Listowel welcomes Fleadh Cheoil back to its spiritual home

OVER 5,000 competitors and some 15,000 enthusiastic visitors formed the winning recipe for the success story that was this year’s Fleadh na Mumhan, which saw Listowel become a cultural melting pot over the weekend.

The late, great John B Keane saluted the visitors from his perch in the Small Square on the locals’ behalf - some arriving with competitive aspirations, others to experience what our market town has to offer and others saw it as an opportunity to rekindle old friendships

But while the competitors and visitors who created an unrivalled atmosphere, it was the hundreds of volunteers who ensured a weekend of seamless success.

Their commitment to the cause, embodied the sense of volunteerism and community spirit that was synonymous with the late Michael Dowling, whose absence was felt by all throughout.

Instrumental in bringing previous Fleadhs to town, Michael would undoubtedly be very proud of the efforts of the 2016 committee whose first meeting took place in May, 2015.

Fleadh na Mumhan, PRO, John Stack, hailed the efforts of the volunteers, without whom, the event wouldn’t have been so successful.

“We really want to acknowledge the volunteers who stood at doors and sat at desks at the various venues around town, their support truly was amazing. It was a real community effort” he added.

A carnival atmosphere was palpable from Saturday as musicians began to trickle into town.

I met a couple from Australia who were like children in a sweet shop, mesmerised by both the music and the fine Kerry welcome.

Our custom of saluting someone not known to us from Adam came as a welcome surprise to them.

Participants sat perched on steps and car bonnets around the venues, tuning their instruments and settling the last minute nerves.

A Church Street butchers was the location of choice for one group of musicians on Saturday – the session so rousing, it nearly brought Larry’s chickens back to life.

The Gig Rig was the focal point for evening events including a performance from the supremely talented, “Officially Tapped”, whose dance routines and sweet sounding music left onlookers “reeling”.

Inclusive of Kerry’s five time World Champion Dancer, David Geaney, the group embodied what the Fleadh is all about - top class entertainment and a feel-good vibe.

The Dingle native lauded the success of the event.

“Congratulations to the organisers on a very successful and well-run Munster Fleadh. They were so accommodating and nothing was a bother. We had a great night, as is always the case in Listowel” he said

On Sunday evening the Ceilí Band competition attracted in excess of 800 people to what was a most entertaining event.

Thanks to the commitment of those involved and the wealth of talent on offer, this year’s Fleadh na Mumham has been heralded as the most successful in years.

The selfless commitment of so many solidifies the belief that the future of this beautiful town is in safe hands. The youth are attending to the counsel of the aged – learning from the masters.

Photos by Domnick Walsh There wasn’t a foot wrong for the wonderful dancers of Kilcummin, as pictured on the Munster Fleadh Cheoil stage in Listowel at the weekend.

Listowel musicians Lauryn Griffin, Aisling Joy and Aoife Griffin taking part in the on-street entertainment at Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in their home town.

Photo by Domnick Walsh Saoirse Cahill, Listowel, Ciara Linassi, Canada and Iona Ritchie from Listowel enjoying the cheoil and verdant surrounds of the Munster Fleadh Cheoil at the weekend.

RIGHT:Listowel ladies Lilly Morris and Mary Crowley belting it out in the Small Square amid the fantastic trad atmosphere. BELOW: Aimee Griffin from Listowel with her bosca cheoil.

It wasn’t just the Munster folk laying into it with gusto at the Fleadh, as trad talents Leo Mantsuoka and Kanako Machida from the province of Japan attested inafine performance on-street.