Big weekend of music and culture ahead in Fintona

NEXT weekend, Fintona CCÉ will proudly host Fleadh Cheoil Thír Eoghain.

Building on the tremendous success of 2024, this year’s event promises to be even more vibrant, offering something for all lovers of Irish culture and tradition.

The Irish word ‘fleadh’ means festival, and Fintona will once again welcome musicians, dancers, storytellers and cultural historians from all backgrounds to celebrate Irish music, song, dance, arts, and heritage.

Fintona CCÉ was first founded in March 1992, building on the work of Jim Colgan, who provided music classes locally from the 1980s.

The newly-formed branch quickly thrived, proudly hosting Fleadh Cheoil Thír Eoghain in 1993 and again in 1997. Although the branch became inactive for a number of years, the spirit of Irish culture continued to flourish in Fintona, thanks largely to the dedication of local teacher Nuala Sweeney. In 2017, the branch was officially re-established with renewed passion. A milestone moment came in 2018 when Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins, and his wife Sabina, attended the relaunch event at the Garvaghy Centre.

This year’s Fleadh patron, Mickey Colgan, has reflected warmly on the journey so far.

“I am honoured to again serve as Fleadh Patron and to reflect on the founding of the first Fintona Comhaltas branch and the Fleadhanna held here in 1993, 1997, and 2024,” he said.

“Our first committee had 13 members, including Tony Donnelly as Chairman, myself as secretary, and my father, Jim Colgan, as Treasurer.

“Though sadly six members have since passed, their legacy lives on. The branch was revived in 2017 by a passionate group committed to promoting Irish music and dance.

“Hosting the Tyrone Fleadh in Fintona from May 18 to May 25 will greatly benefit our town and community.

“I warmly welcome you all to a weekend rich in music, song, and dance.”

The founding members could scarcely have imagined the success that lay ahead. At national level, the Lendrum 12–15 Grúpa Cheoil were trailblazers, returning from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar in 2023 as All-Ireland champions.

The momentum continued into 2024, culminating in another national triumph when the Lendrum Senior Grúpaí Cheoil claimed All-Ireland titles at Wexford.

Yet, Fintona CCÉ is about far more than medals and podiums. It is about preserving and passing on the rich legacy of music, song, dance, and language for future generations.

This ongoing success is thanks to the dedicated volunteers who tirelessly promote and protect our proud traditions.

Whether you are a musician, dancer, singer, or simply someone who enjoys vibrant Irish culture, you are warmly invited to join us.

Ádh mór ar gach duine atá ag glacadh páirte i bhFleadh Cheoil Thír Eoghain i mbliana!