will be competing for their first All-Ireland Fleadh title. The band has had a strong year so far, winning the Ulster Fleadh title a few weeks ago with a young and developing group. They’ve also been active on the local competition circuit, recently placing 3rd out of 10 bands in Grade 4B at the Ulster Pipe Band Championship, and finishing 4th out of 15 bands at the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships earlier in July.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
The Fleadh competition offers both bands another opportunity to showcase their progress this season. Clonoe will look to continue their recent success, while Letterkenny will be aiming to make a breakthrough at national level.
The competition begins at 12pm on Sunday and is expected to draw large crowds as part of the wider Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrations.