The remarkable Fleadh Cheoil 2026 was a cause for special celebration for Derry father and daughter Marcas Ó Murchú and Róise Ní Mhurchú who were at the centre of festivities in Belfast.

During the week-long celebration of the traditional arts, Marcas was honoured with a Gradam na Gaeilge from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in recognition of his promotion of the Irish language and music.

Róise, a decorated singer and lilter, meanwhile, had the privilege of singing at the annual Fleadh Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street on Sunday last.

The Culmore woman received a Gradam 75 for her promotion of Gaelic song through teaching, performances and singing at the Aifreann Feirste Mass, where she was soloist, performing Patrick Davey's specially arranged compositions.

Marcas Ó Murchú and Róise Ní Mhurchú with Comhaltas President Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh in St. Patrick's Church.

placeholder image — Marcas Ó Murchú and Róise Ní Mhurchú with Comhaltas President Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh in St. Patrick's Church.

Well-known in Derry as a former teacher of Irish and Spanish at St. Columb’s College, Marcas received the award from Comhaltas President Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh and Director General Labhrás Ó Murchú at a special event in the MAC on August 4.

In the opinion of the committee Marcas has ‘done more to promote the Gaelic heritages of language, music and Gaelic singing by teaching and example than anyone else in their 75-year history’.

The bestowal of the award will have been particularly gratifying on the first visit of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Marcas’ native city, where he was reared near Clonard Monastery, before moving to Derry.

The acclaimed flautist and radio presenter who was made Ard-Ollamh (Chief Bard) by CCÉ at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Derry in 2013 also received a trophy for long service as one of three surviving members from the Belfast CCÉ branch of 40 years ago.

From left, Nóirín McGoldrick, sister of Marcas, Bishop Alan McGuckian, Róise, and her father Marcas and mother Caitríona.

Marcas and his wife Caitríona watched proudly as Róise, a final year teaching student at St. Mary’s College, sang at the Fleadh Mass, which was celebrated by the Bishop of Down & Connor Alan McGuckian.

The Mass, also attended by Róise’s aunt Nóirín McGoldrick, was broadcast on Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Over 1.6m visited Belfast during Fleadh Cheoil 2026, which marked the festival’s 15th visit to Ulster.¶While the North West is no stranger to the Fleadh, having hosted the event in Derry (2013), Letterkenny (2005, 2006) and Buncrana (1975, 1976, 1979,1980), 2026 was the first time the festival has been held in the North East of Ulster.