Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Music, song and dance at the Ulster Fleadh Cheoil in County Tyrone.

For the first time in many years, Omagh in County Tyrone hosted the Ulster Fleadh Cheoil. Over the weekend of 24-26 July 1981, the town hosted a jam packed programme of music, singing and dancing.

Main Street, Omagh, was closed to traffic for the big parade. Accordion, flute and pipe bands, majorettes and floats marched to Omagh St Enda's GAA pitch.

People from all nine counties of Ulster came to watch the proceedings or to take part in the many competitions.

Competition success qualifies the leading performers for the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to be held in Listowel, County Kerry.

But if the parades and competitions are an essential part of the Fleadh Cheoil, the most enjoyable part for many is the street session.

One of the many street sessions was led by banjo player Liam Farrell from Ballygawley, County Tyrone.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 July 1981.
The reporter is Diarmuid Ó Suilleabháin.