Come Fleadh with us again
Let the music begin! For the third year running, Kilnaleck is set to host the County Cavan Fleadh Cheoil. This year it will be held on bank holiday weekend, Friday to Sunday, June 3-5. The traditional music and culture festival will see Cavan's finest trad' musicians compete for county titles and sought-after places in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan Town in August. Kilnaleck has always been a great cultural stronghold over the years but got a renewed wave of enthusiasm when, in March 2008, a new branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was formed in the town. This new vibrant branch wasted no time in putting its shoulder to the wheel to ensure that music, song, dance and An Ghaeilge were put centre stage. Regular music sessions, concerts and Fleadhanna Cheoil enabled culture in the town to blossom. Natural leader The late Dr. Brian Galligan promoted the music nationally but particularly in County Cavan. He was a household name in Kilnaleck, Ballinagh and Cavan Town where he promoted Comhaltas and all it stood for. The name Dr. Brian Galligan is today synonymous with traditional Irish music. As an instigator of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Cumann Rinceoirí na hÉireann, a musician of distinction, a collector of traditional Irish music and an outstanding promoter of cultural events, his name is now famous in Irish folklore. He was well known in County Cavan where he served as a doctor and had particularly close associations with Kilnaleck, Cavan Town and Ballinagh. Fleadh programme The official opening of County Cavan Fleadh Cheoil 2011 will be on Friday, June 3, at 8pm. A feast of music, song and dance is ensured as household names like Eileen O'Brien, Nora Butler, Darren Breslin, Meaití Joe Ó Fathartha, Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Mick Foster, Noel Battle, Moira Fraser, Aodhán Ó Muineacháin, Gary Lynch, Colette Beagon, Mickey Curran and many more stalwarts will be in attendance. Children from Ballynarry NS, Kilnaleck NS and Crosserlough NS will also perform on stage. Dancing competitions start at 6.30pm in Kilnaleck Hall. All pubs will strive to have music sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. On Saturday, June 4, at 7pm the Fleadh Mass in St Patrick's Church, Kilnaleck will be dedicated to Bernard Galligan RIP and all deceased Comhaltas members. Competitions Competitions on Sunday commence at 11am sharp. Entry forms may be printed from www.furrowsend.com. Enquiries to 087-9267280 or 086-3181470. Closing date for entries is Wednesday, May 25, and there will be no entries taken on the day. Age groups: under 12, 12-15, 15-18, over 18. Fleadh entry fees for CCÉ members per person, per competition, in solo, duet and trio are: €2 for under 18 and €4 for over 18. All bands are €15 each and grúpaí €20 each. For non-members entry fees are €10 or €20 per person per competition in solo, duet or trio. CCÉ membership is €5 for under 18 and €12 for over 18 (€8 for additional over 18), €20 for family. Over-18 members receive a free Treoir magazine every quarter. At provincial fleadhanna and at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, competitors do not have to pay entry fees, but must purchase the official badge to gain admission to the competition venue(s). Sessions Music sessions are held regularly in Kilnaleck and are always well supported. Testimony to the quality of the music, song, and dance is the fact that musicians and performers from far and wide have come to participate. Many local musicians, singers, and stalwarts have been honoured by the local CCE branch. A special Dr. Brian Galligan Commemorative Concert is held annually and has now gained recognised status as a top traditional music event.