THE Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí returns to Tralee this week after a two year absence due to COVID restrictions.
All dancing competitions will be held on the June 11/12 at MTU and Dúchas Comhaltas Centre, Tralee. All other competitions will be held on June 18/19 at the same venues.
Other events happening include a Friday night Céilí on June 10 at Dúchas Comhaltas Centre at MTU.
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There’s a Window Display Competition running for Tralee businesses from June 11-19. A Traditional Singers Club will take place at the Na Gaeil GAA Clubhouse on Thursday, June 16.
KERRY CCÉ should be celebrating our annual Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí this weekend in Milltown, but as with other major festivals in Kerry it had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis.
However, a virtual Fleadh will take place all next weekend and Kerry CCÉ have put together a very comprehensive programme of events.
Over 70 videos of last year’s prizewinners will be posted over the weekend from musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers who won county titles last year and also those who won Munster and All Ireland titles.
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On Friday evening they will start posting videos from 4pm to 7pm and at 8.30pm they will host an online family quiz.
On Saturday they will be uploading last year’s prizewinners from 11am to 5pm and after a brief sos will be back at 7pm with special guests including Mike Jack Cronin of Fossa CCÉ followed by Réaltaí na Todhchaí.
A group of young musicians who have come together online to perform for this unique event.
The following members of the group are Grace Heffernan and Daibhín Laide Ballydonoghue/Lisselton CCE Conor Brennan and Sarah Murphy Lixnaw CCE, Michael Healy Kilcummin and Colleen Angland Glenflesk.
These will be followed by The Neville sisters from Ballylongford who will be singing for us. In their last performance they received over 10,000 views on social media.
Neart na nÓige a talented group of Aideen Quinlan Lixnaw CCÉ, Grace Angland Glenflesk CCÉ, Kirill Healy Kilcummin CCÉ and Ruby Falvey and Hamish O’Carroll Ballydonoghue/Lisselton will perform a special piece, after coming together online to form this group.
Finishing off Saturday night’s entertainment is Sharon Shannon who was due to be part of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí to be held in Milltown.
Proceedings will kick off on Sunday from 11am to 5pm with more of last year’s prizewinners. They will return at 7pm with more special guests to end this year’s Kerry CCE Virtual Fleadh Cheoil.
Included in Sunday evening’s entertainment will be a senior group of All Ireland winning musicians Ali Cahill, Katie Purcell, Aoife Trench, Kevin O’Neill, Tom Trench and Conor Heaphy.
They will be followed by last year’s All Ireland winning storyteller, Sonny Egan of Lixnaw CCE. Last year’s Street Entertainers winners, the Evans Family will follow and Kerry CCE County secretary Karen Trench will also entertain.
Anne and Nickie McAuliffe from Castleisland will perform a piece written by Nickie himself.
Aoife Murphy and Paul Doyle from Lixnaw CCÉ will be joined Aibhín O’Neill, Emma Heffernan, Caoimhe Laide, and Leona Sheehy Ballydonoghue/Lisselton CCÉ Strings and musicians from the Ballydonoghue/Lisselton and Lixnaw branches will entertain.
This is followed by Uí Bhriain Ceilí band to finish of our weekend. You can join them on Facebook @fleadhcheoil.chiarrai and on Youtube @ Kerry CCÉ
.Fleadh quiz winners in Faha Court Bar, from left: Turlough O’Brien,with winners Kate Landers, Liz Williams and Andrew Pigott, with Louise O’Shea, and back, Fleadh 2020 Chairman Vincent Prendergast with winning team member Adrian Williams.
PREPARATIONS are continuing in Milltown for the County Fleadh, which takes place in the mid-Kerry town in June and all are invited to The Plough Bar in Milltown for a quiz on Friday, February 28, at 8.30.
PRO Chris Horan said that Fleadh quizzes are known to be a great night out and similar quiz was held recently in the Faha Court Bar.
“It will be great fun, with novelty rounds and great spot prizes, and we always provide something different, so save the date.”
