By Dan Walsh at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 in Wexford
At Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025’s opening, Anthony Kearns’ performance of Boolavogue on the Gig Rig stood out among the many energetic speeches. The kid from Kiltealy who sang for President Barrack Obama has now performed in the presence of President Michael D. Higgins.
As WexfordLocal.com presented the news many requests lamented the absence of Kearns’ wonderful singing. Well, using my now unwanted radio production skills and always thoughtful of the demands from listeners and readers, I recorded the Anthony Kearns’ rendition of Boolavogue in best quality audio… here it is… listen and enjoy!
Kiltealy-born world class tenor ANTHONY KEARNS
Anthony Kearns from Kiltealy is an internationally acclaimed tenor, record producer and best known to his worldwide followers as a member of The Irish Tenors.
Kearns achieved success in 1993 after entering a national radio competition, “Ireland’s Search for a Tenor” on the Gay Byrne RTÉ Radio programme, a competition to celebrate the issuing of a new ten-pound note (called a “tenner”.) The only competitor with no formal training, Kearns won the competition at the finals, held on a city street in Dublin, singing The Impossible Dream and Danny Boy. One of his prizes was an appearance on Gay Byrne’s Late Late Show on RTÉ television. After winning the competition, he began training with the renowned Irish opera singer and vocal coach, Veronica Dunne, who had been a judge for the competition.
Kearns career took a leap in 1998 when Irish producer Bill Hughes and PBS joined forces to begin The Irish Tenors. Kearns, an original member of The Irish Tenors, collaborated with tenors Ronan Tynan, John McDermott, and Finbar Wright to net Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum CD recognitions.
They continue to tour and produce CDs and are regarded as one of Ireland’s notable singing groups.
What is certain… Anthony Kearns’ professional delivery of Boolavogue to a local audience will always be remembered!
President Michael D. Higgins, his wife Sabina, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoireach Wexford County Council, Cllr Garry Laffan Mayor of Wexford and other dignatories on the Gig Rig at the official opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town
For the second year in a row President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, formally inaugurated the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 during a ceremony held on the Gig Rig stage on Wexford Quay this afternoon.
President Higgins, who was accompanied by his wife Sabina, said; “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is such a significant and special event in Ireland’s cultural calendar, a time to celebrate our rich musical heritage and traditions, a time when we come together from all over the island and welcome so many visitors from all over the world who have come to celebrate with us our Irish music, song, dance and language, that vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish culture that has been woven over centuries.”
President Higgins praised the festival for its cultural importance and inclusive spirit.“May I say how delighted I am to be in the beautiful town of Wexford, as we gather to celebrate the opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. This will be my final occasion opening the Fleadh Cheoil, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, a festival that holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of the Irish people, both at home and abroad,” he stated.
President Higgins continued; “The atmosphere here in Wexford is always so welcoming. The combination of Wexford’s expansive quay front and narrow medieval streets proved a huge hit last year. Wexford acquitted itself so well and Wexford County Council is to be commended again this year for all its preparation and for keping the streets of the town looking beautiful despite the huge crowds.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan welcomed the President and the world to Wexford, “The Fleadh is a powerful expression of who we are as a people — rooted in community, creativity, and a shared love of music and tradition. I commend Comhaltas, the Fleadh Executive Committee and the people of Wexford for bringing this celebration to life with such warmth and passion. This is a proud day for our county. To see Wexford host the Fleadh for the second time, and welcome President Higgins to open it is a moment that will live long in our memories.”
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Gary Laffan said; “The Fleadh is the result of extraordinary collaboration between Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Wexford County Council, volunteers, businesses, and cultural leaders. Wexford has risen to the occasion; we did it in 2024 and I have no doubt this week will leave a lasting legacy on our town and county.”
Labhras O ‘Murchú, Ard-Stiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann said; “As we approach the 75th year of Comhaltas, it gives me great pleasure to see the road we have travelled, the great joy our traditions bring to so many people and how they connect us around the world. We have a great week ahead of us, celebrating the highlight of the Comhaltas calendar and creating memories that we will look back on with fondness in years to come.”
Attracta Ní Bhradaigh, Uachtarán, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann said; “I am delighted to be back in Wexford for the second year, I have no doubt this will be another wonderful Fleadh. I want to say thank you to all the volunteers involved behind the scenes, it couldn’t happen without you. Whether you are here to compete or just to enjoy the entertainment make sure you enjoy the music, the friendships, and all the Fleadh and Wexford have to offer.”
