Music, culture and craic to beat the band at Listowel Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan

LISTOWEL is no stranger when it comes to putting on a good show which is why it’s the perfect venue for Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan which runs from 12th to 17th July where thousands of music lovers will be spoilt beyond their wildest dreams with live music, street sessions, history tours, culture, concerts, sing song, workshops and art exhibitions to beat the band. Added to the easy going atmosphere of the Fleadh, however, is the serious business of the provincial competitions and qualifiers for the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. It’s a festival with something for everyone with a love of culture, Irish music and dance and it’s a tremendous honour for Listowel, as John Stack explains:

“Listowel has held 14 All Ireland Fleadhs in the past and it’s 2002 since we held a Fleadh. To be given the opportunity to host Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan, which is the first time, is a tremendous boost to North Kerry both from a music and tourist perspective. Anytime you can bring a festival of this size to Listowel is always good. We couldn’t do it without our main sponsors, Kerry Group, Kerry County Council and the Listowel Publicans plus the support from businesses and shops in Listowel and beyond.”

Here’s just a sample of the events to wet the appetite: Tuesday will see a celebration of 1916 in music and poetry. Wednesday night is the official opening at the Listowel Arms Hotel and is the first night of the singing club. On Thursday, Sean Nós dancers, far and wide, are invited to take part in a special workshop. It will also be an evening of nostalgia as footage of old fleadhanna will take place at St Johns Theatre. On Friday, the main qualifier action starts at 10am with the Munster Junior Set and Céilí Dancing Finals; while entrants are also invited to take part in the traditional music outdoor competition. On Saturday morning big crowds are expected for the music, singing and comhrá competitions. Sunday will be a long day - though a highly enjoyable one - for competitors and at 3pm an outdoor Céilí will get everyone on their toes for one final session.

“The place is going to be thronged and we’re really looking forward to the week and the enjoyment people get from it,” said John. “There’s a lot of work involved and the ‘Gig Rig’ in the Square will run from Friday night at 7pm through to Sunday at 9pm. All that entertainment is free to the public. We welcome all our visitors to Listowel during the Fleadh and wish all the competitors the best of luck. We hope everyone enjoys the comprehensive range of entertainment we are putting on for the week.”