Laois musicians honoured at County Council for Fleadh success
Laois County Council celebrated outstanding talent in its chamber, recognising local artists who excelled at national competitions last year. Over forty entries will now compete for All-Ireland honours at the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.
Celebrating Laois Musical Talent
Ahead of the prestigious 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, a special gathering was hosted by Laois County Council at Áras an Chontae. The event recognised the exceptional achievements of local musicians, singers, and dancers who shone brightly at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Scoraíocht competitions in 2025.
Certificates of Achievement were presented within the Council Chamber to a diverse group of young performers, ensembles, and senior competitors representing communities across Portlaoise, Camross, and County Laois. With more than forty qualifying entries through the Leinster Fleadh, including teams of dancers, music groups, and céilí bands, 109 Comhaltas Laois members of all ages are preparing to vie for All-Ireland honours in Belfast from 7th to 9th August.
Laois County Council extends its best wishes to everyone taking part in this year's festival. The awards highlighted a rich array of talent, from the Golden Croft Grupa Cheoil to individual winners across various instruments and dance categories. Portlaoise and Camross dancers secured multiple All-Ireland titles and podium finishes, while Scoraíocht competitors showcased their skills in both music and dance.
Recipients of Recognition
The Golden Croft Grupa Cheoil
Clare Ramsbottom, Olivia Penfold, Laura Scott, Nell Kettle, Ella Hannon Moss, Dara Kelly, Aaron Hajra, Tadhg Dalton, Lily Butler, Kieu Conroy, Fionán Dalton, Sive Lalor, Fionn Connolly, Edel Conway, Niamh Morris, Fiadhna Leamy, Margaret Lawler, Moya Cahill, Mary Boland, Shane Whelan.
Individual Winners
Noel Stapleton (Senior Accordion), Laura Scott (15-18 Ladies singing), Liam Higgins (u12 banjo), Fionnan Dalton (12-15 banjo and 12-15 mandolin), William Walsh (u12 Flute Airs), Nell Kettle (15-18 Harp and Harp Airs), Jack Higgins and Fionnan Dalton (12-15 duet), Lily Butler (12-15 Bodhran), Jack Higgins (12-15 Accordion, Melodeon, and Céilí band drums), the Nolan trio (12-15), Rian Nolan (12-15 Bodhran), Taidhg O'Dalton (18 Whistle Airs and 15-18 accompaniment), Kieu Conroy, Tom Hudson and Jack Higgins (15-18 trio), Fionn Connolly (15-18 melodeon and newly composed tunes), and Edel Conway and Laura Scott (15-18 duet).
Portlaoise & Camross Dancers
- Portlaoise U12 – 8‑Hand Céilí All‑Ireland Champions 2025: Millie Ann Buggie, Sophie Ellis, Violet Kruger O'Connell, Emma McDonald, Penelope Miller, Eala O'Mahony, Sophie O'Connor, Zoe Bowe.
- Portlaoise U12 – 4‑Hand Ladies Céilí All‑Ireland Champions 2025: Millie Ann Buggie, Sophie Ellis, Emma McDonald, Zoe Bowe.
- Portlaoise U12 – 4‑Hand Ladies Céilí (3rd Place): Violet Kruger O'Connell, Penelope Miller, Sophie O'Connor, Eala O'Mahony.
- Portlaoise 12–15 Ladies – 4‑Hand Céilí (2nd Place): Fiona Buggie, Ellie Mae O'Connor, Chloe Ní Lochlainn, Sophie Ellis.
- Camross 15–18 4‑Hand Céilí: Bobby Kinsella, Darragh Kelly, Grace Shaw, Lauren Culleton.
- Camross 12‑Year‑Old Ladies 8‑Hand Céilí: Amy O'Neill, Anabel Lanham, Jessica O'Reilly, Laoise Delaney, Maisy Aylward, Ríoghan Delaney, Tina Bergin, Zara Culleton.