Celebrating 21 years
SATURDAY starts with the Master Workshop Classes registration at 1:30pm and 2pm sharp for the workshop.
These workshops are facilitated by some of the finest tutors and suited more to the improver or advanced student to fine tune their skills. These take place in the Convent National School. ‘We are very lucky to have the support of community and access to community facilities to be able to provide a range of events’ says Dearbhla. Back down on the open air stage in the Square on Saturday evening traditional entertainment comes compliments of Templeglantine Comhaltas, followed by “Out Numbered”.
The events on Sunday begin at 3pm with the ever entertaining Storytelling; Daisy Kearney year after year never fails to attract a great crowd to St. Ita’s Hall. ‘It’s a wonderful afternoon, shared over a cup of tea and a good story; Daisy has a pure gift’ says Dearbhla. 3:30pm sees the free face painting in the Square followed by the All Ireland Junior Bone Playing Competition.
‘ This is a special part of the weekend; it’s a unique skill in the world of traditional Irish music and a competition not to be missed’. This will be followed by more traditional entertainment on the open air stage with group “Sound as a Pound”.
For the traditional celebrity concert sponsored by KOSTAL Ireland the Fleadh committee welcomes back to Abbeyfeale the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band with their incredible show. They return having just recently launched their new CD ‘Now is the hour’.
Local talent in the form of Coláiste Íde agus Iosef Music Group will also perform on stage Sunday night in the secondary school. It promises to be an unmissable night’s entertainment.
The weekend comes to a close on Monday 4th, but as with all years it offers a final evening of wonderful entertainment.
Beginning at 7.30p.m there is open air entertainment with the students of Scoil Mháthair Dé followed by the Tournafulla Comhaltas. 8.00p.m sees the All-Ireland Senior Bone Playing Competition; a competition that has drawn competitors from local, national areas and from abroad.
After the prize giving for the senior bone playing competition and to mark this special year there will be a fireworks display at 9:30pm.
‘We literally want to go out on a bang’ says Dearbhla, ‘and we shall keep our fingers crossed for a weekend of fine weather. It is a weekend that would not be possible without a combination of elements; the hard work of the voluntary committee, the support of our community, local businesses and our Sponsors.
We are indebted to Kostal Ireland, Heineken, Comhaltas Ceoiltóirí Eireann, Limerick City and County Council Arts Section and all our sponsors for their contributions. It is thanks to them that we can deliver the finest weekend in traditional Irish music and guarantee all a warm welcome to Abbeyfeale.