Two talented musicians from Dungloe enjoyed success at the All Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar yesterday.
Neil Kennedy 17 from Meenderryhirk Dungloe and his playing partner Hughie Boyle from Cronashallog Dungloe won the Under 18 Accompaniment competition on Friday 11th August, with Hughie playing piano accordion and Neil playing guitar accompaniment.
In a very strongly contested competition, with many very skillful and talented competitors, the duo were awarded second place overall after playing a selection of 3 tunes for the 2 judges.
With 60 years of an age difference between the duo, their win demonstrates that there are no age barriers when it comes to winning an All Ireland medal.
The pair who regularly play together in Leo’s Tavern in Meenaleck on Saturday evenings were delighted with their win.
They are now all set to relax and enjoy the rest of the Fleadh weekend, including watching Hughie’s daughter KT and her fellow musicians of the well-known trad band Cherish the Ladies both this afternoon in Mullingar and later tonight during their TG4 performance on one of the Fleadh’s main performance stages. They are looking forward to playing at street sessions and meeting up with friends old and new.