First ever inclusive competition at Mayo Fleadh sees outstanding success

The first ever cuimsiú, or inclusive, competition of the Mayo Fleadh Cheoil was an outstanding success. 

The introduction of the‘Cuimsiú Competition’, a competition for people with a disability/additional needs, made history at the Mayo festival back in May.

The idea was raised at branch level by long-standing members of the Admiral Brown branch in Foxford, Mairéad and Chuck Dunford, after their daughter Hannah, who has Down Syndrome, asked when would she play in the Fleadh.   

The idea was presented to Mayo Comhaltas County Board and, with a warm welcome, was subsequently ratified.

The competition is an opportunity to develop participation and enjoyment of traditional Irish music arts for everybody in Mayo.  

The template for the competition, which followed the standard Comhaltas age groups and categories, was drawn-up and plans were put in place.

Public Relations Officer for Mayo Comhaltas, Edel Doherty said: “The outstanding success of this year’s Cuimsiú competition would not have been possible without the high level of cooperation between Mayo Comhaltas, the Dunford Family and members of Áirc Mayo, an organisation committed to supporting children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.”

Ms Doherty commented on a ‘real sense’ of anticipation and excitement surrounding the competition, as well as ‘some very emotional scenes’.   

She continued: “As this was the inaugural Cuimsiú competition, it was a learning opportunity for all.  While this first Cuimsiú competition was confined to the county, Mayo Comhaltas hope to build on its success, and it is hoped that this innovative idea will be taken to provincial, national and international level in the near future.”

Speaking following the competition, Mairead Dunford said the team of ‘wonderful people’ made the competition a possibility.  

“Most of all it took the competitors to make the Cuimsiú competition a reality.  To see the fruition of years of practice, to witness the pride, love and joy of the competitors, extended families and friends was overwhelming. History was indeed made at Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo,” she concluded.