GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
THEY came, they saw - they love it!
The 2018 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann kicked off in the best way possible on Sunday when President Michael D Higgins addressed thousands at the Bolton Square gig rig.
He said a legacy would be left by Drogheda, an historic place by the banks of the Boyne.
‘New friendships will be made and old ones rekindled,’ he remarked.
The great harpers of the past were mentioned, including the Taylor Brothers, who feature in a new mural on Shop Street.
He also used people to use the week in Drogheda as an opportunity to speak Irish - even just a few words - to visitors.
‘ There has been wonderful voluntary work done for the past six years and the story of this Fleadh will reach around the world on Fleadh TV,’ he remarked.
Mayor Frank Godfrey got one of the loudest cheers on the day as he welcomed everyone to the town, declaring it ‘ the biggest and greatest gathering in the history of our town.’
‘On behalf of the citizens of Drogheda, I welcome musicians, dancers, and visitors from all over the world, and all those associated with the Fleadh Cheoil, to Drogheda.
The Fleadh will certainly hit all the right notes – and the local spirit will contribute to the overall buzz in making this a most memorable event. The Fleadh legacy will live on!
‘Congratulations to those businesses who put in a huge effort in beautifying their premises and the town. I have never ever seen the streets and the town looking so well! Drogheda and its people have a lot to be proud of.’
He said the great musicians of the past should also be remembered this week, people like Eamon Campbell from Drogheda, Dermot O’Brien from down the road in Ardee, and Seamus Ennis from The Naul, to mention but a few.
‘Irish music is alive and well in Drogheda – just look at our local Comhaltas branch and how it has grown, as well as other musical groups. And then there’s The Voice Squad, music collector Sean Corcoran, and Nicholas Carolan founder and director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive,’ he remarked.
Daithi Kearney was the pre-arrival host, getting the crowd in the mood with some very talented musicians, such as Ciara Branigan and Edel Collins from Ardee.
Presentations were made to Lolo Robinson from the Fleadh committee and Joan Martin, council CEO, for their part in bringing such a magnificent project to the town and region.