This Sunday at 2 PM, Wexford town will play host to the All Ireland Fleadh Marching Band Competition. Among the standout categories is Junior Miscellaneous, where two talented bands will go head-to-head, each with their own unique story, style, and hopes of lifting the title.
Leading the pack is Cloich Cheann Fhaola, a dominant force in this category for over two decades. With an incredible 12 All Ireland titles already under their belt, the Donegal-based band is hoping to make history once again by claiming their third consecutive win—a feat they last achieved between 2006 and 2009. Coming into the competition as triple Ulster champions, the band has continued to build on a strong tradition of excellence, bolstered further by the formation of their senior band in 2017, which has already won three All Ireland titles of its own.
But this year’s competition carries extra weight for Cloich Cheann Fhaola. The tragic loss of several young people during the last year from the Cloughaneely community has left a deep scar in the hearts of many. Among them was Enya Mc Murrough, a beloved former band member whose spirit still resonates through the group. For the band and the wider community, a win on Sunday would mean so much more than another trophy—it would be a powerful tribute to Enyas memory. There’s no doubt that they’ll be marching with heavy hearts, but also with fierce pride and purpose.
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Challenging them for the top spot is St. Kevin’s Marching Band from Ferns, Wexford. A relatively new group, St. Kevin’s have quickly established themselves as serious contenders. As this year’s Leinster champions, they are eyeing their first All Ireland win after coming agonisingly close as runners-up for the past two years. Having first appeared on the All Ireland stage in 2016, their steady rise through the ranks has been impressive to watch. It’s always exciting to see a new band not just take part—but push the competition to higher levels with every passing year. Their hard work, talent, and relentless drive make them a real threat this weekend.
