THIS year’s Fermanagh Fleadh returns to Newtownbutler for the second year in a row, running from tomorrow night (Saturday) with the main competitions taking place the following weekend, Saturday, June 11th and Sunday 12th.

The event is the major promoter of traditional music, song and dance, and, according to the organisers, this year’s programme is even bigger than last year.

It kicks off this Saturday evening with a Fleadh Mass at 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Newtownbutler in memory of deceased members, and will be followed by the opening traditional concert in the parish hall at 8pm.

On Sunday at 3pm, a poignant event will take place,  the unveiling of a memorial garden to the late revered former parish priest, Canon Edward Murphy at St Mary’s Church.

There will then followed, at 5pm, a county youth seisun in the community centre.

On Monday, 6th June, at 8pm, as part of the double centenary of anniversaries, the first of two talks will take place in the community centre when Frank McHugh, local historian, will focus on the Battle of the Somme.

Then, on Thursday night, 9th June, Eamon O’Cuiv TD, the grandson of Eamon De Valera, will deliver a talk on the 1916 Rising.

Other fleadh highlights include a dance workshop on Tuesday night, 7th June, at 8pm, when fleadh goers will have an opportunity to sample a wide range of dances.

On Wednesday night, 8th June, a bi-lingual quiz will take place in Mulligan’s Bar and on Friday night, 10th June, at 9pm, a singing session will take place in An Chead Chumann Bar across the street.

The weekend competitions on Saturday, 11th and Sunday, 12th will take place, the parish hall and the play school (behind the hall) in use on Saturday, and the community centre on High Street and St. Mary’s Primary School on Sunday.

On Saturday night, there will be a Fior Ceili with Martin Duggan in the parish hall.

The grand fleadh parade then takes place on Sunday at 2pm, the gig rig will be running from 3pm, and the Fleadh wraps up with the Whistlin Donkeys on stage in the parish hall from 10pm.