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Chairman Vincent Prendergast reminds the public to keep June 17th to 21st in mind for some fantastic free entertainment for all ages.
“We are planning a program of free family entertainment for the weekend, and intend to spend over €12,000 on top international traditional acts as well as locally based talent. We want to celebrate our traditions in a way that’s accessible to everyone,” he said.
The committee will be announcing their headline acts for this festival of trad in Milltown in the coming weeks.
.Fleadh 2020 Chairman Vincent Prendergast, with commitee members Sarah Clinton, Louise O’Shea and Tricia Bennett, inviting you all to the Faha Court Quiz in aid of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí, Milltown 2020.
THE organisers of 2020 Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí are organising a table quiz in Listry for the end of the month to help with the cost of putting on the great entertainment.
The Faha Court Bar in Listry is the venue for the quiz at 8.30pm on Friday, January 31. Vincent Prendergast, Fleadh 2020 chairman explains “the Fleadh is back in Milltown for the third year in a row, and the full line up for the free outdoor music will be revealed in the coming weeks.”
“The Milltown Listry branch of Comhaltas have organised the two previous fleadhanna and provided over €10,000 worth of free family entertainment each year. This year will be no exception with more fantastic events throughout the fleadh.”
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The previous two years in Milltown saw appearances from Stockton’s Wing and Kila, both global traditional acts, and 2020 will see another world renowned act headline the on-street free entertainment.
There will also be a full programme of free family events over the weekend. Fleadh PRO Chris Horan added “beat the winter blues with a great night in Faha Court, with novelty rounds, spot prizes and something special for the winners. Join us on the 31st at 8:30 for a great night of fun!”
.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.
THE renowned trad act Kíla is coming to Milltown to headline the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí Street Music Festival on June 22, as part of a huge range of free entertainment over the five days of the fleadh.
Kila have played all over the world, and, while rooted in tradition, they are inspired by a myriad of musical influences worldwide. The BBC described Kila as “one of the most beautifully euphoric live experiences”, while Bono remarked “you get the feeling Kila lit the fuse for the big bang!”, after seeing them live.
Kila play on the Gig Rig, the open air stage in the square in Milltown. Ronán O’Snodaigh is no stranger to Milltown, having headlined with Liam O’Maonlaoi at the World Bodhrán Championships in 2010.
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The Fleadh organising committee are thrilled to welcome Kila.
“We work hard to promote traditional music and Kila are a perfect act for this year. Our 2019 fleadh theme of “lighting up tomorrow with trad” is encapsulated by everything Kila do”, said PRO Chris Horan.
“Kila are a 21st century trad. group, exploring new avenues of music from all over the world. Though very much steeped in Irish musical traditions, Kila filter influences from all”, added Fleadh Chairman Vincent Prendergast.
Kila headline the Saturday night street music, and will be supported by local groups, with music from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The fleadh opens on Wednesday, June 19 and that night will feature the “Singing Club”. Competitions will run throughout the week in the Nagle Rice Community Hall and the Presentation Secondary School.
Thursday night will include sessions in local bars, and Friday night will see the return of The Shandrum Ceili Band for the first of two open-air ceilidh.
Saturday will feature Kila and local acts, while Sunday will be a day-long family day of music and kids’ entertainment.
The ‘Denis Courtney Street Entertainment Competition’ will run during the early afternoon throughout Milltown and novelty acts will be at large also. Uí Bhriain will play from 3 to 6 for the Sunday Ceili and the “Spin City” fairground will be in Milltown all week.
.Dingle Druid, Juli Ní Mhaoileoin performed the opening ceremony at the tomb. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
A UNIQUE cultural celebration of the Summer Solstice at the iconic 6,000 year-old Killaclohane Portal Tomb near Milltown took place last night and they had wonderful weather for it.
A highlight of this year’s Kerry Fleadh Cheoil which takes place in the mid-Kerry town this week, it saw a large crowd gather for the open air event against the majestic backdrop of Dingle Bay and the Sliabh Mish Mountains.
