Milltown is ready to entertain

Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí launched and full schedule planned as festival returns to Milltown

MILLTOWN feels a bit like middle earth right now as the countdown to this year’s Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí, which takes place from June 20 to 24, is well and truly underway.

The official launch was held last Friday evening by Minister Brendan Griffin at the Bleachfield Bistro in Milltown. The Fleadh is set to maintain the high standards we have come to expect and Chairman Owen O’Shea got proceedings underway when welcoming Kerry trad supporters back to Milltown after 11 years.

“This year’s committee has invested over €15,000 in free street entertainment, including two outdoor céilís, with triple All-Ireland champions ‘The Shandrum Ceilí Band’ on Friday night and local maestros Uí Bhriain on Sunday afternoon,” Owen said.

He added that a highlight for many will be the return of trad icons Stockton’s Wing who headlined the event in Milltown exactly 20 years ago.

This year also has a special Solstice twist to it with an outdoor concert taking place at the Killacloghane Portal Tomb in Milltown at sunset on June 21. This is to celebrate the traditional roots of the County Fleadh, while the recent discovery that this monument is the oldest structure in Kerry, and perhaps in Ireland, has inspired the 2018 Fleadh theme: ‘Reconnecting with the Past.’

Owen voiced his gratitude on behalf of the committee to the local businesses for their sponsorship and for taking out ads in the souvenir program to help fund the event. He also thanked Kerry County Council and Chapter 23 Kerry and West Limerick Credit Unions, as well as the local Milltown Credit Union for sponsorship.

Chairman of the Kerry County Board of Comhaltas John Canty thanked the 2018 Fleadh committee, in particular County Secretary Karen Trench for organising the ever-growing lists of competitors into an efficient program of competitive events. He also thanked the sponsors for helping to organise the event which now costs €70,000 to run

Minister Griffin welcomed the Fleadh back saying he’s looking forward to the event. “I remember passing Milltown 11 years ago and the streets were hopping with music and dance. Its central location and hard-working volunteers make it a truly special venue,” hesaid.

For details and full program of events, see kerrycomhaltas.ie website and facebook page.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Reconnecting with our past: A unique cultural celebration of the Summer Solstice at the iconic 6,000-year-old Killaclohane Portal Tomb near Milltown promises to be a special highlight of this year’s County Fleadh Cheoil which takes place in the...

PhotobyMichelle Cooper Galvin Local committee Celia and Chairperson Owen O’Shea; Amanda Courtney (back from left) John Joe Harmon, Deirdre O’Gorman, Tim Wrenn, Sheila Hurley and Vincent Prendergast at the launch of the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in the Bleachfield Bistro,...

Amanda Courtney Howe, Anne Courtney, Shannon Howe and Caroline Courtney

Photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin. Chairperson Chapter 23 Credit Union Chairperson Christy Killeen, Mayor of Kerry Cllr John Sheahan, Chairperson Owen O’Shea and Arts Officer Kerry County Council Kate Kennelly at the launch of the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in the Bleachfield...

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Ailbhe, Justine and Catherine O’Driscoll with their grandmother Rene Kennelly at the launch of the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in the Bleachfield Bistro, Milltown on Friday.

Musicians Mike Cronin, Kieran Kelliher, Renie Bethan and Tom O’Connor at the launch.

Liz O’Keeffe, Bridie Stack and Mary Dineen