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Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Kerry Fleadh Cheoil to feature new competition for people with disabilities or additional needs
This year's Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí will, for the first time ever, feature a competition for people with disabilities or additional needs. The inaugural 'Cuimsiú' (inclusion) competition will take place this Saturday, May 24, at 1pm at Causeway Secondary School, and some performances will be open to the public. The idea for Cuimsiú was first raised by Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, the runaí, or secretary, of Kerry CCÉ — Kerry County Board of Comhaltas — as a way to promote participation and enjoyment of traditional Irish music for everyone in Co Kerry. A subcommittee comprising of Ms Uí Ifearnáin, Geraldine Guilfoyle, Alannah Kissane Casey, Martina O'Neil and Gerard O'Carroll was then set up to develop the idea further, and to oversee the event itself. The organisers say the Cuimsiú, which is being supported by Down Syndrome Ireland, is "a learning opportunity for everyone". "The Cuimsiú competition is confined to the county, however, Kerry Comhaltas hope to build on its success and it is hoped this innovative idea will be taken to provincial and all-Ireland level. "A huge thanks to all Comhaltas members for supporting this initiative. Ni neart go cur le chéile," they added. Lorcan Harnett, who will play his accordion at the event. Among those taking part in the Cuimsiú are Lorcan Harnett of Glenflesk Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), who plays the button accordion. "I have been playing since I was 10 years old. The fleadh for me is about playing music and making new friends," he said. "I am very excited to play in the Kerry Fleadh because I love playing my accordion." For concertina player Fiachna Ó Brosnacháin, the fleadh is "about showing what you can do in singing and music". Fiachna, who has been playing his instrument for five years, says though he is "very nervous" to play and sing in front of people he doesn't know, he is still looking forward to the day. 20-year-old Laura Dillane, Ballydonoghue Lisselton CCÉ, says she is also looking forward to the competition. The concertina player says she is "proud to be able to partake in the Kerry Fleadh, proud of my local branch of Comhaltas which is Ballydonoghue Lisselton and proud of the Irish culture of music in Co Kerry, ceol agus craic".
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Causeway prepares for first ever Cuimsiú
Kerry Comhaltas is proud to introduce Cuimsiú—the Irish word for 'inclusion'—a new competition designed specifically for performers with a disability or additional needs. Some elements of the competition will be open to a public audience, offering a special opportunity to celebrate inclusivity in traditional Irish music. The concept of an inclusive Fleadh competition was first proposed by Runaí Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, who recognised the need to expand participation in Irish traditional arts across all communities. The idea was enthusiastically received and unanimously supported by the County Board delegates before being formally ratified in January. A dedicated subcommittee—comprising Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, Geraldine Guilfoyle, Alannah Kissane Casey, Martina O'Neil, and Gerard O'Carroll—was formed to bring the initiative to life. Catrina also sought advice from CCÉ officers in Mayo and Clare, where similar competitions had been successfully held. Numerous local organisations supporting individuals with additional needs were contacted, with the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland responding with strong support. The organisation's Uachtaráin is also now a member of the Cuimsiú subcommittee. This year's event represents an important first step, with the hope that the Cuimsiú competition will expand to provincial and national levels in the future. Kerry Comhaltas expresses its sincere thanks to all members and supporters who have helped make this inclusive initiative a reality. Ní neart go cur le chéile—there is no strength without unity. Those interested in learning more about the Cuimsiú competition are invited to contact Catrina Uí Ifearnáin at 085 1770463 or via email at secretarykerrycce@ This year's competitors include Lorcan Harnett, Aaron Costello, and Laura Dillane.
