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Great Fun At Fleadh Cheoil In Milltown Over Last Weekend

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Stewart Stevens, John Long, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Niall Kelliher and John Canty at the Fleadh Opening in Milltown.

FLEADH Cheoil Chiarraí was a wonderful family event this year in Milltown, with Sunday’s family fun day a huge success despite the weather.

“The weather actually helped in a way”, said PRO Chris Horan. “All events were moved indoors and brought people together.”

The Denis Courtney Memorial Street Entertainment Competition, remembering a local community leader and former Comhaltas County Chairman, was moved to the Muintir na Tíre Hall.

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Set dancers set the floor alight in Milltown with the Shandrum Ceilí Band.

“The venue brought all the musicians together and joining in was as much part of it as competing”, said MC Owen O’Shea. “This sharing and meeting of young people from all over the county was just what Denis would have loved.” Other Sunday events were “Time to Party” and Cliodhna McCarthy’s Science Fair, which took place in the new Nagle Rice Community Centre.

“The new Presentation School and other local facilities are one of the secret’s of our success”, said Fleadh Committee Chairman, Vincent Prendergast. “Milltown’s central location, our state of the art facilities, as well as the army of volunteers make Milltown a unique location to host events like this.”

Milltown Listry Branch entertain customers at the local Credit Union Branch during the Fleadh in Milltown.

Kila, the main performers, played a high-tempo gig full of their distinctive interpretation of traditional music, and wowed the large crowd who weren’t put off by the unsettled weather.

The audience was rewarded by a beautiful June evening and a truly memorable performance.

Set Dancers were well taken care of at Ceilidh performed by Uí Bhriain and the Shandrum Ceilí Band, both playing to full dance floors.

Winners of the Denis Courtney Memorial Street Entertainment Competition Tadgh, Liam, Olwyn, Ewan and Gearóid Evans receiving their trophy from Ann Courtney and Mary O’Shea, of the local credit union, who sponsored the prize.

An annual highlight for many is the “Singing Club”, hosted this year by Larkin’s Bar and drawing together lovers of traditional song from all over Munster. Treasurer Sheila Hurley was appreciative of the support for the event.

“The fleadh cost over €50,000 and we put €12,000 into free, family entertainment. We are grateful to the many local businesses who supported, as well as Chapter 23 Credit Unions and Kerry County Council. The staff of the local facilities play a huge part in the success also, especially the management of the Presentation Secondary School.”

Spin City funfair provided the thrills all week, and Urs Wenk hosted a percussion workshop for kids, while local bars welcomed traditional musicians to play at this annual gathering of music lovers.

Young musicians gathered to play together in Milltown.