The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Tears of joys and hugs of consolation as competitors vie for Munster titles
EMOTIONS were high in Listowel over the weekend as thousands flocked to the home of the fleadh to compete for a coveted Munster title in each chosen field of talent.
To the ordinary folk, it was evident how much a Munster medal meant to the talented competitors from under 12 right up to senior level as tears of joy and disappointment flowed with each result announced.
Intensity, determination and skill dominated each and every one of the Fleadh stages in some 10 venues around the town, but it was Saturday’s set dancing competitions in Saint Michael’s College that had the crowd on their feet with recalls in almost every category.
The Kingdom proved to be the giants of both set dancing and céilí dancing competitions claiming honours in almost every category and, for some individuals, it will be their first time qualifying to the final stages of the ever growing fleadh competition.
Kilcummin, Sliabh Luachra, Killarney and Barr na Sráide Comhaltas groups will now represent the county at the All Ireland Finals in Ennis this coming August.
Meanwhile Ballydonoghue/Lisselton CCÉ claimed accolades in several music competitions including banjo, mandolin and ceol trír securing much valued places on the national stage.
Sliabh Luachra’s Seán Ó Caoimh stunned the judges who awarded him gold in the sean nós dancing competition and will be joined in Ennis by Julia Cooper of Barr na Sráide and Victoria Breathnach of Lixnaw along with Ann Marie Nelligan and Elizabeth McGuire of Killarney.
Sliach Mish CCÉ will see singer John Power perform once again against Kilcummin neighbour Liam Randles who will also contest the national title in the lilting competition.