Local musicians off to Fleadh
There will be a great representation of local musicians at the Leinster Fleadh in Bagnalstown, Co Carlow next weekend as members of CCE Craobh Dhún Dealgan will of be playing no less than 59 competitions!
This follows their success at the recent Louth Fleadh when they won 15 out of 19 cups across an range of competitions for solos, duets, trios and bands for a wide variety of instruments.
The musicians will be hoping to quality for the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann which is taking place in Drogheda in August.
CCE Craobh Dhún Dealgan, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has a fine record in competing at the Fleadh, producing thousands of medal winners at county, provincial and all-Ireland competitions down the years.
This is due in no small part to the quality of tutors which the branch engages to pass on the legacy of traditional playing from one generation to another.
Many of these tutors have featured among the Fleadh winners over the years and are keen to encourage young musicians to develop their talents.
Some, such as the renowned concertina player Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, travel considerable distances to Dundalk for the weekly classes. Now, one of his students, All-Ireland winner Saran Mulligan, has joined him as a tutor.
A number of branch’s young musicians are members of Nos Nua, the Louth youth folk orchestra who recently performed in Drogheda for FleadhTV, while others will be taking part in the annual Seisiún in the Oriel Centre throughout the summer.
Branch PRO Padraig Donlon is delighted that so many of their musicians are travelling to Bagnalstown fro the Leinster Fleadh. ‘ Members won 57 first prizes, 20 second prizes and 16 third places at the Louth Fleadh, so we will be hoping to have some winners who will then go onto the All-Ireland in Drogheda next month.’
Many of the branches senior musicians will be taking to the stage during the Fleadh Cheoil while the younger players will get the opportunity to sample the atmosphere of Ireland’s biggest music festival.
Anyone who would like to learn to play, whether adult or child, should check out their website at www.comhaltascraobhdhundealgan.ie, email secretary.ccedundealgan@yahoo.ie or phone 087 270 4529