The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí set for virtual experience
WHEN something as successful as Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí was put on hold due to COVID-19, there was never any fear its members wouldn’t respond in some shape or fashion.
This is exactly what’s transpired as Fleadh Cheoil will be in full swing this weekend (June 19-21) with an entertaining line up of musicians ready to create a virtual Fleadh.
“This weekend should be the biggest weekend for Kerry CCÉ as we would normally host Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí. As one of the major festivals in Kerry, we decided that we wouldn’t be defeated, so Kerry CCÉ decided to host its own virtual Fleadh on Facebook and YouTube,” said John Stack.
A huge amount of work is involved in planning it, and the good news is a comprehensive programme has been put together. In total there will be over 90 videos from last year’s winners from county, Munster and national level, as well as special guests. The videos will be uploaded during Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday evening will have an online family quiz with prizes for the winners. From Saturday, uploading of videos commences at 11am, lasting through until 5pm. A special guest slot will kick off at 7pm. Included will be Mike Jack Cronin, Fossa CCÉ, and Realtaí na Todhchaí; a group of young musicians from the following branches: Grace Heffernan and Daibhín Laide (Ballydonoghue/Lisselton), Colleen Angland (Glenflesk), Conor Brennan and Sarah Murphy (Lixnaw) and Michael Healy (Kilcummin).
There will be an appearance from social-media sensations The Neville Sisters from Ballylongford – whose last upload recorded over 10,000 video views. There will be Neart na hÓige, consisting of Aideen Quinlan from Lixnaw; Grace Angland from Glenflesk; Kirill Healy, Kilcummin; and Ruby Falvey and Hamish O’Carroll, both from Ballydonoghue/Lisselton CCÉ. They will perform a piece specially put together for the weekend.
“We finish off on Saturday night with a special piece from Sharon Shannon as she was the headline act for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil. It promises to be an exciting event, and we hope people will join us for what will be a unique Fleadh,” John added.
An exciting line-up is also scheduled for Sunday, including a senior group of All-Ireland-winning musicians, and last year’s All-Ireland-winning storyteller Sonny Egan from Lixnaw CCÉ. The Evans Family; Kerry CCÉ County secretary Karen Trench; Anne and Nickie McAuliffe from Castleisland, and a new group Strings and Things from the Ballydonoghue/ Lisselton and Lixnaw branches, to name a few, will all perform on the night For more information on the full line-up of musicians, visit the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí Facebook page (@fleadhcheoil.chiarrai and on YouTube @Kerry CCÉ).