Ceol an Gheimhridh
Ceol an Gheimhridh is a set of competitions that is run outside of the annual Fleadh Cheoil. It is run during the winter months as the name suggests and it aims to establish standards, provide inter-branch activity and to include as many branch members as possible. Historically, it was run throughout the country, but now it is prominent in Munster Comhaltas and within some Connaught counties.
The format of competitions differs from the Fleadh Cheoil in that there are only 2 age categories – U11 and U14 and the competitions are based on instrument families – wind, reed, and string. The popular trio competition in the Fleadh is replaced by the less common quartet competition. There has also been the addition of a Slide & Polka playing competition as well as the emphasis on slide and polka sets in set dancing. Rules may change from year to year.
𝐂𝐄𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐍 𝐆𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐌𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐇 𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐6
Download Application Form Here
To be held in Ceoláras Coleman, Gurteen, Co Sligo, F56TF88 on Sat 21st November 2026 starting 10.30am
Entries to be delivered or sent by hard copy only to:
Margaret McConnell, Secretary, Sligo County Board, Larkhill Road, Sligo, F91FF8N
by Closing date Mon 26th October 2026. Late entries cannot be accepted.
This competition will have a qualifying opportunity to Provincial Level taking place on Sun 7th February 2027.
Age Categories: Junior members of Comhaltas under 14 years of age are eligible to enter. There are two age categories, under 11 and 11-14, as of 1st Jan 2026. Note: entrants must be fully paid-up members of a Sligo Comhaltas branch in the current year.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SLIGO CEOL AN GHEIMHRIDH
Please note: Solo qualifiers to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 are ineligible to compete in the category in which they competed in Fleadh na hÉireann. (eg a competitor who qualified to the All-Ireland in 2026 on fiddle is ineligible to enter the strings competition in current year). This applies to solo competitors in Strings, Wind, Reed, Singing, Amhránaíócht, Storytelling and Scéalaíocht.
Notes:
Céilí Bands: Under 14 may have up to 2 musicians under 17 yrs.
In Duets & Quartettes, an U11 competitor may opt for a higher age group but may compete in one age group only for that competition.
4/6/8 Hand Céilí and Set Dancing: In the 11-14 category each team may include two dancers from the U11 years competing team. Where no U11 teams competes, the 11-14 team may be comprised of 50% under and 50% over 11 years.
Competitors must be members of one Branch only and must compete with one Branch only except for Céilí band competitions.
Competitors may only compete once in any competition.
FEES:
There is no fee required with the application form. All competitors will pay an admission fee at competition venues. The entry fee is €5 per entry per child, for children with 2 or more entries the fee is €10 per child, for children with 3 or more entries the fee is capped at €15.
OBJECTION:
Any objection on the grounds of non-compliance with the rules should be lodged in writing with the Chairperson of the Sligo Co Board within 3 days of the competition.
PÍOSAÍ CEOIL/ MUSIC PIECES
NB:Ceol/ Music: 2 contrasting pieces from Clár na gComórtas listing of tunes.
Duet shall comprise of two melody instruments.
Quartette shall comprise of four melody instruments. One Substitute is allowed for Quartettes.
U14 Céilí Bands: Two contrasting tunes, from Clár na gComórtas listing. (Minimum Six, Maximum Ten Performers). Céilí Bands are responsible for bringing their own electric keyboard as a piano will not be provided.
Céilí Bands: TWO substitutes allowed provided minimum of 8 members, otherwise ONE substitute.
Singing & Amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós: 2 songs – one fast and one slow (note, a song from the competitor’s own county may earn a bonus of 5 marks at the adjudicator’s discretion). – no list required
Scéalaíocht & Storytelling: Minimum of 4 minutes to a maximum of 8 minutes. (as per latest Fleadh Rules)
Dán a Aithriseoireacht /Recitation of a Poem (In Irish or English or Bi-lingual) Poem to be Irish in character or in the Irish language. Maximum of 5 minutes
RINCE SEIT & CÉILÍ:
(12) Traditional Set: Mixed Teams (4 boys & 4 Girls) – 2 parts of any Connacht Set
(13) All Girls Team: 2 parts of any Connacht Set (Connacht Sets ONLY allowed)
(14) 6 Hand Céilí Dance (15) 8 Hand Céilí Dance (16) 4 Hand Céilí Dance
Céilí Dancing Teams: may comprise of any combination: Any number of boys up to a maximum of four in 8 Hand Dance and the remainder made up of girls. (Note:This is different to Fleadh Cheoil Competition rules)
The emphasis should be on the traditional approach to dancing in costume and footwear.
Céilí dancing: Body, one figure, & Body of Céilí Dance (as per Ár Rincí Chéilí 2014). Names of all Céilí Dances being danced must be shown on entry form to County.
Music for Set/Céílí Dancing Competitions: All Céilí & Set teams provide their own music for both competitions.
4 & 6 hands Céilí dance ONE substitute allowed. Sets & 8 Hand Céilí dance TWO substitutes allowed.
Substitutes must be registered members of the relevant branch and registered with the Sligo County Board.
SEAN NÓS DANCE:
-Dancers must perform to the musician provided.
-Dancers must have no taps/tips on their shoes