THE countdown is on until the start of the Fermanagh Fleadh which will see Irish traditional musicians and enthusiasts from across the county flock to Newtownbutler for the popular festival.
The event is scheduled to begin on Sunday, June 1, with a special Mass at St Mary’s Church in Newtownbutler, followed by a range of music sessions led by former Fleadh winners in local bars.
Former winners of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Shauneen Maguire and Dinie Leonard, will all lead youth sessions, with musicians from across the county turning out for the special event.
Local musicians will compete for prizes in competitions, while also taking part in many workshops and exhibitions, across the week until the Fermanagh Fleadh concludes in style on June 8.
A range of other themed events will take place during the week, including a Bi-Lingual Quiz in Mulligan’s Bar, which will see Irish language speakers pit their wits against other residents.
The Fermanagh Fleadh will conclude on Sunday, June 8, on an action-packed day which includes a street parade in Newtownbutler and an outdoor performance from ‘The Dusty Windowsills’.
Newtownbutler CCÉ, who are hosting the Fermanagh Fleadh, are looking forward to the event.
“A week long Fleadhanna, with events being held across numerous venues on each night – Something for all the family to enjoy. Newtownbutler is the place to be,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, a major celebration was recently held in Enniskillen to honour two Fermanagh musicians who captured the All-Ireland Fleadh title in joyous scenes in Wexford last year.
Aodhán O’Donnell, a distinguished member of the Roslea Comhaltas branch, kicked off the winning ways when he claimed the top honours in the Button Accordion 12-15 category.
Patrick Treacy, who recently won TG4 talent show ‘Glór Tíre’, also won the Fleadh, in the competitive senior banjo competition. He expressed his delight and relief following the victory.
“It’s a feeling that I don’t think I’ll ever be fit to describe to anyone,” Treacy told the ‘Herald.
“It was special to win and Aodhán too, but at his age he probably doesn’t appreciate how big it is. If you’re in the All-Ireland Fleadh, you’re a fine player, you’re up there.”
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