Cullen marks ‘Feis Laitiarain’
NO official hosting, yet Feis Laitiarain Cullen marked the occasion with a local commemoration for the age-old Feis.
The history of the hosting was presented along with folklore associated with Cullen’s patron Saint Laitiarain.
Additionally, there was a tribute to Diarmuid Ó Cadhla (Der Kiely) and his grandfather Sean Ó Cadhla, who set up the first Feis, plus stories, pipes, music and songs.
That initial Feis was hosted in 1898 and has been kept alive ever since.
Away from the current pandemic, the Feis was particularly challenged during the troubles of 1918, when planes flew low to the ground overhead in an effort to disrupt the Feis. But Feis Laitiarain failed to succumb thanks to people at the helm promoting the country’s culture in traditional music, song, dance and storytelling.
From the first Feis hosted in 1898 in the Old School at Lislehane, the music, dance and song has continued in the annual hosting that’s made a remarkable contribution to the heritage of the region.
“Feis Laitiarain is very much a community event, local organisations and the public lend their outstanding support to the venture to ensure its success over the years,” said Chairperson Noreen Meade.
“We are indebted to so many people for their help in so many ways towards enhancing the Feis each year.”
Local musicians, world-class pipers, singers and storytellers performing in Cullen carry the music and songs nationwide and beyond, with outstanding comments from the public across the globe during the COVID-19 lockdown.
That’s not surprising given the talented culturally minded personnel representing local Comhaltas, Pipe Band and Scór GAA branches and acknowledged with County, Provincial, All-Ireland and World titles.