Competitions

Below are brief descriptions of each competition that we participate in.

feis átha cliath

Feis Átha Cliath is not a Comhaltas competition, but nonetheless one that Craobh Seán Treacy has traditionally supported. It is held in Clasac in April each year. There is a limited number of competitions and the entries are not as large as Fleadh Átha Cliath. It serves as a great introduction to competition and a chance to try out tunes before the Fleadh. We use this competition as a dress rehearsal for the Dublin Fleadh. Many of our Grúpaí Cheoil and Céilí Bands compete as well as many individuals, duets and trios from the branch.

branch feis

We run an internal Branch Feis in January. This event gives the children a goal for which to aim and an opportunity to experience playing in front of an audience and getting feedback from an adjudicator. It also gives parents a chance to hear their children perform publicly. We encourage all children to participate in the Feis. We have an additional “Novice” category for those who only recently started playing. We try and make it a positive experience for all involved.

fleadh átha cliath (Dublin fleadh)

Fleadh Átha Cliath is the big competition each year. It is held on a weekend early in May somewhere in Dublin. Normally the Group competitions are held on the Saturday and Solo, Duet and Trios on the Sunday, but the timetable is usually available at classes during the week of the Fleadh.Adjudicators are from outside the county and those awarded 1st and 2nd place in each competition and sometimes 3rd go forward to the Leinster Fleadh, held on the second weekend in July.

Age groups for competitions are Under 12, 12 – 15, 15-18 and Over 18. There is also an under 9 competition on some instruments, however the winners of these competitions do not go forward to Leinster.

fleadh Laigheann (Leinster Fleadh)

The Leinster Fleadh is the second stage of the fleadh.  Those who qualified from the Dublin fleadh go through to compete against others from other counties in Leinster. 

First and second places go through to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which is the final stage of the fleadh.

fleadh cheoil na hÉireann (all ireland fleadh)

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the final stage of the fleadh.  It is a huge traditional music festival that happens over one week in August.  Placing in the All Irealnd Fleadh is a great achievement that many people aspire to.