With a range of music from across the centuries, dramatic percussion, poetry, song, a Solstice bonfire and a druidic ceremony, the event at Killaclohane — thought to be the oldest known man made structure in Kerry and perhaps in Ireland — invoked the spiritual connections with the Neolithic Age and draws on the theme of ‘Reconnecting with the Past.’
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.Bonfire blazes near the tomb. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
The event opened with a recitation and harp music from father and daughter, Chris and Aoibhe Horan and featured a blessing ceremony with the Dingle Druid, Juli Ní Mhaoileoin as well as the lighting of a Solstice Bonfire with percussive rhythms from Drum Dance Ireland.
Uileann piper Barry Lynch and harpist Reidun Schlesinger performed some of the ancient music of Ireland and a group of local musicians will played the tunes they listened and danced to in mid-Kerry a century ago.
Sliabh Luachra poet, Eileen Sheehan recited some of her work and singer, Joan Greene celebrated the different international Solstice traditions from around the world.
Of course the ideal weather conditions at the ancient burial place made for some wonderful photos and who better to take them than award-winning photographer, Valerie O’Sullivan. Scroll down for photos…
Musicians performing at the ceremony. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.Roisin Guethe..enjoying the Unique Kerry Solstice open air ceremony at Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanHappy Birthday… Celia O’Shea, serenaded by Joan Greene, given a surprise Birthday bouquet by her Husband Owen O’Shea, Chairman Fleadh Cheoil Milltown, at Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.Ken O’Neill, Landowner, lighting the fires at the open air ceremony at Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanSolstice Bonfire was ablaze with the entrance of percussive rhythms from Drum Dance Ireland. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.Joan Greene celebrated in song the different international Solstice ceremonies from around the world. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanAncient Music…Harpist Reidun Schlesinger, performing at the open air ceremony at Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanFiddle Player Kieran Kelliher listening to the performers, at the open air ceremony at Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan.Musician Paul Sexton at the Kerry Solstice open air ceremony at Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo: Valerie O’SullivanPhoto: Valerie O’Sullivan.
.Dingle Druid, Juli Ní Mhaoileoin, centre, with Urs Wenk, Dance Drum Ireland, Joan Greene, Singer, Aoibhe Horan, Harpist and Poet Eileen Sheehan at the Killaclohane Portal Tomb. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
A unique cultural celebration of the Summer Solstice at the iconic 6,000 year-old Killaclohane Portal Tomb near Milltown promises to be a special highlight of this year’s Kerry Fleadh Cheoil which takes place in the mid-Kerry town this week.
The organisers are holding an open-air celebration at the portal tomb on 21st June, the longest day of the year, against the majestic backdrop of Dingle Bay and the Sliabh Mish Mountains.
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This occasion is the centre-piece of the five-day, family-friendly festival with a fantastic program of entertainment. New research by County Archaeologist Michael Connolly has revealed the ancient burial place to be the oldest known man made structure in Kerry and perhaps in Ireland.
“Having a monument of such historical and cultural significance in the locality has inspired our theme for the 2018 Fleadh, which is ‘Reconnecting with the Past’, drawing inspiration from the deep-rooted traditions we share. This idea is at the heart of the Comhaltas organisation”, explained event Chairman Owen O’Shea.
With a range of music from across the centuries, dramatic percussion, poetry, song, a Solstice bonfire and a druidic ceremony, the event at Killaclohane invokes the spiritual connections with the Neolithic Age and draws on the theme of ‘Reconnecting with the Past.’ Featuring some of Kerry’s best musicians and performers, the event at the portal tomb will seek to connect with the cultural heritage of the area over the millennia.
The event will open with a recitation and harp music from father and daughter, Chris and Aoibhe Horan and will feature a blessing ceremony with the Dingle Druid, Juli Ní Mhaoileoin as well as the lighting of a Solstice Bonfire with percussive rhythms from Drum Dance Ireland.
Uileann piper Barry Lynch and harpist Reidun Schlesinger will perform some of the ancient music of Ireland and a group of local musicians will play the tunes they listened and danced to in mid-Kerry a century ago.
