With Pat Kenny during a live broadcast on St. Patrick's Day were (from left) Martin Gaffney, PRO for All-Ireland Fleadh; Seamus Fay, lilter; and Martin Donohoe, events and entertainment chairman.

Local launch of All-Ireland Fleadh 2010 this Sunday

Published: Wed 24 Mar 2010, 5:00 PM

The local launch of the All-Ireland Fleadh 2010 takes place in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell this Sunday, March 28, starting at 1pm. All are welcome at the event, which will feature traditional music by Comhaltas groups from Cavan and Fermanagh. Martin Gaffney, PRO, said he was keen for musicians and all interested parties to attend. "This is a call from the musical heart of Cavan for people to embrace the Fleadh and the spirit of it," said Mr. Gaffney. "We are also acknowledging the fact that Comhaltas has awarded the All-Ireland Fleadh to Cavan," he said, paying tribute to the FEC for the huge workload they have undertaken. Among speakers and guests will be: Senator Labhrás Ó Mhurchú, director general of Comhaltas; Minister Brendan Smith TD; Comhaltas president Jim Teevan; Jack Keyes, Cavan County Manager and Fleadh 2010 chairperson; Seamus McCormack, Comhaltas; Comhaltas Ulster Council Committee; Senators Diarmuid Wilson and Joe O'Reilly; Paul McLoone, CEO Fáilte Ireland; Comhaltas representatives and Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC) members. "The Ulster Council are coming to have their meeting in the Slieve Russell on Sunday and, on behalf of the committee, I welcome them. It is significant that they chosen to have their meeting in Cavan at this time and we hope it'll be the first of many visits." Mr. Gaffney noted that it is also an important time for sponsors, with Quinn Direct, Eirgrid, Diageo and Fáilte Ireland being the main ones. Fleadh events and entertainment chair, Martin Donohoe, said that music will be a key aspect of Sunday's launch. "There's an invitation, a 'céad míle fáilte' for any musician to bring their instrument and play," said Mr. Donohoe. "It's a chance for people to witness some of the Comhaltas family from national and Ulster level and there will be an opportunity to be shown around the town and see the infrastructure and venues," he said, adding that Comhaltas boasts over 35,000 members worldwide in over 420 branches spread from North America to Hong Kong to Argentina. Following the Slieve Russell launch, a venue tour will take place from 4pm-6pm and the evening will be rounded off with an invitation to all attendees to join Mullahoran Comhaltas Group in their 41st annual traditional music concert, with singing, music, storytelling and dancing from 6pm-9pm. In advance of the local launch, the PRO and events and entertainment chair, together with Cavan's well-known lilter Seamus Fay, were live on RTE Radio One on St. Patrick's Day for a festive Pat Kenny Show. "Judging from the reaction since the programme, we made a huge impact. We have since received good wishes and congratulations from all over the world, including America and the Far East. It spread awareness of Cavan and the Fleadh far and wide," said Mr. Gaffney. "Pat Kenny was very engaging and really enjoyed Seamus. Noon on St. Patrick's Day, we couldn't ask for a better slot." Mr. Donohoe agreed that they got great airplay. "Pat was really enthralled with Seamus. At 78, here was a man who was really natural. He talked and lilted, and represented Cavan brilliantly." • See fleadh2010.ie or telephone 087-9365059.