Music and song at Millstreet Féile Cheoil

MILLSTREET became the traditional music capital of the county last weekend as hundreds convened at Millstreet Community School for the return of its Féile Cheoil.

Promoted by Millstreet Comhaltas Ceolteoirí, the staging regained its popularity, seen as the ideal frontrunner ahead of the upcoming County Fleadh Cheoil in Douglas next month.

From a full and diverse programme attracting huge entries from across the South West Region, organisers welcomed phenomenal entries to the six hour programme.

A spectacular success, the ambitious programme depicted the depth of musical heritage from participants drawn from near and afar.

For the first time in five years, the Millstreet staging returned post Covid under a new enthusiastic organising group.

“With the County Fleadh Cheoil just around the corner in Douglas, individuals and groups used the Millstreet staging to test their wares.

“Additionally, entrants from Kerry, Clare and Tipperary were gaining experience”, said Secretary Ashlean Tarrant.

Indeed classrooms, school canteen and library reverberated to the sounds of music, song and poetry. To the sweet strains of fiddles to banjos and accordions, the music spilled onto the corridors and outdoors in between the April showers.

Féile Cheoil organisers headed by Chairperson Maria Smyth; Secretary Ashlean Tarrant; Vice Chairperson, Catriona Lynch; Joint Treasurers Joanne Barrett and Aoife Golden were helped by a dedicated group of committee members for streamlining the day long programme.

“Millstreet CCÉ extends thanks to Millstreet Community School for the provision of an excellent facility that met with a favourable response from visitors drawn from all over the county and beyond”, said Ashlean.

Looking ahead, Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí promises to be a weekend festival comprising ceili dancing, music sessions, competitions in music, singing, dancing and storytelling in Cork City on May 11/12.

Two qualifiers from each competition will go forward to represent Cork in the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Thurles during Mid July.