Sliabh Luachra poet, Eileen Sheehan will recite some of her work and singer, Joan Greene will celebrate the different international Solstice traditions from around the world.
‘The tomb is set against one of the most spectacular backdrops in Kerry – Caherconree Promontory Fort, the mouth of the River Maine and the Dingle Peninsula. It has to be seen to be believed. The event will be suitable for all ages and we will keep everyone well fed with a pig on a spit. We’ll finish with a grand finale involving all the performers as the sun sets over the historic site,’ added Owen.
The event begins at 8pm on 21st June and there is a €10 admission fee for over-16s. As there is no parking on site, those attending will be transported from the Mid-Kerry Mart car park to the site on a free shuttle bus.
Attendees are advised to arrive and park up early from 7pm. Toilet facilities and limited seating will be available and everyone should be dressed appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. Enquiries to fleadh2018@hotmail.com
Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí, hosted by Milltown-Listry Comhaltas Branch takes place in Milltown from 20th to 24th June and will feature free open-air performances from Stockton’s Wing, All-Ireland champions, the Shandrum Céilí Band, a Sunday céilí with Uí Bhriain, family fun and frolics, Spin City Funfair, competitions, sessions, a street entertainment competition and lots more. Follow @MilltownCCE and @Kerrycomhaltas for more information.
ACCLAIMED trad/folk group Stockton’s Wing will return to Milltown after 20 years to play during the upcoming County Fleadh Cheoil.
When Milltown-Listry Comhaltas hosted their first County Fleadh Cheoil in Milltown in 1998, a live open-air performance by the trad supremos was the undoubted highlight.
Now, 20 years later, they return to the Fleadh in Milltown with a special open-air concert on the Gig Rig on Saturday, June 23 at 9.00pm.
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The six-strong line-up for the concert performance includes Mike Hanrahan (vocals and guitar), Paul Roche (flute and tin whistle), Tommy Hayes (percussion, bodhrán, spoons), Tara Breen (fiddle), Paul McSherry (guitar) and Karol Lynch (banjo and mandolin).
Following the critical success of their reunion tour to celebrate 40 years of Stocktons Wing in 2017 the band are continuing to wow audiences.
A new song written by Mike Hanrahan ‘We had it all’ was released in May 2018, the first Stockton’s Wing release for many years and plans are in place to record a new CD before the end of the year.
“To be hosting such an internationally renowned group as this is a great coup for the Fleadh,” said festival chairman, Owen O’Shea. “We had the honour of introducing Stockton’s Wing to the stage way back in 1998 and to have them back 20 years on makes it a very special anniversary milestone for the Fleadh in Milltown and the band itself.
“We decided to have the performance on the Gig Rig in the Square and free of charge to bring the very special Stockton’s Wing experience to the masses. This has been thanks to the very warm generosity of the local business community and sponsors from further afield who have made this wonderful concert possible,” said Owen.
Stockton’s Wing began their career in Ennis sometime in 1977 with Kieran Hanrahan on banjo, mandolin and harmonica, Paul Roche on Flute and whistle, Maurice Lennon on fiddle, Tommy Hayes on bodhrán, spoons and bones and Tony Callinan on guitar and vocals.
The name Stockton’s Wing came from a Bruce Springsteen song, ‘Backstreets’ from the album ‘Born to Run’ (‘Slow dancing on a moonlit street at Stockton’s Wing, where desperate lovers park to meet the last of the Duke Street Kings‘)
The group’s hit, ‘Beautiful Affair’ was voted into the top 75 songs in the history of RTÉ radio, and Today FM voted the song no. 7 in a top 20 all time poll of Irish songs.
.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
.Clodagh and Josephine Murphy and Kalin Foley at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
FIVE days of trad music and dance kicked off last night with a concert to mark the start of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí.
It was very much a family affair as nine families from around the county took to the stage in the Rose Hotel for an event which was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
Comhaltas and trad music associations in Ireland and all over the world were contacted and they were able to enjoy the music and dance as well as the official opening by Tadhg Ó Maolcatha, Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Na Mumhan.
