11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford man honoured with prestigious award at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
John Furlong from Kilmuckridge was awarded for his contributions to traditional music in Ireland, most notably for helping to establish a Comhaltas group in Kilmuckridge in 1960, and for his involvement with Summer Seisiún in various locations in Wexford since 1973.
Labhrás Ó Murchú, Director-General of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and President Attracta Brady presented John with the award. John's family, children and grandchildren were all in attendance to support John on his big evening.
During his acceptance speech, John thanked those for recognising his work over the years. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply honoured and am pleased to be on this podium this evening…this is one position that I definitely never would have thought I would be in' he said.
During his acceptance speech, John referred to a popular quote from former president John F Kennedy.
'Take not what you can do for yourself but do what you can for your country I would have to live a long time before I could ever try to get near repaying what Comhaltas done for me.
'People don't realise the wonderful work Comhaltas have done for music because when you think back to the 65 years,' John added.
Deirdre Doran, John's daughter said the night went great, and there was a fantastic turnout from the family to support John. 'It was a lovey night altogether.'
She also said John's family joined him on stage after the presentation to perform for the audience as a family unit, which she said was really nice. 'We all joined him on stage, all his family and grandchildren played some music and then he sang some songs.'
Deirdre praised her father's work for traditional music in Wexford and said he is very modest and humble when it comes to the great work he has done for the trad community. 'It was a great honour. It was nice to see all his work recognised.
'He's been in Comhaltas for 65 years now, so it was really nice to see his contribution being recognised by Comhaltas,' she added.
Deirdre praised the citation speech made about her father before they presented him with the award. During the citation, John was praised for his long term contributions to traditional music for touring with Comhaltas all around Ireland, Britain and North America.
He was described as a legend back then, where people remembered his infectious personality in addition to his singing. John was labelled a 'proud Wexford man, a proud Wexford singer, a proud Comhaltas singer and proud Irish man.'
The presentation also said it was more than fitting for John to receive the prestigious Bardic award in Wexford, with the company of his family.
Bardic awards are presented annually during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and aim to honour exceptional musicians and singers who have made unique contributions to Irish traditional music.
