Mayo musician to be presented with the Bardic Award at All-Ireland Fleadh

A Mayo musician will be presented with an award today at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford.

Deirdre Collis, from Culleens, Ballina, and a member of the Moy Valley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, will receive the prestigious Comhaltas Bardic Award.

The Bardic Award, presented by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.

Ms Collis comes from a musical family renowned in traditional music circles nationally. Her talent became evident at an early age as she performed at Fleadhanna and Feiseanna with her father, Tom, and her sisters, Patricia and Fionnuala.

The distinctive traditional style played by Ms Collis has earned her All-Ireland titles at all levels on three different instruments: the button accordion, flute, and tin whistle.

She has toured extensively with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, captivating audiences in the US, Canada, and England. She was also a key member of the acclaimed Owenmore Ceili Band.

Ms Collis played a pivotal role in the success of the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ballina in 1997 and 1998 and the Connacht Fleadh in Ballina last year.

A campaign is currently ongoing for Ballina to host the Fleadh again in 2028.

Both she and her husband, Sylvie Golden, are highly regarded musicians and steadfast supporters of local cultural events. The Bardic award recipient has also been instrumental in the Ballina Traditional Music Feis over the years.

Recently, Ms Collis and her husband, along with members of the Collis/Kearins family, including niece and nephew Caoimhe and Cian Kearins, and her sisters Patricia and Fionnuala, have created a full concert performance that audiences thoroughly enjoy, showcasing their extensive musical talents.

The All-Ireland Fleadh will continue through the week until Sunday, August 11.