There will be a host of live music on the streets of Tralee from now until Sunday and Tralee people and businesses are invited to make the most of it.
“We want people to come out and enjoy the entertainment on offer. A lot of work has gone into this and we want to thank our sponsors Chapter 23 of the Credit Union as well as Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kerry Group, JRI America, Lee Strand and Tralee vintners,” said John Stack, PRO of Kerry Comhaltas.
For the full programme of events click here. Scroll down for photos…
Anne Courtney, Shannan Howe, Cora Lee Howe, Rebecca Howe, Denis Courtney, Katie Howe and Amanda Howe at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean.Danielle and Melissa O’Riordan at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanAoife O’Sullivan, Katie O’Sullivan, Geraldine Guilgoyle and Maurice Guilfoyle at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Canty and Tadhg Ó Maolcatha at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanMary Casey, Mary Yallop, Mary O’Regan and Karen Trench at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí on Wednesday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
.(click to enlarge) The committee and well wishers of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2017 at the launch of the event at The Ashe Hotel two weeks ago. Photo by Dermot Crean
TRALEE will be awash with trad musicians over the next five days as the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí comes to town for the second year in a row.
The event is set to be a big economic boost to the town with thousands of visitors over the rest of the week.
It all starts tonight with the official opening in the The Rose with a concert featuring top class musicians from all parts of Kerry.
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Other highlights include street entertainment throughout, an outdoor céilí in the Square on Friday night, music in pubs and a closing ceremony with music in the Square on Sunday night.
Of course there’ll be loads of competitions taking place in various venues. Scroll down to see the programme for the next five days.
Dé Céadaoin – Wednesday May 17th
8pm Official Opening in Rose Hotel.
Opening by Tadhg O’Maolcatha Cathaoirleach Comhairle na Mumhan
Followed by Family Performance Concert with Special Guests
Special Guest Dick Beamish will MC the Concert
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Déardaoin – Thursday May 18th
4pm Céilí & Set Dancing Competitions – Mount Brandon Hotel
7pm – 8.30pm Street Entertainment – The Square
9pm Singing Club – The Blasket, Castle Street
Dé hAoine – Friday May 19th
4pm Céilí & Set Dancing Competitions – Mount Brandon Hotel
5pm Sean Nós Dancing Competitions – Mount Brandon Hotel
5pm – 7pm Street Entertainment competition – Various Venues
7.30pm Winners of Street Entertainment announced followed by Performance of winning group – The Square
8pm – 10.30pm Outdoor Céilí with Neily O’Connor – The Square
A LARGE crowd gathered at The Ashe Hotel on Friday night to launch Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí.
The event takes place in Tralee between May 17 to May 21 and it promises to be a nice tourism and economic boost to the town, as it was last year.
The committee and well wishers of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2017 at the launch of the event at The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Friday was a lovely night of entertainment and refreshments following months of hard work and preparation.
The official opening will be held in the Rose Hotel Tralee on Wednesday May 17th with a concert featuring top class musicians from all parts of Kerry.
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Kerry Comhaltas thanked sponsors Chapter 23 Credit Union, Tralee vintners, Tralee Chamber Alliance and all shops and businesses for supporting us to run this event.
There will be two outdoor ceilís held in the Square, on Friday 19, 8pm and on Sunday 21, 3pm and plenty of entertainment on stage in the Square over the weekend.
For all information on events check www.kerrycomhaltas.ie, fleadhcheoilchiarraí and kerryccé facebook pages.
.Katie Ross and Orla Murphy at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel back on May 22. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was great news for the town this afternoon as it’s been announced that it will once again host the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí next year.
This year’s event back in May was a huge success and brought thousands of people to the town over the five days of concerts, sessions and competitions, creating a huge economic and cultural boost for Tralee.
