Young Lackagh musicians aiming for All-Ireland glory

Lackagh U-18 Céilí Band, tutored by Niamh Badger, came second in the Connacht Fleadh and have qualified for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis.
Back row, from left: Eadaoin Ní Neachtain, Rachel Hughes, Niamh Francis, Sinéad Duggan, Mary Duggan, Laura Flanagan and Katelyn Dunne.
Front row, from left: Dan Knoop, Dara Kelly and Fiachra Parslow. — Lackagh U-18 Céilí Band, tutored by Niamh Badger, came second in the Connacht Fleadh and have qualified for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis. Back row, from left: Eadaoin Ní Neachtain, Rachel Hughes, Niamh Francis, Sinéad Duggan, Mary Duggan, Laura Flanagan and Katelyn Dunne. Front row, from left: Dan Knoop, Dara Kelly and Fiachra Parslow.

placeholder image — Lackagh U-18 Céilí Band, tutored by Niamh Badger, came second in the Connacht Fleadh and have qualified for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis. Back row, from left: Eadaoin Ní Neachtain, Rachel Hughes, Niamh Francis, Sinéad Duggan, Mary Duggan, Laura Flanagan and Katelyn Dunne. Front row, from left: Dan Knoop, Dara Kelly and Fiachra Parslow.

The thriving Lackagh Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branch will have than 60 young musicians representing Connacht at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis next weekend, August 19 and 20.

“At present have over 200 members, with most of them under the age of 18,” says Sharon Connell the branch Chairperson about the non-profit organisation which promotes Irish traditional music, song and dance in Lackagh and surrounding areas.

Members of Lackagh Comhaltas have already enjoyed All-Ireland Fleadh success – at last year’s event in Sligo, they won the U-15 Grúpa Cheoil competition. Other accomplishments include winning the national Pléaráca na nÓg title for 2016, being named the 2015 Mummers Champions and performing alongside music stalwarts such as Sharon Shannon, Dolores Keane and We Banjo 3. Members of the group have also recorded a CD and published their own traditional music book.

The thriving Lackagh Comhaltas group continues to promote Irish traditional music, song and dance for the benefit of young and old in the community by performing regularly at numerous charity events.

Music sessions are held every Friday evening in Lackagh Parish Centre while registration for coming year will take place Friday, August 26, from 6-8pm. All new and existing members are invited to attend.

For further details on joining Lackagh Comhaltas, contact 085 2755607