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Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí is set to return to Milltown after a ten-year absence. The local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and committee members returned to their roots for the launch of the event at the weekend drawing inspiration from the ancient portal tomb at nearby Killacloghane. From left, Owen O’Shea, Chairman, Sadhbh, Caoimhe and Cian O’Brien, Celia O’Shea and Ailbhe Horan. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
FLEADH Cheoil Chiarraí is set to return to Milltown after a ten-year absence and the town is already ablaze with preparations for the popular traditional music festival in June 2018.
The local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and committee members returned to their roots for the launch of the event at the weekend to reconnect with the past and draw inspiration from the ancient portal tomb at nearby Killacloghane.
The dolmen on the outskirts of Milltown – which is probably the oldest surviving manmade structure in Ireland and dates from almost 4,000BC – will provide an inspirational thread through the programme for the 2018 Fleadh which will adopt the theme ‘Reconnecting with the Past.’
Preparations for the highlight of the trad calendar in the county are already at an advanced stage as the community prepares to celebrate our rich heritage in traditional music, song, dance and story. The trad extravaganza will run from June 20th to 24th next with events to attract one and all.
The Fleadh will feature competitions, concerts and street entertainment over the five days and organisers are already advising people to look out for surprises as this will be a Fleadh with a difference.
The Milltown-Listry Branch of Comhaltas have an impressive pedigree in hosting major musical events in the county and have attracted many of the biggest names in Irish music to festivals in the mid-Kerry town.
Fleadh Chairman, Owen O’Shea said: “We have brought the likes of The Chieftains, Liam O’Maonlaoí, Donal Lunny, Stockton’s Wing, Beoga and the Kilfenora Ceilí Band to Kerry audiences in the past so expect a top-class line up in June. Details of specific events and performers will be revealed over the coming months so look out for details,” he said.
Fundraising is now underway. A fun table quiz will take place in Larkins Bar, Milltown on December 1.
“It will be the first of six quizzes in local hostelries on the first Friday of each month between now and June,” said Owen. “Teams of four will be €40 a table and we have a special discount rate if you want to enter a team for all six nights. Come on your own if you like and we’ll set you up with some friendly locals. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Milltown in to light up the trad scene in Kerry next summer.”
Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí is supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Kerry and West Limerick Credit Unions. Committee members include: Owen O’Shea (Chairman), Vincent Prendergast (Vice-chairman), Claire Cosgrove (Secretary) Amanda Howe (Assistant Secretary), Celia O’Shea, Maurice Guilfoyle and Sheila Hurley (Treasurers), John Stack and Chris Horan (PROs) along with officers of the Kerry County Board of Comhaltas. For news and updates follow @MilltownCCE and www.kerrycomhaltas.com
