Thousands flock to Wexford as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in full swing for a second day
President Michael D Higgins said Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 'holds a special place in his heart', as he officially opened the festival in Wexford on Sunday.
More than 5,000 competitors, 750,000 visitors and numerous performers are expected to descend on Wexford Town for a week of ceol, spraoi and community spirit.
While addressing the crowds on Wexford's quay front on Sunday, President Higgins praised the festival for its cultural importance.
'This will be my final occasion opening the Fleadh Cheoil, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, a festival that holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of the Irish people, both at home and abroad,' he said.
'As President of Ireland, I would like to say how immensely proud I am of the rich and vibrant Irish traditional music scene that continues to flourish.
"We are in the midst of deeply creative period in our music, a folk musical revival fuelled by a resurgence of interest among young people who are embracing traditional music with enthusiasm, passion, creativity and talent.
"The Fleadh Cheoil is a perfect example of this vibrant scene, and the perfect platform to showcase such talent,' he added.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, said it was 'a proud day for our county".
"The Fleadh is a powerful expression of who we are as a people — rooted in community, creativity, and a shared love of music and tradition,' he said.
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The events will run until Sunday, including concerts, street sessions, performances, culminating with the competitions from Friday.
The director of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Labhras O'Murchú, said the Fleadh is 'more than a festival'.
"It is the finest display of who we are as a community and a nation,' he said.
"As we approach the 75th year of Comhaltas, it gives me great pleasure to see the road we have travelled, the great joy our traditions bring to so many people and how they connect us around the world.'
This year's festival will also see a new stage introduced as an initiative run by the Gaelgeoirí, building on the back of last year's success in an area dedicated specifically to the Irish language.
The Seachtain na Gaeilge area based in Selskar is a cultural space where an Ghaeilge will be central to the festival.
The event organiser, Darren Ó Ceallaigh, said: 'everyone is welcome to attend and use their cúpla focal'.
"Everything we have planned will be accessible for everyone, there's no fear of a language barrier, and you absolutely do not have to be fluent to attend our events,' he said.
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