Shane Magee from Botha CCE with (Back row from left) Niall McKenna and Eoin Magee, (front row from left) Oisin Magee, Caitlin Magee, John Sinclair, Paddy Sinclair and Liam Sinclair AP03
One of the biggest cultural and music events of the year takes place in Derrygonnelly this weekend.
The Fermanagh Fleadh attracts hundred of musicians for four days of traditional entertainment.
This year the village of Derrygonnelly hosts the event for the seventh time.
Brenda Murphy, secretary of this year’s event said everyone was looking forward to meeting up with musicians, guests, and families and just hoping for good weather so that everyone could enjoy themselves.
“We’ve put a lot of work into it and we’re hoping for a fantastic weekend and of course good weather,” said Brenda.
“We’ve had good success in recent years with musicians qualifying for the Ulster Fleadh in Bangor and All Ireland Fleadhom Ennis and we’re hoping the same willl happen again this year.
“It has been a huge undertaking and this year we’ve added a type of fringe festival to showcase the best of traditional music in Fermanagh outside the competitions,” she explained.
There will be people like All Ireland Button Accordion champion Michael Curran, from Fivemiletown, Gary Curley from Boho, Monea’s Anna Daly and others like the McGurn brothers, Aine Hoy and Fergus and Seamus Bogue.
She also recommends what should be another big draw, the Junior Musician’s section in Doogie’s Lounge where young musicians from Comhaltas branches all over the county will showcase their talents when they perform in a seisun from 5pm until 7pm on Saturday.
“This promises to be a really lively event and we’re hoping many young musicians will attend to give it a good atmosphere,” said Brenda.
The Fleadh opens with a singing session on Thursday evening in the Tir Navar Holiday Village with Rosie Stewart.
On Friday the Fleadh concert wil be opened by the Ulster Comhaltas chairman Eamon Graham.
Satuday is taken up with band, duet and trio competitions throughout the day and the Fleadh Mass in Monea Church at 7pm.
On Sunday competitions continue in the morning at St Patrick’s Primary School with street entertainment on the village main street throughout the afternoon.
The steet will be closed to traffic for the customary parade of floats and music featuring Tumbliing Paddies and many local and visiting musicians.
The weekend of concludes with a dance in the Derrygonnelly Community Centre featuring the popular group Whistling Donkeys.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere