Final touches being put to full calendar of events for Fleadh by the Feale
THE sense of anticipation is mounting in Abbeyfeale as the final touches are being put to the Fleadh by the Feale 21st celebrations.
This year sees yet again a full calendar of events for the renowned weekend in traditional Irish Music. A music weekend that is held in the highest of national and international regard.
‘We have long welcomed visitors from all over to Abbeyfeale, from as far as the USA and South Africa’ says Dearbhla Conlon Ahern one of the organising voluntary committee, ‘our Fleadh is a source of pride for all of us. The weekend is structured in such a way as to offer something to everyone and to allow maximum participation at each event’.
This year is a bitter sweet one, while we celebrate 21 years of Fleadh; the committee mourns the recent passing of one of its fellow committee members Dan Murphy or Dan the Fáilte. ‘Dan was instrumental in establishing the Fleadh; he was a kind gentleman who loved his community, loved traditional Irish music and the Irish language’ says Dearbhla.
‘He was very proud of the Fleadh and it is the ideal vehicle to harness the wealth of music and talent that exists in Abbeyfeale and surrounding area. He can be very proud of the legacy he has left us, as a community we have been richer because of Dan’s love of Abbeyfeale town and community and today we are indeed poorer for his passing’ says Dearbhla ‘ni bheith a leithid ann aris’.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday 30th April with the Art competition prize giving, which has engaged five of the local national schools in the area in some stiff competition.
The prize giving event takes place in Abbeyfeale Library and all are welcome to come and look at the work of the budding artists which will hang in the library for a couple of weeks after the event. Later on the Thursday evening we welcome one and all to Murphy’s Bar for Oiche Cheoil & caint. Music sessions are also available in most of the pubs throughout the weekend.
‘Our Friday night is also a busy one, starting this year at the earlier time of 7pm, we welcome our buskers to the streets; it’s a great night of pure local talent’ says Dearbhla.
‘We have had to change our starting time, to accommodate the large numbers of musicians who turn out for the event year on year. There are five age categories and all you need is a minimum of three and maximum of six people in a group to participate.’
At 8:30pm the Ballaugh Wren Boys will take to the open air stage to entertain the folks waiting for the results of the Traditional Busking Competition.
For those who feel energized the Céilí in Fr. Casey’s kicks off later that evening at 9:30pm with the ever popular Striolán Céilí Band. Refreshments will also be served.