Published: Wednesday, 18th August, 2010 5:00pm

Cead mile fleadh t'ya!

by Sinead Hogan

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Martin Donohoe kept the music alive as he entertained at the official fleadh opening on Monday evening. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

"We've climbed to the top and now we're looking forward to the big roll down the hill. The town is ready for it, so I think let's just enjoy the trip at this stage." So said Martin Donohoe at Monday evening's launch in the Farnham Estate Radisson Hotel, where president of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), Seamus McCormack, declared Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann 2010 "oscailte".

The crowds (an estimated 200,000-plus) have started to descend on the town and it's all shoulders to the wheel in businesses of all descriptions, with the FEC and local authorities having Cavan "looking better than it ever has", as Mayor Paddy O'Reilly put it.

Scoil Éigse, the All-Ireland Fleadh's annual school for trad musicians, singers and dancers started on Monday and has 800 or so students honing their skills.

When they say enthusiasts come from all over the world, it's no exaggeration.

The Anglo-Celt encountered music graduate, Kozo Toyota (29) from Tokyo who came over to immerse himself in Irish trad' for the entire summer with the All-Ireland Fleadh as the highlight, because loves the informality of our music.

"With Irish music one player is okay, two players is okay, three players is also no problem," says Kozo.

"There are other festivals that some people go to, but this is the one where you meet everyone," said another student, Paddy Gavin (14), who travelled from Sligo with his parents, brother and sister.

Cavan people have "opened their arms" to the fleadh noted Paddy's mother, Margaret McConnell, a Cavan native.

The buzz has started to animate campsites too. Dublin teenagers Maria Doolan and Grainne Egan were happy out in patterned wellies and floral umbrellas on Monday, but they had basked in Sunday's glorious sunshine. "We had pasta outside our tent. We usually do that, have our lie-in and then just kind of mosey around in our pyjamas for a few hours and then head into the town to get more food," they said.

Also in the Rugby Club campsite was Belfast fleadh veteran Jim McCorry. "We were unsure that the Cavan people realised what was going to land on them... But actually, they really have pulled everything off, they're really making an effort and fair play, it really is a credit to them," said Jim.

"You can sense something very special is happening," said FEC chairman, Jack Keyes, in his address at Monday's launch. He described his role as "conducting the orchestra" pointing out that "it's the players who really matter".

National treasurer with CCÉ Padraig Duffy thanked "many people in Cavan who have put their lives on hold over the past 12 months".

On this "ócáid iontach", Minister Brendan Smith paid tributes to Comhaltas, to deceased trad' enthusiasts "who have left us a very rich legacy", all organisers and sponsors.

Shane Morrisson representing one of the main sponsors, Quinn Direct, paid "the utmost compliments to all involved in the planning".

Viewed as a prime opportunity for Cavan to shine on a national and international stage, Mr. Keyes noted: "Cavan is not the corner of Ireland that usually gets the most praise or media attention, but Fleadh 2010 is getting more national media attention than any other All-Ireland Fleadh."

"I know this is going to be one of the great fleadhanna," said CCÉ's Labhrás Ó Mhurchú.

While competitors play for All-Ireland Fleadh medals, the rest of us can enjoy entertainment including the street pageant and opening ceremony on Thursday, concerts, sessions, exhibitions and the closing ceremony on Sunday.

For programmes, venue details, information on traffic arrangements, road closures and maps, pick up your free Anglo-Celt guide at local outlets.

Also tune in to Fleadh TV every evening from 8pm at www.anglocelt.ie or www.fleadh2010.