Packed schedule launched for Laois fleadh later this month
Pictured are John Conway, Clonaslee Comhaltas Chair Attracta Brady, National President Comhaltas Ireland, Cllr. Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co and Jody Conway, Leinster Comhaltas Chair Photos: Denis Byrne
REPRESENTATIVES from all corners of the county converged on Clonaslee to launch the annual Laois Fleadh Cheoil. The fleadh will run in Clonaslee College and Clonaslee community centre from 17-19 April, with competitions in music, song, dance and oral arts being contested across the weekend.
The launch laid out the schedule of events for the fleadh weekend itself, which includes:
Friday 17 April, set and céilí dancing competitions, Clonaslee community centre;
Saturday 18 April, grupaí ceoil, céilí bands, bodhran and céilí drum competitions, Clonaslee community centre and Clonaslee College; and Sunday 19 April, solo instrumental competitions, duet, trio, singing and comhrá Gaeilge, Clonaslee College.
Speakers and guests included cathaoirleach, Laois Co Council Barry Walsh, Willie Aird TD, Attracta Ní Bhradaigh, uachtaráin, Comhaltais Ceoltóirí Éireann; Catherine Lalor, Cathaoirleach, Laois Comhaltas; and Jody Conway, cathaoirleach, Comhaltas Laighean and cathaoirleach na fleidhe.
Laois comhaltas was honoured to induct four new trophies: the Joe Dowling memorial cup in memory of Joe Dowling, a life-long comhaltas man, who passed away last year. The cup was kindly donated by Joe’s family and will go to the winner of the 15-18 years whistle airs; the Clonaslee Manmans cup, kindly donated by the local GAA club Clonaslee St Manmans, which will go to the winner of the 12-15 years mandolin; the Micheal McCann cup, donated in memory of Micheal McCann, a former member of Clonaslee branch and will go to the winner of the 12-15 years whistle airs. Micheal served as president of the Clonaslee branch.
Clonaslee Community Development Association also kindly donated a shield to the U12 céilí dancing for girls. The CCDA shield will be a welcome prize to add to Laois’ growing success in dancing at fleadhanna over the last few years.
Laois comhaltas would like to thank all the aforementioned donors and they will present the new trophies to the new winners at the fleadh this April.
Fleadh Cheoil Laoise offers something for all ages to watch, listen to and enjoy. Tickets will be available on the day via cash and card payment. Tune in to the Laois Comhaltas Facebook page for more details.
There are nine comhaltas branches at present, located in Camross, Clonaslee, Cullohill, Kilcavan, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Ratheniska and Spink.
Check with your local branch what night they hold classes and what instruments are catered for if you are interested. All branches have a social media presence in some shape or form and this is where you will find the details of sign-up nights in September.
