The Letterkenny branch of Comhaltas has announced plans to host the County Fleadh Cheoil in May 2022.
Whether it’s in person or online, it is hoped that the worst of the pandemic has passed to allow for great celebrations of culture and heritage.
“Is Feidir Linn” was the attitude at the County AGM in December when the Letterkenny agreed to bring the event back to the streets.
Joseph Gibson County Fleadh Chairman said: “If the Pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that given a chance our music song and dance will spring forth.”
Branch Chairperson, Jean Curran says; “Bringing the County Fleadh to Letterkenny is a wonderful opportunity for the town to showcase what it has to offer. Bars, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets and hotels will cater for our visitor’s every need; and should make their stay in Letterkenny, whether long or short, a really enjoyable one.”
Craobh Leitir Ceanainn: Jean Curran chairperson, Majella McCarron secretary, and Seamus Gibson treasurer
Most of you will know what the Fleadh is and will have attended or happened across one or two over the years, you may even recall the All Ireland Fleadh which was hosted in Letterkenny in 2005/2006, but for those of you who don’t; The Fleadhanna are run by an organisation known as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann or CCÉ, their main objective is the promotion and preserving of Irish traditions. Everything; Ceol, Sean-nos singing and dancing, the language, céilí dancing and bands, marching bands, sessions and so on. It is a requirement that a Fleadh committee should do its utmost to include and showcase all aspects of the traditions.
Which is why it’s fantastic news that the Fleadh makes a welcome return to Letterkenny this year.
Here’s what to look forward to:
The County Fleadh is set to take place in Letterkenny on the 6th, 7th and 8th of May. There will be a Céilí on the Friday night in the Bonagee hall, concerts and sessions taking place throughout the weekend at various locations inside and out, and competitions taking place on Saturday and Friday.
We are delighted to team up with the LYIT and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on their achieving University status.
We invite all competitors young and old to dust off their instruments and put their talent to the ultimate test. Be it solos, duets, trios, Grupaí ceol etc. most of these competitions will take place on the Saturday in the LYIT from 10am to 6pm. If you wish to enter a competition you must submit an entry form six weeks before the competition, in this case that’s the 31st of March. Entry forms can be downloaded online at www.Comhaltas.ie and sent to fleadhlk@gmail.com. Also, given that it has been 2 years since Fleadhs have taken place we would like to remind all competition winners in possession of trophies that they must be returned by them to the county treasurer before the end of March to allow time for Caitriona Lagan and Dalan Davies to complete the cleaning.
If you would like to come along and watch the competitions or any event in particular, a program of events will be available sometime in April or you can follow us on social media just search @fleadh.lk or Comhaltas Letterkenny.
“Tá ár gCraobh ag súil Fleadh Dhún na nGall a óstáil agus tá muid muiníneach go mbainfidh gach duine sult as an deireadh seachtaine” said Jean.
Sessions are already bursting at the seams as the appetite for live music and entertainment is back, bigger than ever. Letterkenny Gaels and Líonra Leitir Ceanainn had a wonderful session for kids and all ages in the Silver Tassie on Sunday. We at Comhaltas are delighted to team up with them to help run more sessions (next session 13th of March 4pm The Silver Tassie). “Bhí lúcháir orainn bheith ar ais arís sa Silver Tassie le ceol agus comhluadar den scoth. Seo a chronaigh muid uainn le dhá bhliain anuas.”
Yvonne McGinley and Emma Best enjoying the T.C.T. in the Market Square
Joseph GIbson the student in sync with his tutor Seamus Gibson and Cora Murray on Bodhran
We at Letterkenny Comhaltas recognise that our young members have missed so much during the pandemic, with missing lessons, sessions and socialising with peers etc. So, in an effort to help the young musicians of the town we are delighted to announce that a fully funded Grupaí Cheoil will be set up for those young members. Places are limited and are targeted to the 12 -15 age bracket, we hope to be able to expand but for now, our goal is to establish one group first. Rehearsals will take place once every 2 weeks and will be free to successful applicants, the group will have the good fortune of being guided by the steady and talented hands of Yvonne McGinley, pictured above, Entry application details will be posted on our social media in the coming days.
There will be a public meeting on Monday the 21st in Letterkenny at 7pm should you like to attend, please email fleadhlk@gmail.com for more details.
“Hosting the County Fleadh, and making a success of it, is the first step on the road to bringing back the All Ireland Fleadh. The town of Letterkenny and the people within, proved 17 years ago that we are well capable to host such a prestigious event in the Irish calendar and while the All Ireland has grown substantially since then, I believe we have too. Is Feidir Linn,” Joseph Gibson County Fleadh Chairman.
