Carlow Fleadh Festival

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Ciaran
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Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2003 4:23 pm
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Location: Muine Bheag, Co. Carlow. Ireland

Carlow Fleadh Festival

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FLEADH CHEOIL CHEATHARLACH

People who love traditional music, singing and dancing have always wanted to congregate to share that passion. For many years the fleadh has been that meeting place. Carlow has a proud tradition of hosting energetic and stimulating fleadhanna - county and provincial - over the decades. That work continues!
The County Carlow Fleadh returns to its spiritual home, the picturesque village of Leighlinbridge once again from April 15th-17th 2011. Much effort has been expended to provide the usual standards of concerts, workshops, céilis, session trails, and competitions but this year the net will widen to incorporate some new and exciting ideas.

FRIDAY
The fleadh opens on Friday 15th with a novel presentation that will delight and entertain. Cór na nDéise is a group of male singers and musicians from that hotbed of tradition, the Ring gaeltacht in Co. Waterford. These are wonderful singers who sing both in unison and incorporate beautiful harmonies. It is as relatively new venture so this is a chance to see this group in its formative years. While true to their traditional roots, they inject a freshness that will be welcome at our fleadh this year. They also hold among their ranks musicians of high ability who play uileann pipes, accordions, concertinas and fiddles. It really should be one of those nights to remember. They play in Meaney’s at 9pm and admission is €10.

SATURDAY
On Saturday, April 16th there is a full programme of competitions in the primary school from 11am-5pm . These are open to all ages and are a mighty place to visit during the day to witness musicians and singers from 5 to 50 giving of their best to impress the adjudicators. Highlights are the solo competitons to the hotly contested duet, trio and group trials. Entry to this feast is free!
At 3pm, there is a chance to join in the sensation that is sweeping the country- Sean-Nós dancing. We have a very experienced teacher, Maureen Culleton, who will guide beginners and the more advanced through the steps. This workshop will take place in the Parish Centre and fee is just €5!
That night there will be sessions in the local pubs, mainly Kellys and The Garrison, and a special singers night in Brennans. So all who have a song or two are invited along to this.



SUNDAY
There is a packed programme of events on Sunday 17th. At 12.15am there will be a guided ‘walk and talk’ led by well known local historian, Martin Nevin. Always a font of interesting local lore, Martin will celebrate the fleadh by focussing on historical links between Leighlinbridge and traditional culture. He has unearthed some amazing information and is very willing to share this with those who take the walk with him!
We are trying to widen the popularity of the fleadh this year by having a ‘Family Fun Fleadh’ in the carpark beside the church from 1-3pm. This will feature live music, song and dance, market stalls, food, vintage cars, and displays from local groups. This is a free event and we would encourage parents to take their families along for an afternoon of wholesome fun.
At 3-6pm, there is a céili in the Parish Centre with music from the evergreen and ever-popular Cupla. Admission is €10 and refreshments are included. During Sunday, the session trail moves to pubs such as Rainbows, Lord Bagenal and Kellys.


This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that is great about Carlow and the organisers encourage as many people as possible to come along to at least some of the events mentioned above. Many have come out of curiosity in the past and now return annually to share in the festivities. Musicians, singers and dancers from all over Ireland (and indeed, abroad) have discovered us over the last few years and promise to return again this year to display their talent. If you require any further details check our website on www.carlowtrad.net or ring Dave at 0860877115.
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