St Mary’s was the proud host of the Ceoltóirí Loch Lao concert held recently in the College Hall, featuring varying age-groups and excellent talent.

Ceoltóirí Loch Lao is a branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann based in Belfast. They come together every Monday night in St Mary’s University College to practice for various events throughout the year and include some staff and students of the college. The main events of the year for Comhaltas branches throughout the country are the various county, province and ultimately the all-Ireland Fleadhs. This year Ceoltóirí Loch Lao entered all age-groups for the Grúpaí Ceoil, Céilí Bands and various solo, duet and trio competitions. All groups, and a lot of the other competitors, have succeeded in securing a place at the Ulster Fleadh. This is a fantastic achievement and reveals the high standard of musicians in Ceoltóirí Loch Lao. Monday night’s concert was a showpiece of that talent and provided an opportunity for the musicians to practice their skills before an audience of family and friends.

The arrangements for the Grúpaí Ceoil have been composed and often directed by Patrick Davey. The group includes musicians of all ability and everyone plays a role. Loch Lao’s senior Céilí Band is a regular feature at Ceilís throughout the city. The qualifying soloists also took to the stage and displayed a fantastic range of instruments and talent.


Loch Lao would like to thank St Mary’s for its ongoing support in providing this fantastic facility for local musicians. Loch Lao is a great way to play music with others and to attend the Fleadhs and various concerts. We always welcome new members.

Congratulations to the Loch Lao groups under 12, 12-15 and 15-18 who were all placed first or second in the Ulster Fleadh at Dromore and have qualified for the all-Ireland in Sligo on 14-16 August. It’s a first ever!

Ádh mór ar na ceoltóirí ar fad!