Fleadh to showcase the music of Oriel
THE rich musical tradition of Oriel will be to the fore when Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to Drogheda for the first time from 12th – 19th of August
The line-up for this year’s event, which was announced in Drogheda on Tuesday, has been described as one of the most exciting to date, with local musicians set to share the stages with giants of Irish music including Donal Lunny, Mairéad and Triona Ni Dhomhnall, Andy Irvine, the Hothouse Flowers, Kieran Hanrahan who is this year’s recipient of the third The Flanagan Brothers Award, Michael Holohan, Bill Whelan, the RTE Concert Orchestra and much more.
Zoe Conway and John McIntyre, Padraigin Ni Ullachain, Gerry O’Connor, Donal O’Connor, Kern, The Voice Squad, will be amongst those putting the music of the north east centre stage while there’s also a special concert celebrating the county’s young musicians including Nós Nua – Louth Youth Folk Orchestra, Louth Harp Ensemble and All Ire- land instrumentalists Sarán Mulligan, Tadhg Mulligan, Conal Duffy, with special guests. Another concert will focus on the Fiddlers of Oriel presented by Austin Dawe and featuring Brendan Larrissy, Gerry O’Connor, Donal McCague, Antoine McGabhann, Jim McKillop, Josephine Keegan and friends.
‘Our concert programme will reflect the immense wealth of talent, experience, and ingenuity in traditional Irish music today, and in particular highlighting the work of artists in the Oriel Region,’ said Aoife Ruane, Chair of the Programme Committee.
The Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said hosting the festival for two consecutive years is an honour for Co Louth and Drogheda. ‘Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will shine a spotlight on the region, affording us an opportunity to cement the area as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international visitors.’