All set for the staging of a great old Cullen tradition

THE culturally strong Cullen comes alive this Sunday for the staging of its annual Feis Laitiarain and Feile Cheoil on the grounds of Cullen GAA.

An institution in the life and times of Cullen, the Feis is close on 120 years in existence and despite the passage of time Feis Laitiarain still retains its identity. Traditionally, friends of Laitiarain from USA, Britain and other parts near and afar time their annual vacation for the staging in July but in more recent years the event has been brought forward for a hosting during the school calendar year.

From the first Feis hosted in 1898 in the old school at Lislehane, the music and song has continued in an annual hosting that’s made a remarkable contribution to the depth of rich heritage in the area and continues to be a vital promoter of our native culture.

The staging continues to grow in strength and forms part of a broader cultural programme including national awards in the promotion of the Irish language.

Competitions cover a wide range of age groups, catering for singing, music and Irish language while a special seisiun parades dancing in addition to music and song.

The music, singing, recitation and Irish language programme together with the solo piping competition is underway at 12 noon, a children’s sports commences at 2pm, the seisiun from 3pm features all Ireland winners in music, dance and song in addition to a recital by the award winning Cullen Pipe Band.

Their solo piping competition is central to Feis Liatiarain since the 1940’s thus maintaining a proud tradition.

Indeed, Cullen Pipe Band can boast of recent success at the Munster Solos Contest hosted in Newcastlewest.

Amongst the prizewinners were Katie O’Sullivan. 1st in U12 drumming; Seamus Fleming, 3rd in Novice piping; Michael Doyle, 2nd in U16 piping; Aoife O’Riordan, 3rd in tenor drumming; Anna Moynihan 2nd U12 Drumming, Conor O’Riordan 4th Practice Chanter, Liam Casey Practice Chanter, Gearoid Mulvihill 4th U14 Drumming and Muireann Mulvihill 1st Practice Channter.