By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council and Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council announced Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman 2025 and Fringe Fleadh 2025 at an event held in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last Sunday.
This event signified the commencement of a lively season of Irish music, culture, and community celebration. Gorey Community School will once again host the County Fleadh from May 16th to 18th for the second consecutive year.
Cllr Donal Kenny, Leas Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District, welcomed all attendees and commended the talent, energy, and dedication of those involved. He expressed the enthusiasm felt throughout Gorey to once again host this significant cultural event.
Discussing the 2025 Fringe Fleadh line-up, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, characterised the festival as an immersive cultural experience aimed at celebrating the richness of Irish identity.
“These events don’t just entertain – they connect us,” he said. “They weave a thread between communities, between generations, and between the past and the present. That’s what makes the Fringe Fleadh so special here in Wexford. They remind us of who we are and the values we hold dear: creativity, community, heritage, tradition, and heart,” stated Cllr Breen.
This year’s Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman was organised by CCÉ (Comhaltas Ceóltóirí Éireann) Gorey/Ballygarrett. Chairperson Paula Carroll acknowledged the team’s efforts for their dedication over the past two years.
Ms. Carroll thanked the Gorey-Kilmuckridge District members and staff for their support, noting the friendships and community spirit from the event. She welcomed Irish international rugby player Aoife Wafer, who shared how Irish music connects her with people worldwide.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, formally announced the launch of the Fringe Fleadh programme. This initiative will encompass various cultural events across County Wexford throughout the summer, leading up to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.
Mr. Taaffe expressed his appreciation to the members of Wexford County Council, the Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee (FEC), and the numerous committed volunteers who have significantly contributed to the success of this year’s and last year’s Fleadh.
Sharon Ní Chuilinn, Chairperson of Comhaltas Loch Garman, praised the dedication of volunteers and organisers in Wexford. She expressed her enthusiasm for the Fringe Fleadh 2025 programme, which will showcase Irish music, dance, art, and storytelling throughout the community this summer.
Ms. Ní Chuilinn expressed appreciation to Gorey Community School for providing a venue that accommodates nearly 1000 competitors and their families over the weekend. The event concluded with the Chairperson officially launching Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman.
Full details of the Fringe Fleadh programme are available via QR codes on-site or by visiting www.visitwexford.ie.
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