FLEADH CHEOIL CHORCAÍ COMING TO MACROOM
ALL roads lead to Macroom on the weekend of Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, when the town hosts the biggest county Fleadh Cheoil in the country. Secretary Teresa Dennehy says that around 1,200 musicians, singers, storytellers and dancers will be competing over the weekend.
Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí promises to be a most entertaining weekend and preparations are currently well under way. There will be live music, song and dance as Aghinagh Comhaltas play host to this county competition for the fourth time. The Fleadh features competitions for individuals, grupaí cheoil, ceílí bands and dancers with qualification for Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan and possibly Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda later in the year as the prize for the winner.
There will be other events and activities in the town in the days leading up to the weekend’s competitions.
The Fleadh gets underway on Wednesday night, May 9, with a tribute to former Comhaltas member and renowned musician Tadgh Kearney in the Auld Triangle, commencing at 7.30pm. On Thursday night there will be an Oíche Amhránaíocht in the Riverside Park Hotel, Casagh an tSugáin, starting at 9pm.
On Friday evening at 6pm there will be Sean Nós Dancing Competitions in the GAA Hall in the Castle Grounds.
The official opening of the county Fleadh takes place in the Castle Hotel on the Friday night at 8pm with a music session to follow. On Friday night also, there will be a celebration of 40 years of Aghinagh Comhaltas. Though small in numbers, this is a most active comhaltas branch.
On Saturday, competitions for the U12 and U15 age groups will be held at Bishop McEgan College starting at 10am. Competitions will also take place in the De la Salle College. On Saturday night in the Castle Hotel’s Next-Door Cafe, there will be an Oíche Amhránaoícht with the nationally renowned Máire Ní Cheilleachair starting at 9pm. Also on Saturday night, a Fleadh Céilí will take place in Crookstown Hall with Tim Joe and Ann starting at 9.30pm.
On Sunday there will be an Aifreann na Gaeilge in Macroom Parish Church at 10.30am. Competitions for the 15-18 year olds commence at 10.30am and senior competitions also take place in both McEgan College and De Le Salle College. Céilí band competitions will take place in the Sports Hall in Macroom Community Leisure Facility in the Castle Demesne.
Access to all competitions is through purchasing a wrist band which covers all the day’s activities. For €5 one can sit in on the competitions of their choice and have a wonderful day’s entertainment. Everybody is encouraged to come along and see for themselves the magnificent talent that there is throughout the county.