FEIS DHOIRE CHOLMCILLE
Trustees Annual Report
For the financial year 1[st] October 2024 to 30[th] September 2025
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The charity is an organisation governed by a Constitution dated 26[th] September 2019 (reviewed and updated 9[th] November 2025) setting out the objectives of the charity. It is managed by a committee of six Trustees and other committee members elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.
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The purpose of the charity is to advance education and promote arts and culture among children aged 4 to 18 years within the Derry and Strabane district council and the wider Donegal area. It is also there to promote the knowledge and a love of the various disciplines of Irish language, classical music and Irish music, drama, classical and traditional instruments, and Irish dancing. The annual Feis on Easter week is also supported by the choral competitions run every year on the Tuesday of Holy week.
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The charity Trustees at the date of the approval of this report are Aisling Bonner, Pat MacCafferty, Ursula Clifford, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Siobhán Watts. It is noted that Christine McIvor passed away in September 2025 and we will be seeking a new Treasurer/Trustee.
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The charity’s activities this year were as follows:
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a. The Annual General Meeting took place on 29[th] October 2024 where venues, timetables and syllabus items were discussed as well as other issues pertaining to the running of the Feis in Easter 2025
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b. The syllabus was prepared by the charity’s Trustees in conjunction with adjudicators in November which consisted of a detailed outline of
competitions available including set pieces for the disciplines of Drama, Music, Instrumental and Irish language. This was reviewed and agreed in November 2024 by all Trustees being uploaded to the Feis website.
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c. The entries for the Feis were taken in person during on 21[st] February 2025 and held at St Columbs’ Hall as well as online entries.
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d. The timetable for the annual Feis and the choral competitions were prepared by the Trustees in March 2025 and finalised at a meeting in March 2025 before going to print and being uploaded to the website during week commencing 17[th] March 2025
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e. The annual Feis Clar and programme detailing competitions and competitors names was prepared by the Feis Trustees and proofread in preparation for printing on 31[st] March 2025
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f. The annual timetable for volunteers including stewards, adjudicator assistants and cashiers was prepared by the Trustees in early March
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g. The annual Choral competitions took place in St Mary’s College on Tuesday 15[th] April 2025. Primary and post primary schools took place in nine different competitions. All winning schools were awarded as cup and bursary. There was a special overall prize also awarded to one primary and one post primary school. We also introduced the bronze statue in memory of Fr. Kevin Mullan which will be awarded in a new Champion of Champions Irish dancing competition to be held on the final night of the Feis. This was presented to the Feis by the family of Fr. Mullan
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h. The annual Feis took place on 22[nd] April to 25[th] April 2025. It involved running some 295 competitions in six venues within St Columbs Hall and the Playhouse Theatre. Over 3,000 competitors between the ages of four years and 18 years took part in competitions in their respective disciplines. The Feis employed 11 adjudicators and five accompanists for the various disciplines. Many of the children went on to receive a medal, cup, or certificate to celebrate their achievements. All of the competitions were run by volunteers
who included stewards, adjudicator assistants and cashiers and overseen by the Trustees.
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i. A meeting took place in May 2025 to review finances and agree invoices for reimbursement. Bursaries were confirmed and agreement was made to pay these out to the recipients during June and July 2025,
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Financial position: The accounts confirmed that the charity is in funds in the sum of £61,365 after making a modest surplus, the Feis received £10,380 from sponsors and £1,060 in book sales, the rest of its income was derived from competitors’ entry fees along with door admission entry fees paid by the public to see the competitions. The Feis issued £3,530 in bursaries which are used by pupils and schools for the tuition or promotion of music, drama, instrumental Irish language, and Irish dancing.
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The charity holds no funds that are in deficit.
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In compiling this report the Trustees of the charity have regard to the Commission’s public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
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The principal address of the charity is: 16 The Meadow, Derry BT48 8RJ
Trustee Trustee
14 November 2025