Music at Madden’s #46 | Ards CCÉ: 50 Years of Music, Community & Bringing the Fleadh to Belfast

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.