Amongst the guests on the Gig Rig this afternoon were Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Minister for Housing James Browne TD, Deputies Malcolm Byrne, Brian Brennan and George Lawlor, Senator Cathal Byrne, elected members of Wexford County Council, Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes, Superintendent Jarlath Duffy, Inspector Graham Rowley, Martin Donovan CEO of the chief sponsor, Wexford Credit Union, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and members of the Fleadh Executive Committee.
Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash, Fr. Billy Swan and Rector Norman McCausland shared an ecumenical reading. World renowned tenor Anthony Kearns won the hearts of the audience with his stunning rendoition of ‘Boolavogue’.
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. HIGGINS opening Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford last year. He returns today to open Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 and is sure to get a warm Wexford welcome. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins is scheduled to officially open Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 at 3pm today (Sunday) on the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig on The Quay, marking the start of a week focused on Irish music and culture, with an estimated attendance of 700,000 visitors from various countries.
President Higgins performed similar duties a year ago. With his term of nearly 14 years concluding and a Presidential Election scheduled before the end of the year, this is expected to be among President Higgins’ final official responsibilities.
The Fleadh is predominantly about traditional music and an extensive brochure detailing a variety of events. It is all scheduled in the printed and online brochures.
Other opening day highlights include Mass celebrated by Bisop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns, featuring Roisín Dempsey and others in the Church of the Annunciation, Clonard at 11.30am.
The Gig Rig kicks off at 1pm with the Ceoltórí na Sláine – Paddy Berry Suite. The Blessing of Instruments takes place in St. Iberius Church at 2pm.
Traffic management systems will be in place. They are similar to last year, well signed, but visitors to Wexford town should be aware of changes to traffic flow, one-way systems, no go streets etc.
It is important to be aware of the Shuttle Bus services running August 3rd-10th, inclusive.
Yellow – Park & Ride: Carcur Road
Blue – Park & Ride: Ardcavan
Purple – Park & Ride: Racecourse / Barntown
Brown – Park & Ride: Clonard Little
Orange – Park & Ride: IDA / Drinagh North
White – Campsite Shuttle
There are extra bus services in and out of festival.Wexford town from Bus Éireann Expressway and Iarnród Éireann has put on 50 extra rail services for the duration of the Fleadh.
Fleadh Cheoil 2024 traffic management was an outstanding success and so will 2025! With extra time and patience and following the signs it will work itself out without stress. Have a happy Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford town.. it will be in Belfast next year!
At the launch of Wexford Camera Club’s exhibition; In the Moment: Capturing the Fleadh 2024 At Wexford Arts Centre today were; (left to right); George Lawlor TD, who performed the official launch; Bart Bulla, Chair of Wexford Camera Club; Lucy Leonel, photographer and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council and Chair of Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre
George Lawlor TD attended the Wexford Arts Centre today (Saturday) to officially launch the Wexford Camera Club’s exhibition, In the Moment: Capturing the Fleadh 2024. He described it as a group photography exhibition documenting the energy and cultural aspects of the previous year’s Fleadh Cheoil.
Deputy Lawlor, who is also PR and Marketing Chair of the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive, expressed his honour at being in one of Wexford’s most historic buildings and Ireland’s oldest regional art centre. He praised Wexford’s hospitality to Fleadh visitors and announced the launch of Wexford Camera Club’s exhibition, which documents last year’s successful Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann.
This exhibition showcases the spirit of the festival through the lens of twelve talented photographers, all members of the Wexford Camera Club. The photographers include Darren Arkins, Bart Bulla, Kevin Cadogan, Miriam Furlong, Aoife Kavanagh, Donna Kehoe, Lucy Leonel, Alan Mahon, Ann McCafferty, Ian Moriarty, John Mullins, and Marie Phelan.
Bart Bulla, Chair of Wexford Camera Club thanked Deputy Lawlor, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford County Council and Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive for supporting the exhibition, wecomed everybody and was impressed by the turnout at the launch.
The attendance at the launch included Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council and Chair of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee; County Arts Officer Liz Burns and members whose work is featured. Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director Wexford Arts Centre acted as master of ceremonies.
The exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey through the event, from lively performances on the Gig Rig, street acts, and authentic pub music sessions to behind-the-scenes moments, honouring the people who made it happen and illustrating the power of music to bring us all together in a shared celebration of art and joy.
Featuring over seventy photographs, the exhibition highlights the diversity of perspectives and the beauty of capturing fleeting, yet powerful, moments in time. It is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Fleadh Cheoil and its role in preserving and promoting Irish musical heritage.
