Fleadh Ceoil breaks world record

Nearly 3,000 musicians gathered tonight to break the world record for the largest number of people to take part in a traditional Irish music session.

The massive gathering of 2,852 people at the Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann in Co Offaly beat last year’s inaugural event, which attracted 2,745 musicians from all over the world.

The event was preceded by a parade, which assembled at Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore, and travelled through the streets of the town watched by thousands of people until it reached O’Connor Square.

Fleadh spokeswoman Karen O’Grady said organisers were thrilled with how the night went.

“We were absolutely delighted with the turnout,” she said.

“There were also huge numbers of spectators who came out to watch it.”

The session lasted 56 minutes, 11 minutes longer than last year’s event.

Participants came from countries across the globe, including Japan, the United States, the UK, and throughout Ireland.

Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann began last weekend and runs until Sunday.