02/09/2026
A Historic Night of Music: CCÉ 75th Anniversary Gala Launches in Style.
The landmark 75th Anniversary Celebrations of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann kicked off with a phenomenal, sold-out Friday night showcase at the Mullingar Arts Centre. Returning to the very town where Comhaltas was founded in 1951, the atmosphere was charged with immense local pride and anticipation. The opening half belonged to the county's own, as an incredible ensemble of over fifty local musicians representing all eight Westmeath CCÉ branches united on stage. Highlights included: The Kinnegad Slashers: A thunderous, full-ensemble jig featuring a brilliant wall of sound from the massive trad collective Grúpa Cheoil Naomh Odhrán: The acclaimed local group delivered an expertly arranged performance highlighting the depth of regional talent.
Award-winning regional performers, including prominent flute player and composer Enda Seery, performed alongside decorated All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil winners, singers, and traditional dancers. The musical journey continued into the second half with a spellbinding headline set from the acclaimed Ox Mountain Quartet from Mayo and Sligo, whose musical mastery kept the audience captivated.
Audience reactions were glowing, with attendees describing the evening as "powerful," "deeply moving," and “a masterclass in traditional arts.” Many noted the spectacular energy in the room, praising the seamless collaboration between seasoned masters and local branches, proving that Westmeath’s musical heritage remains as vibrant as ever.
The energy remained high on Saturday, 29th August, moving beyond the theatre into the wider community kicking off the afternoon with An Inclusive Céilí at the Mullingar Town Band Hall.
The Mullingar Arts Centre again played host to the Westmeath CCÉ Youth Performance, capturing the brilliant energy of our finest young traditional musicians and later the crowds gathered at Market Square for a special Plaque Unveiling Ceremony to commemorate Mullingar as the birthplace of Comhaltas.
The day concluded with a historic, headline concert by the globally acclaimed Kilfenora Céilí Band inside the stunning surroundings of St. Paul's Church. Lively pub sessions also rippled through the town late into the evening.
Westmeath Youth CCE
Sunday 30th August, blended cultural history with festive outdoor celebrations and began with a beautiful anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King, followed by an insightful outdoor Historical Lecture at Market Square recounting 75 years of traditional arts. The afternoon turned into a massive street festival at Market Square where the crowds were entertained by the Westmeath Céilí Bands & Grúpaí Cheoil this was followed by an Open Session where visiting and local musicians played together to bring the historic weekend to a close. The weather was also in keeping with Irish tradition and was typically unreliable however this didn’t dampen spirits as some outdoor events seamlessly transferred the Town Band Hall.