Latest news with #Fleadh
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Full steam ahead for Fleadh Cheoil 2025 as Wexford aims to attract 700,000 visitors
Wexford People Today at 19:00 It was an altogether quiet affair this year as Wexford County Council hosted information evenings around Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at its headquarters. Last year's information sessions, taking place in the backdrop of a local election campaign, proved a lot more contentious, even sparking a war of words between sitting councillors and election hopefuls. It also saw a much larger attendance, with the Wexford public not fully aware of what to expect from the town hosting the Fleadh. Following last year's meeting, some took to social media to call the planning of the massive event as 'a farce', expressing concerns that residents in the likes of Crossabeg and Castlebridge would be left stranded and that people would be unable to access GP and hospital services. However, such apprehensions seem to have fizzled in the wake of the success of last year's event and this year's information sessions saw only around 30 business owners and 15 town residents attend the information meeting over the course of a day at county hall. "I think in general, everyone was pretty happy with how things went last year," Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said. "There were a few minor suggestions and tweaks put forward by those in attendance and we hope to address those in the weeks ahead.' According to garda estimates, a record-breaking 650,000 people from all over Ireland and the world attended last year's Fleadh Cheoil which was described by Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Labhrás Ó Murchú as 'one of the greatest Fleadhs of all time'. Mr Taaffe confirmed that organisers in Wexford are expecting this year's Fleadh to break attendance records once again. "Generally speaking, on the second year of a town hosting a Fleadh, you factor in an additional 10% in terms of attendance,' he said. 'With that in mind, we think we could push to around 700,000 people over the eight days this year.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Louth Volunteer Centre seeks 300 volunteers for Leinster Fleadh
The fleadh will take place over three days from Wednesday, July, 11 to Friday, July, 13, where Drogheda will welcome thousands of Irish traditional musicians and Irish music enthusiasts from across the province. The Leinster Fleadh is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors, including over 2,000 musicians and competitors for a weekend of concerts, dancing, Fleadh competitions and street entertainment. There will be concerts, competitions, céilís, lively sessions, and Irish language events. Volunteers will play a role in helping to roll out the red carpet for musicians and visitors, both from across Ireland and internationally. The Volunteer Centre has invited seasoned volunteers and those new to the scene to join: 'It is with great pride that we welcome the Leinster Fleadh to Drogheda. This prestigious event celebrates Ireland's rich musical heritage and brings together communities from across the province. 'We can expect unforgettable performances, camaraderie, and the true spirit of traditional Irish music.' Roles will include stewarding and stage support, along with welcoming or directing visitors and helping with family-friendly events. Training will be provided for all volunteers, with no experience needed. Opportunities will include locations in Drogheda town centre and the Ballymakenny Road area of Drogheda. Volunteers will also be given the chance to soak up the atmosphere, with celebrated acts headlining at a gig-rig at Scotch Hall, including: All Folk'd Up; Beartla O Flatharta Ceili Band; and Goitse and Rapscallion. Those interesting in registering can scan the advertised QR codes, call in person to the Louth Volunteer Centre Drogheda Office, or phone the office on: 041 980 9008. Early sign-up is encouraged, as this is set to be a popular event and to allow time for scheduling.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Relief may finally be on the way for areas of Wexford town plagued by water issues
For people living on higher ground in Wexford town in areas such as Whiterock Hill and Mulgannon, issues with water pressure and service interruptions have become part of life. Back in April, things came to a head once again as a creche on Whiterock Hill was forced to close at short notice, leaving 42 families scrambling for alternative childcare, due to the taps having run dry. It's something that residents there were experiencing, on average, twice a month for periods of up to and beyond 24 hours. With frustrations reaching boiling point, Fine Gael councillor Robbie Staples has tentatively provided a positive update and a sign that there may be light at the end of the tunnel. 'I've been engaging with Uisce Éireann on this for quite some time now,' he said. 'Early on, they indicated to me that their pumps on the Fardystown supply were in need of upgrade. "I had correspondence with them during the week and they are now saying that they hope to upgrade the pumps before the Fleadh in August. Nothing is one hundred percent guaranteed and I won't be satisfied until I see the work has actually been carried out, but I'd be hopeful that this work will alleviate some of the long-running issues in these areas.'
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Sligo Fleadh to welcome over 400 talented competitors for plenty of ceol agus craic
This year's Fleadh was officially launched by Junior Minister Marian Harkin at a function in the Mercy College, Sligo, on Saturday evening last. Following an opening address by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Declan Bree, County Board Chairman, Tim Mulcahy, outlined the programme of events for the weekend which includes an opening session at the Riverside Hotel on Friday night and a full programme of competitions on Saturday and Sunday at the Mercy College, with up to 400 competitors taking part. Thanking Minister Harkin for making herself available at short notice, due to a family bereavement of Minister Dara Calleary, he went on to outline the events that Sligo County Board were promoting this year, including Ceol an Gheimhridh and the many local Comhaltas festivals throughout Sligo. Mr. Mulcahy thanked Eamon Scanlon TD, all the elected members that attended and was generous in his praise for the Local Authority and their continuous help and support it gives Comhaltas. He wished all the competitors the best of luck in their endeavours and thanked his fellow County Board officers for all their hard work in preparing for the Fleadh. He also thanked all the volunteers who had committed to help run the Fleadh over the weekend. The evening finished off with some refreshments and some great music from branch members throughout the county. The MC for the night was Bartley Gavin.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as history is made in Kerry village at inaugural Cuimsiú competition
Kerry Comhaltas was proud to introduce Cuimsiú – the Irish word for 'inclusion' – a new competition designed specifically for performers with a disability or additional needs. 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. Following the event in Causeway on Saturday, Catrina spoke to The Kerryman about it went and she revealed that it was an absolutely amazing event, as well as a little bit emotional. "It was electric. It was just phenomenal. For me too, it was a powerful and emotional experience and it actually was much bigger than a competition that showcases talent. It was really about creating a space where everyone, regardless of their ability could express themselves through music and song. It really was just an amazing day,' she said. Going on, Catrina explained how the Cuimsiú committee set up a quiet room for the competitors to use before the competitions if they wished. A support person was also present was with the competitor though out the day. Some competitions requested an audience while others requested no audience. The success of this year's Cuimsiú competition Catrina added, would not have been possible without the support and co-operation between Kerry Comhaltas and DSI an organisation committed to supporting children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. As this was the inaugural Cuimsiú competition, Catrina said that was a learning opportunity for all and while this first Cuimsiú competition was confined to the county, she said that she Kerry Comhaltas hope to build on its success and it is hoped that this innovative idea will be taken to provincial and nationwide level, in the near future. She also took the time to praise the team of volunteers it took make the Cuimsiú competition a reality. Without the competitors there would be no competition so a huge thanks to all the competitors who took part to make this Cuimsiú competition a reality. Each competitor has since been invited to perform at the upcoming International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium which is on in Munster Technological University in June. Following this they will attend the 2025 GRADAM inclusion awards ceremony on Monday 4 August 2pm in Wexford County Council Offices where they will perform together at the All Ireland Fleadh.
