Music at Madden’s #46 | Ards CCÉ: 50 Years of Music, Community & Bringing the Fleadh to Belfast
Music At Maddens PodcastShow Notes
In this episode of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined in the Snug by members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann — Niall McClean, Colleen McCleery and Eamonn Higgins — as the branch prepares for a landmark year in Irish traditional music. Ards CCÉ celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, having grown from a small gathering of musicians in the Ards Peninsula into one of the most active and influential Comhaltas branches in the north. The conversation looks back at the early days of house sessions, classes and community music-making, while also looking ahead to the historic arrival of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast from 2–9 August 2026. Lynette chats to the group about the people who built the branch, the young musicians carrying it forward, the huge voluntary effort behind the Fleadh, and the power of traditional music to bring people together across generations, backgrounds and communities. A warm, lively and timely episode celebrating 50 years of Ards CCÉ, the future of Irish traditional music, and the countdown to Belfast’s biggest ever celebration of the tradition. Music at Madden’s is recorded upstairs in the Snug at Madden’s Bar, Belfast. Like, share and subscribe for more stories from the heart of the traditional music community.
More from Music At Maddens Podcast
Lynette Fay is back in the snug at Madden’s for Episode 55, joined by one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated traditional singers, "Karan Casey".Karan chats to Lynette about her journey through Irish music, from growing up in Waterford to her time in New York and her years as the lead singer of "Solas", before establishing an acclaimed career as a solo artist.They talk about the songs and stories that have shaped her, the importance of using music to tell meaningful stories, and a life spent performing and collaborating with musicians around the world.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Music at Madden’s for more conversations from the heart of Belfast’s traditional music scene.
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