The biggest festival of traditional music in the country started with a bang at the weekend with thousands turning out for the official launch of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford, running from the 4th to 11th of August.
“From the 4th-11th August, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to Wexford! The streets of Wexford town will come alive with traditional Irish music, dance and culture for people of all ages and abilities. Immerse yourself in the irresistible atmosphere,” organisers said.
A huge Gig Rig set up in the town played host to a music-filled launch at 3pm on Sunday, with hundreds of musicians and singers taking part and the crowds were still dancing at nightfall.
Dancing in the rain.
— Phil MacSheoinín (@MacSheoinin_) August 4, 2024
Huge crowd still on Wexford Quay on the opening night of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to the sounds of Polka4. pic.twitter.com/S43ld9BLfh
Take a peek behind the spectacular FLEADH action in Wexford 🇮🇪☘️#visitwexford #FleadhCheoil pic.twitter.com/6I0ShhBTT2
— We Love Ireland (@FollowIreland) August 5, 2024
Pólca 4 - Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 | Loch Garman
— Pólca 4 (@Polca_4) August 5, 2024
📹 Cathal Ó'Loingsigh pic.twitter.com/lpTHa1PtOI
The gig rig will host one hundred and eighty traditional music and singing acts over the eight days of the Fleadh with many young and talented performers playing alongside senior and highly respected musicians attending from every corner of the country.
There are competitions, sessions, marching bands, ceilíthe, recitals, special performances and concerts galore – and a school of music runs all week, with tutors including some local piper and renowned musician Mark Redmond.
Delighted to be teaching again at Scoil Éigse, particularly for its 50th anniversary, made all the more special as it's on (near) home turf! @PresWex @fleadhcheoil @Comhaltas @RTECeiliHouse @visitwexford @wexfordcoco#wexford #fleadh #fleadhcheoil pic.twitter.com/yjfKIgHCLc
— Mark Redmond (@RedmondMr) August 4, 2024
Amongst the special events are the Ard Ollamh, Lifetime Achievement Awards – this year bestowed on local trad hero and famed singer Paddy Berry, and renowned box player Domhnall de Barra – and concerts by the Leo Rowesome Quartet and by popular band, Garadice.
One stand-out event for traditional musicians will be a concert remembering Séamus Mac Mathúna, who was Timire Cheoil with Comhaltas and a key figure in driving the musical revival for more than 50 years. The stellar line-up – described as a Galaxy of Stars – includes the Mulcahy Family, Bríd Harper, Eamonn Cotter, Connie O’Connell, Tom Doorley, Michelle O’Sullivan, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Daire Bracken, Eoin Kenny, Fiontán Ó Meacair, Michéal O Raghallaigh, Clare Walsh, Antóin and Áine Mac Gabhann, and many more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PavFPx_6FGM
f you are a fan of moving live performances, you cannot miss the Séamus MacMathúna tribute concert on August 10th! 🎻🎵
— Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil (@fleadhcheoil) July 31, 2024
Buy your tickets here: https://t.co/sxyThQziQW pic.twitter.com/XcuRnfF9na
“One of the most inspirational events at this year’s programme and a true reflection of this year’s theme, ‘A Fleadh For All’, was the CCÉ Gradam Awards. The awards, which took place [Monday], featured performances from traditional musicians with additional needs,” the Fleadh Committee said.
One of the most inspirational events at this year's programme and a true reflection of this year's theme, "A Fleadh For All," was the CCÉ Gradam Awards. The awards, which took place today, featured performances from traditional musicians with additional needs. pic.twitter.com/6TYULasduh
— Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil (@fleadhcheoil) August 5, 2024
The audience was treated to inspiring performances by passionate musicians and singers, including Brian Cavanagh on the bodhrán, Kevin Kennedy on the banjo, and a stunning duet by singer Annie Greidanus and her mother, Mary.
The Fleadh will also host performances from the Wexford’s Clonroche Traveller Girls Group, who will sing at the Fleadh Dome, the Fleadh TV venue and the Opera House over the course of the festival.
There’s a big focus on Gaeilge too, with a whole week of music and activities around the language including ‘Seisiún na Gaeilge CCÉ’ and a Seachtain na Gaeilge launched in the Opera House today.
Leanann Seachtain na Gaeilge ar aghaidh Dé Máirt le himeachtaí do pháistí. San iarnóinn beidh seoladh oifigiúil Sheachtain na Gaeilge i La Vista ó 4.30pm ar aghaidh. Beidh buaiteoirí Siansa Gael Linn, Allta linn don ocáid. pic.twitter.com/iZHgOwlAvz
— Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil (@fleadhcheoil) August 6, 2024
Wexford welcomes talented artists from across the nation 🇮🇪
— Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil (@fleadhcheoil) August 6, 2024
We’re thrilled to have you here, sharing your incredible talent with us during the Fleadh, bringing the streets to life!
Here’s to unforgettable performances and cherished memories🎻#fleadh24 #fleadhforall #comhaltas pic.twitter.com/YkJUq3t7my
It’s the first time the Fleadh Cheoil has been held in Wexford Town and the excitement is palpable, with thousands of volunteers in Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann and the wider community undertaking trojan work to pull the mammoth event together. Fáilte Ireland remembers a previous Fleadh in Gorey.
“Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest annual festival of Irish traditional music, song and dance. Since its beginnings in Mullingar in 1951, it has represented the culmination of the All-Ireland competition for traditional Irish musicians and bands, singers and dancers and celebrates the very best in Irish culture.
“This year, we’re also pleased to support a fantastic exhibition as part of the Fleadh Fringe events which showcases images from the Bord Fáilte archives of the Gorey fleadh in 1962. You can see a sample of just some of these images below.”
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest annual festival of Irish traditional music, song and dance. Since its beginnings in Mullingar in 1951, it has represented the culmination of the All-Ireland competition for traditional Irish musicians and bands, singers and dancers… pic.twitter.com/HDvBXWT3eg
— Fáilte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) August 2, 2024