The largest traditional music festival in the country has been packing out Mullingar all week with tens of thousands more expected over the coming days, and if you haven’t ever been to a Fleadh Cheoil it might be worth heading down this weekend.
The gig rigs throughout the town showcase music from every quarter of the country – from local Comhaltas branches, to high-profile acts, star performers, and special guests.
Tá @fleadhcheoil 2023 faoi lán seoil sa Mhuileann gCearr, Co. na hIarmhí #Fleadh2023 pic.twitter.com/Fe5lea1u5G
— Freda (@freda_hatton) August 6, 2023
The ‘world’s biggest session’ took place outside the Cathedral yesterday. It was a big crowd, many of whom will have attended Scoil Éigse, the traditional music school run in the week before the competitions take place at the Fleadh this weekend.
World's biggest session @Mullingar_ie as part of the brilliant @fleadhcheoil helping inspire the next generation of musicians #fleadhcheoil #mullingar pic.twitter.com/UEo1Sr1GC0
— Inspiring You (@inspiringyouirl) August 10, 2023
There are sessions in the pubs, on the streets, and in the tea rooms. RnG and RTE are on hand to catch some of the talent, like this lovely performance from father and son.
Ciaran agus Éamon Mac Donncha as Rath Cairn ag seinnt port dúinn ag an @fleadhcheoil pic.twitter.com/aT1cjr9BlA
— Raidió na Gaeltachta (@RTERnaG) August 10, 2023
There was plenty of dancing too:
The craic at the @fleadhcheoil was only mighty this afternoon : so delighted that Joe & Willie and the team who have done such a fantastic job have got good weather . It was beautiful on the streets today in @Mullingar_ie #FleadhnahEireann pic.twitter.com/DfxIRocw5q
— Ciaran Mullooly (@ciaranmullooly) August 7, 2023
Events like the tutor’s concert and the céilí band competition are always hotly anticipated. .
Tonight’s Céilí House – music & song from the Scoil Éigse tutors’ concert @fleadhcheoil in Mullingar with Tara Breen & @padraigrynne Theresa O Grady, Muireann Banks, Maria Lynn McHugh, @Sligoboxmusic @oisinfiddle @GeorgeMcAdam_ more including some Fleadh winners. 9pm @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/dJGl9Merhc
— Kieran Hanrahan (@RTECeiliHouse) August 20, 2022
But its always been the case that behind the high-profile events have been the trojan workers who kept the music alive. One of the key achievements of Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann has been to pass on the music from generation to generation and to organise branches and classes throughout the country where local musicians teach the styles and tunes of the region – and also the seannós or traditional songs.
This short video shows how famed flute-player Peig Ryan (who was still teaching at 94!) was more than just a brilliant musician, she also helped to keep the music alive.
Craobh Pheig Uí Riain CCÉ 🎶 #Fleadh23 @LimerickCCE @Comhaltas
➡️ https://t.co/4uQsnyB85t pic.twitter.com/CeWsI7aW8e
— TradTG4 (@TradTG4) August 10, 2023
Its a week where friendships are forged and tunes learned and songs sung and a whole tribe of musicians and singers meet up with their own.
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