Mullinalaghta Shout Emerges Victorious at All-Ireland Fleadh: Celebrating the Powerhouse of Traditional Irish Music
In what can only be described as a remarkable feat, the small Irish village of Mullinalaghta has garnered international recognition for its rich heritage of traditional Irish music. Recently, the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil took place in Mullingar, showcasing the immense talent of musicians who had proven themselves in earlier county and provincial competitions.
Among the participants were exceptional performers from Mullinalaghta, who ventured to make their mark on this prestigious event. However, fate had a curveball in store. Cormac Lynch, a promising dancer from Culleenmore, had captured the Leinster title for 12-15 Sean Nós dancing in July. Tragically, Cormac suffered an accident just days before the Fleadh, breaking his ankle and leaving him unable to take part in the competition. His absence was not only felt in the music world but also affected his team, the Northern Gaels under-14, who had an important championship play-off against Killoe last week.
Not to be discouraged, Mullinalaghta’s musical prowess still shone through. Lucy McHale, hailing from Leitrim, demonstrated her exceptional talent in the under-12 mandolin category. Lucy captivated the packed hall with her rendition of Tribute to Michael Coleman and Siobhán O’Donnell’s jig. Although she narrowly missed claiming an All-Ireland medal, Lucy’s breathtaking performance solidified her status as a rising star in the music scene. With her eyes firmly set on next year’s All-Ireland in Wexford, Lucy undoubtedly has a bright future ahead.
Áine Fitzpatrick, a remarkable pianist from Toome, represented Leinster as the All-Ireland Senior Piano champion. Áine graced a captivated audience with her flawless performance of four tunes: The Luckpenny jig, The Abbey Tavern Hornpipe, the Madame Bonaparte set dance, and the Kidafodda reel. Despite giving a jaw-dropping display, Áine narrowly missed out on a well-deserved medal. However, her dedication and talent give promise to her future endeavors, and she eagerly looks forward to the All-Ireland in Wexford in 2024.
The final participant from Mullinalaghta, Aoibhinn Lynch of Culleenmore, successfully triumphed as a Leinster winner in the Newly-Composed Tune, Any Age category. Aoibhinn, having composed a sensational reel titled The Mullinalaghta Shout, competed against musicians from around the globe. Entrants hailed from the four provinces of Ireland, as well as countries as far-flung as Japan, Australia, and America. As her tune resonated through the hall, filled with enthusiasts who had traveled great distances, Aoibhinn’s composition was declared the All-Ireland Winner for 2023, securing her second All-Ireland title.
The triumph of Aoibhinn’s winning tune will reverberate worldwide, with its inclusion in Comhaltas tours for the next twelve months. This exposure will catapult Mullinalaghta into the hearts of music lovers across the globe. The village’s impressive representation at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil stands as a testament to the strength and centrality of traditional Irish music in this small community. Mullinalaghta has undoubtedly etched its name on the international stage, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Irish culture through the eloquence of music.
Heartfelt congratulations are in order for Aoibhinn and all the participants who have made Mullinalaghta proud, embodying the spirit of Irish music and captivating audiences with their extraordinary talents.