The exhibition runs at Wexford Arts Centre until Wednesday, August 13th.
The exhibition is supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan is delighted that Spike Bridge has received funding for repairs. He has complimented Coillte and Minister Calleary for their successful efforts. Cllr Sullivan seen here on Spike Bridge last March. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh
€35,000 in funding has been allocated for the repair of the damaged Spike Footbridge in Courtown Woods and will also aid trail repairs and general maintenance within the forest recreational area.
Spike Bridge is one of 11 areas in Co. Wexford included in funding announced yesterday (Friday). The others include Ballyfad, Camolin Park, Carrickbyrne, Dunanore (better known as Borodale, near Enniscorthy), Mount Nebo, Oaklands, Park Wood (Bree), Ramsfort Park, Gorey, Tara Hill and Tintern.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced details of €4 million funding the department will provide in 2025 as part of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte.
In addition to supporting the development of new infrastructure projects and the maintenance of existing trails on Coillte lands, this year an additional €1.4 million is being provided towards the ongoing cost of repairing storm damaged trails.
Minister Calleary said; “My department’s strategic partnership with Coillte is a hugely important one for the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland. It is essential to ensuring that Coillte sites are in a position to facilitate millions of visitors each year with high quality trails and facilities.
“Through our current partnership with Coillte, we are providing up to €15 million over five years to maintain and develop Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities around the country. This funding is also supporting Coillte’s engagement with local communities and recreation groups right across the country,” concluded Minister Calleary.
THEY’RE OFF! … Edermine Ferry Rowing Club at the start of the local regatta under Edermine Bridge. (Pic; Edermine Ferry Rowing Club).
By Dan Walsh
Edermine Ferry Rowing Club has received €5,000 and is one of 26 sports clubs chosen to receive funding under this year’s 2025 Texaco Support for Sport initiative.
Founded in 1973, Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is a leading and long-established club in Co. Wexford, known for hosting its annual regatta on the River Slaney at Edermine Bridge near Enniscorthy.
In its fifth year, the scheme is hosted and organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, with judging overseen by former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan.
Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, acknowledged ‘the immense contribution’ that sports clubs make to the heart of community life in Ireland.
“The purpose of our Texaco Support for Sport initiative is to provide an avenue of funding for local sports clubs to help nurture grassroots talent, improve facilities, purchase new equipment or contribute to inclusivity measures which will broaden and enhance their appeal and grow their memberships.”
Edermine Ferry Rowing Club has been congratulated by Rowing Ireland, who are “thrilled to announce that two Rowing Ireland–affiliated clubs have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Texaco Support for Sport fund -Edermine Ferry Rowing Club (Wexford) and Athlunkard Boat Club (Limerick) have each been awarded €5,000 to support their continued development.
“This funding will assist with facility upgrades, new equipment purchases, and initiatives to broaden participation and grow membership,” they added.
With over 600,000 people expected in Wexford for the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Uisce Éireann urges residents and businesses to cut back on water use.
Due to reduced rainfall, high temperatures, and increased demand in recent months, Wexford’s raw water supplies are well below normal, resulting in last week’s Water Conservation Order for Wexford.
With demand expected to surge in the next two weeks, Uisce Éireann urges Wexford residents to conserve water to help maintain essential supplies and support a successful Fleadh for everyone.
FIONNUALA CALLERY, Regional Technical Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann.
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Uisce Éireann, paid tribute to the local population for their efforts to date and asked for continued support over the coming days while the water supply remains under pressure.
“Last year, ahead of the hugely successful Fleadh 2024, Uisce Éireann completed the Mayglass Water Supply Project to ensure resilience to the water supply in South County Wexford. We installated over 3.5km of new water mains taking raw water from two boreholes; located near St Fintan’s Church and at Mulrankin, to Mayglass Water Treatment Plant. This ensured there was an adequate supply for the Fleadh while also enabling further growth in the region,” Ms. Callery told WexfordLocal.com.
“In the first six months of 2025, we repaired 397 leaks across Wexford, resulting in massive savings across the county. Uisce Eireann has also employed the use of specialised detection equipment called Acoustic Noise Loggers to identify the exact locations of the water loss on the underground public network.
“The state-of-the-art technology uses acoustic noise that is more sensitive than the human ear to listen for leaks, with over 1500 of these being deployed across the county- 600 of these in Wexford town. However, conservation is a combined effort. It is important to double down our efforts to reduce demand given the pressures on local supplies.
“Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and culture. We are asking people across Wexford to play their part and think about water conservation,” added Ms. Callery.
Peadar Ó Goill, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin agus Aoife Ní Thuairisg – Fleadh25 presenters on TG4.(Pic; Melissa Mannion)
By Dan Walsh
After a record breaking year in 2024, TG4 proudly returns as the official media partner of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, bringing audiences four unforgettable nights of live music from Thursday, 7th to Sunday, 10th August.
This year’s Fleadh25 coverage will be presented by Peadar Ó Goill, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, and Aoife Ní Thuairisg. The TV broadcast will feature 92 performers across four stages, showcasing exceptional talent from Ireland and around the world including the USA, Australia, Canada, Dubai, Italy, Scotland, Ukraine, and beyond.
Each night at 9.30pm, TG4’s Fleadh TV Village in Wexford will come alive with electrifying performances from top traditional artists, rising stars, international guests, and freshly crowned competition winners, all broadcast live to audiences at home and abroad.
A selection of competitions will also be streamed on TG4.ie from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th. The crowd favourite Senior Céilí Band Competition takes place on Sunday. From live competitions and vibrant stage shows to family friendly Cúla4 content, the Fleadh experience will come to life across TG4, TG4.ie (player) and social platforms @TG4TV and @TradTG4.
ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Gardaí are investigating thefts from three vans that happened overnight between Sunday and Monday.
Two incidents took place at Slaney View Park, Enniscorthy.
A third van was targeted at Clonattin, Gorey.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, or who may have CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from these areas, to come forward.
Anybody with any information, please contact: Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 9242580, Gorey Garda Station on (053 9430690 or the Garda Confidential number 1800 666 111.
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed over 50 extra train services will again operate this year during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to/from Wexford, allowing more people to attend the country’s leading traditional music festival.
An extra Dublin Connolly to Wexford train will operate each day between Tuesday 5th and Sunday 10th August, and an extensive range of shuttle services between Arklow and Wexford, up to a final service at 23:00hrs from Wexford to Arklow each evening.
The additional trains will operate from Tuesday 5th to Sunday 10th August, as follows:
Tuesday 5th to Friday 8th August
10:34hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
19:00hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
21:35hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:40hrs and 17:10hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:40hrs, 16:00hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow
Saturday 9th August
10:25hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
19:30hrs Wexford to Bray (connection to DART services to Dublin city centre)
21:35hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:08hrs, 16:15hrs, 17:10hrs and 18:25hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:05hrs, 14:20hrs, 15:45hrs, 17:25hrs and 23:10hrs Wexford to Arklow
Sunday 10th August
10:45hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
19:30hrs Wexford to Bray (connection to DART services to Dublin city centre)
21:35hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
15:00hrs, 16:08hrs, 17:30hrs and 19:05hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:38hrs, 16:20hrs, 17:40hrs and 23:10hrs Wexford to Arklow
Customers are advised to book rail travel in advance on scheduled and extra train services to/from Wexford throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app, as demand is expected to be high.
Rosslare Europort bus transfers to operate
Between Sunday 3rd and Sunday 10th August, most scheduled services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort will operate between Dublin Connolly and Wexford only, with bus transfer arrangements in place for customers travelling to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.
This is to facilitate the Garda and event organisers event plan, which will see thousands of people on Wexford Quay, through which the railway line runs unprotected.
Arrangements for travel to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort are as follows from Sunday 3rd to Sunday 10th August inclusive:
On Sunday 3rd August, 09:40hrs Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly operates as normal
All other scheduled Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly services will commence from Wexford. Bus transfers will operate from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford (before 10:00hrs) and to Enniscorthy at all other times. After 10:00hrs, those travelling from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford can avail of TFI LocalLink Route 387 each day.
All scheduled Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort services will operate from Dublin Connolly to Wexford only. Bus transfers will operate from Wexford to Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.
Scheduled Dublin/Gorey and Dublin/Wexford services will operate as normal, with the evening 22:15hrs Gorey to Connolly extended to commence from Wexford at 21:35hrs.
An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson told WexfordLocal.com; “We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of Fleadh attendees travelling by rail, and are pleased to offer those travelling from Dublin, Wicklow and North Wexford a range of additional services. Having worked with event organisers, the NTA and An Garda Síochána, we have also made arrangements to facilitate the activities on Wexford Quay by putting in place bus transfer and TFI Local Link arrangements for those travelling to/from Rosslare.”
WexfordLocal.com 