At last night’s meeting of Kerry County Board of Comhaltas held in the Brandon Hotel, an application from Tralee CCE on behalf of the four branches who hosted this years event Tralee CCE, Sliabh Mish CCE, Naomh Breandain CCE and Lixnaw CCE to host Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2017 was accepted and passed at last night’s Monthly meeting.
The dates for Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2017 to be held in Tralee were confirmed for May 18 to May 21.
.Tony O’Connor and Melissa O’Riordan at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí took place at the Rose Hotel last night, kicking off four days of competitions and entertainment in town.
Thousands of contestants and trad music lovers are expected in town until Sunday with a host of sessions on the streets and concerts in the evenings.
Last night’s official opening was followed by ‘Comóradh 1916’ which was enthusiastically received by the large audience present.
The programme for the Fleadh Cheoil can be viewed below or by clicking here and scroll down for more photos
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Déardaoin – Thursday May 19th
Céilí & Set Dancing Competitions – Scoil Eoin Balloonagh from 4pm.
Sean Nós Dancing Competition Scoil Eoin Balloonagh @ 5pm.
Street Entertainment by 4 Host Branches, 7pm – 8.30pm.
Singing Club 9pm in The Grand Hotel.
Dé hAoine – Friday May 20th
Céilí & Set Dancing Competitions Scoil Eoin Balloonagh from 4pm.
Sean Nós Dancing Competitions Scoil Eoin Balloonagh from 4pm.
Street Entertainment 6.30pm – 8pm.
Céilí with Uí Bhriain 8pm – 10.30pm.
Dé Sathairn – Saturday May 21st
Competitions – IT South Campus from 10am.
Competitions – Scoil Eoin Balloonagh from 3.30pm.
Street Entertainment 12pm – 6pm.
Trad Band “No Strings Attached” 6pm – 8pm.
Trad Band “Seven Glens” 8pm – 10pm.
Dé Domhnaigh – Sunday May 22nd
Aifreann Tradisiúnta ag a 9 a chlog í Séipéal Naomh Eoin.
Competitions – Scoil Eoin Balloonagh from 10.30am.
Competitions – IT South Campus from 11.00am.
Street Entertainment 12 – 2pm.
Comóradh 1916 2pm – 3pm.
Céilí with Johnny Reidy Céilí Band 3pm – 6pm.
Closing Music with Host Branches 6pm – 8pm.
Shelley Ní Eidhin at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Katie Ross and Orla Murphy at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tony Ó hEidhin and Laura Ní Eidhin at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Eileen Daly, Sliabh Mish Comhaltas, John Canty, Causeway and Eileen O’Connor, Kilcummin at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPádraig Mac Fhearghusa, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Pat McCarthy and Donie Ó Suilleabháin at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMusicians rehearsing before the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanLaura Ní Eidhin rehearsing before the opening of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí at the Rose Hotel on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.At the launch of Fleadh Cheoil Kerry 2016 at The Ashe Hotel on Saturday night were, from left: Richard Casey, Mary O’Sullivan, Mary O’Regan, John Long (Chairman Chapter 23 Irish League of Credit Union), Cllr Thomas McEllistrim (Mayor of Tralee), Marian Barnes, Margaret McGrath and Kathleen McDonagh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE launch of Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2016 took place on Saturday night last in the Ashe Hotel Tralee.
The event takes place in Tralee this year for the first time since 1979 and the town can expect an influx of around 7,000 visitors over the five days, from Wednesday, May 18 to Sunday, May 22. The committee and helper are working tirelessly to make sure this will be a memorable one for the county town.
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Following the official launch on Saturday and words by vice chairman Seán Seosamh Ó Conchubhair, a great night of music, song, dance, food and chat was enjoyed by all.
The Fleadh official opening will be held in the Rose Hotel Tralee on Wednesday, May 18 at 8pm and all are invited to a night of entertainment and celebration including a ‘Comóradh 1916’ performance followed by plenty of traditional music song and dance.
For all programme details log onto www.kerrycomhaltas.ie and fleadhcheoilchiarraí Facebook page.
THE Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí returns to Tralee this week after a two year absence due to COVID restrictions.
