4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Thousands descend on Wexford as President Michael D Higgins and Anthony Kearns open Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Last year, Wexford hosted the largest ever Fleadh, smashing the previous record held by Mullingar and the early signs are that the size and number of people attending this Fleadh will even larger
Despite the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann only being just a few hours old, thousands of people, young and old and from every corner of Ireland gathered on Wexford's quayfront on Sunday, as the festival was launched at the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig stage, by President Michael D Higgins, who gave one of his last landmark speeches, as his 14-year term comes to a close.
The day got off to a great start with Ceoltóirí na Sláine performing The Paddy Berry Suite. They are a teenage traditional Irish music orchestra which was set up by Barbara Walsh and Shelly O'Grady to coincide with Wexford town being chosen to host the Fleadh in 2024. 75 young musicians from different Comhaltas branches in Wexford came together in a non-competitive way to showcase their talent.
