Speech by President Connolly at Opening Ceremony of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Belfast, 2 August 2026
A Chairde Uaisle, tá fíor-áthas orm a bheith i bhur gcomhluadar anseo taobh amuigh de Halla na Cathrach i mBéal Feirste agus Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann tagtha go Béal Feirste den chéad uair agus ó thuaidh den dara uair riamh ó bunaíodh é i 1951.
Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Breandán Mac Giolla Úir, Príomhreachtaire Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as ucht an chuiridh.
I am absolutely delighted to be here in Belfast for the official opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. It is the very first time that the Fleadh has come to Belfast – making it very very special and providing the opportunity to celebrate and showcase not only our wonderful music, song and dance, but also this beautiful city.
It is a pleasure to share the stage with First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, the Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Minister Caoimhe Archibald, and all of the distinguished guests here including Secretary of State Chris Bryant, Minister Dara Calleary and the Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle.
Today is a joyful occasion, as we celebrate the first time that the Fleadh will be held in this wonderful city.
Over the next week, Belfast will welcome visitors from all corners of Ireland and indeed the world, to the largest celebration of traditional music, song, dance and language.
Cuireann sé gliondar ar mo chroí an réimse leathan d’imeachtaí ceoil, ealaíon agus grinn trí Ghaeilge atá ar chlár na Fleadh.
Is nuair a fheictear an Ghaeilge á húsáid go nádúrtha ag ócáidí beo bríomhar a láidrítear ár dteanga agus a mhealltar níos mó daoine chuici.
This year is a significant one, in that it marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of both the Fleadh, and of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
At a time when Irish traditional music was undervalued, derided and in decline, a group from the Piper’s Club in Dublin – including the great Leo Rowsome - and local organisers Eamon and Cáit Moynihan, came together in Mullingar in 1951 to find a way to celebrate Ireland’s musical heritage, and restore it to its rightful place in our culture.
The first Fleadh welcomed a few hundred audience members to Mullingar in May 1951. That 800,000 plus people are expected to attend this year is a testament to how this wonderful event has grown.
We are indebted to that visionary group who in 1951 took the first step to bring Irish traditional music into the light, and to all of you who have nurtured, developed and shared our treasured artform all through the years.
Ní ligfear i ndearmad iad chomh fada agus a bhíonn uirlis á seinm, amhrán nó duan á rá, damhsa á dhéanamh agus pobail na fleadh bailithe le chéile i gcomhluadar Gaelach ceolmhar.
We are gathered here today against the backdrop of Belfast City Hall, a building so embedded in the history and character of this city, and which opened its doors 120 years ago, almost to the day.
As we are all acutely aware, in that time, this city experienced decades-long, devastating conflict. The peace that now endures, thanks to the hard work and dedication of all communities, shows us what is possible, and gives us all hope, and indeed gives the world hope.
Dóchas gur i dtreise a bheidh ár gcairdeas agus ár muintearas ag dul agus nasc an cheoil, an chultúir agus na teanga mar cheangal dobhriste eadrainn mar phobal.
Today’s opening ceremony, aptly entitled ‘Sharing Traditions’, brings together musicians and dancers from different traditions, along with over 100 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast.
Over the next 8 days, the streets of Belfast – the only UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland - will throb and beat with jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads. Whether you are here for a concert, a competition or a céilí, or to discover a hidden session or singing circle, everyone – of all ages and backgrounds and of all abilities – is welcome.
I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this wonderful event, in particular, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Ardstiúrthóir Leabhras Ó Murchú and President of Comhaltas Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, the host Árds Comhaltas, Belfast City Council and Lord Mayor Róis Máire Donnelly and her predecessor Tracy Kelly. Of course, it would not be possible without the over 1,300 dedicated volunteers who have given their time so generously and also all of the sponsors.
I would also like to acknowledge the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport as well as the Department for the Economy for their support.
Tréaslaím go speisialta leis na hoibrithe deonacha uilig, níos mó ná 1,300 agaibh, as ucht bhur ndúthracht agus bhur ndíograis ar son na Fleadh.
Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh ar fad taitneamh agus tairbhe as na himeachtaí agus as an gcomhluadar agus guím gach rath oraibh agus go n-éirí go geal libh.
I wish the Fleadh every success over the coming days and indeed what lies ahead is a celebration of what we all have in common and the universality of music, song and dance. And it is that universality and that sharing that we celebrate over the coming week.
Míle buíochas.