Ballynacargy’s Aoife Dunleavy (10) was the most successful competitor from Westmeath at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, claiming two first prizes on home soil.
The talented musician came first in the under 12 banjo and mandolin competitions on Saturday, 12 August, facing off tough competition.
Aoife’s success landed her with a live performance on TG4 during Sunday night’s broadcast from Fair Green where she played her favourite tune ‘Feed the Ducks’ on the banjo.
She told Topic she didn’t feel any nerves whatsoever during her performances during the Fleadh and is looking forward to competing again next year. “I practice with Joe [Connaire] my teacher three times a week and then I practice lots by myself too. He’s a good teacher,” added Aoife.
Her mother, Hazel Dunleavy, said she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s success.
“We’re very proud out here, she’s been working very hard, alongside Joe, to get to this level over the last few years and she really deserves it.
“Aoife only began the banjo in 2019 when she went to the Fleadh in Drogheda and saw Joe. She asked him would he teach her, he said he would, and then she joined Ballynacargy CCÉ.
“From then on, she absolutely loved it. I would have played the tin whistle myself when I was younger and all my three girls play instruments now – the banjo, the whistle and the piano.”
Aoife’s two trophies were one of the highlights of Joe Connaire’s week who said people have been blown away by her talents. “Enda Scahill one of the former members of We Banjo 3 – an absolutely superb banjo player – texted me after Aoife had been on TG4 to say that he was absolutely amazed by her standard of music at just 10 years old.
“To get a comment like that from one of the best banjo players I’ve ever heard in my lifetime speaks volumes. Aoife is a brilliant talent,” he said.
