Historic Feis Laitiarain returns

CONSIDERING Feis Laitiarain in Cullen is over a century old it can truly be said that it's become a local institution.

This year, the Feis will be held on Sunday, June 8, where there will be signing, music and recitation competitions starting at 12 noon along with the solo piping competition. The sports will kick off at 2pm. Then there will be seisiun of music, song and dance performed by local people at 3pm.

The first feis was staged in 1898 by Sean O'Chadla along with the help of local people. He came to Cullen with a traditional Gaelic background and started teaching Irish at the school. However, this was frowned upon by the authorities at the time.

In the early years, the Feis was held indoors. In 1918, on Feis Laitiarain Day, it was held in the northside of the village in Riordan's field, when aeroplanes arrived and began to swoop downwards to disrupt the proceedings.

But this did not deter the local people. Over the years, other teachers who taught locally, Sean O'Buachalla, Sean O'Conaill and Michael Rea, took a particular interest in fostering and developing the Feis.

Another local man, Padraig O'h-Iceadha, spent his life ensuring the survival and development of the Irish language and tradition.

Subsequent Feis committees are also trying to ensure that Padraig's legacy continues. Brenda O'Sullivan, who worked alongside Padraig for many years, in promoting the Feis continues to contribute to its success.

Traditionally, the Feis was held on the nearest Sunday to July 25, in order to honour the local Saint Laitiarain. However, it was decided a few years ago that the event would take place during the month of June while the schools were still open, to encourage children to attend in greater numbers.