Piper’s Cross Céilí Band set for big show in Castlebar

MAYO’S All Ireland champions, The Piper’s Cross Céilí Band, will celebrate their historic win at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar on August 3, 2023, with a special ‘homecoming’ celebration concert in the TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar on Friday, December 8.

This will be a night to cherish for the members of the band, their families and their many friends in traditional music circles. They were over the moon as they raised the roof in Mullingar when the verdict was announced and they became the first Mayo band to take the top honours since the first All-Ireland Fleadh in inaugurated back in 1951. They were thrilled to lift the Dal gCais trophy as well as the Kitty Linnane Memorial Cup and take it home to Mayo.

The band was especially commended for their uplifting energy in their interpretations of traditional dance tunes which strongly reflects the great set dancing tradition in Mayo. The reception accorded to them was from the hearts of the people and was an unforgettable moment for their many friends in the audience. Nothing beats being there!

The members of The Piper’s Cross Band, All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Champions for 2023, are Davóg Frayne (Knock), Edel Walsh (Tooreen), Caoimhe and Cian Kilkenny (Belcarra), Eoghan and Aodhán Hughes (Carnacon), Eoin Walsh (Ballinrobe), Paul Clesham (Roundfort), Conor Maheady (Killala), Ryan Maguire (Fermanagh), Cian MacNamara (Achill) and Michael Lavelle (Achill).

Since their win in Mullingar, the band has had a busy schedule of concerts and performances and this will climax with the big concert in Castlebar. They intertwine music, song and dance in their performances that goes down a treat with the enthusiastic audiences. Singing a few songs on the night will be Cian McNamara and Carol Freeley.

They are planning to record a CD early in the New Year under the guidance of the genial Tommy Doherty from Foxford who also provided mentorship to the band throughout the year.

The Piper’s Cross are extremely proud to represent Mayo and to preserve and promote the rich and vibrant traditions of music, song and dance from Mayo. They will be joined for the big show in Castlebar by musicians from Rolling Waves. Tickets are on sale from the box office at 094 9023111 and on Ticketmaster.ie.