Orla (12) scoops top Harp title in Derry Fleadh

Sinéad Hogan

The All-Ireland Fleadhs of 2010-2012 may be closer to Cavan hearts than the ground-breaking event in Derry in the past week, but one Cavan girl and her family can be forgiven for feeling differently.
The magic happened this year for 12-year-old Orla Sheridan who is now All-Ireland Harp Champion having scooped first place in the Harp (under 12 years) competition at the weekend.
“I wasn’t really expecting it, I suppose. I was really happy,” the Ballynarry NS pupil told The Anglo-Celt. “I was in the competition in Cavan last year but I wasn’t placed.”
Orla has been learning the harp since she was about seven, and has high praise for her teacher Kavan Donohoe, himself an All-Ireland champion of high repute.
“He gives me really nice tunes and he’s a really nice teacher,” says Orla.
Proud mum, Maeve Sheridan, thanked Kavan for staying the whole day with Orla, and others who helped and supported her with good wishes.
Also from Cavan CCÉ (Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann), Seamus Tierney scooped 3rd place for the Flute slow air (15-18 years).
After three years of Cavan truly savouring its share, Derry this year earned the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil glory in style.
There was a record-breaking crowd of 430,000, and the historic North of Ireland event was a resounding success, inviting comparisons with the Olympics that were London’s jewel last year.
Organisers in Derry passed on some of the credit to the Cavan FEC for which our County Manager Jack Keyes was chair. Mr. Keyes and his team were generous in sharing their experience and wisdom with the new baton-bearers, a tradition among organisers of this massive annual event.
“We got enormous help and support from the FEC in Cavan and we’re really grateful,” Anne-Marie Gallagher, this year’s PRO told The Anglo-Celt. “In a way, it was their great advice that helped us to refine it as we did.”
No doubt, Cavan spectators’ interest in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has rocketed after hosting on our turf, and there was no shortage of Cavan competitors and performers.
The feast of music for the closing ceremony in Ebrington Square included talented musicians from Cavan CCÉ, led by Martin Donohoe.
Ms. Gallagher described the accordion-player and trad’ music promoter as “Cavan ambassador to the world”.
President Michael D. Higgins officially opened the event, which enjoyed a safe and friendly atmosphere across the city with no major incidents reported.