The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
THE organisers of Fleadh Nua said they were very pleased with the 2013 event.
A concert held in tribute to Brendan Mulkere was a great success. “The Celebrity Concert paid tribute to Brendan Mulkere, who was joined on stage by members and associate members of the Thatch Céilí Band and plenty of ‘jelly babies’ – indeed half of London appeared to have decamped to the West County Hotel for the evening. The boundless affection and respect which exists between Brendan, his students, fellow performers and the audience was palpable,” the organisers stated.
A presentation was made to Brendan Mulkere on the night by Vince Jordan, Uachtarán Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Performances by Four Men and a Dog and The Kilfenora Céilí Band were also highlights.
There were numerous events that served to make traditional arts more accessible.
“Increasing the visibility and enhancing the accessibility of our traditional arts to the wider public is a core objective of Fleadh Nua. The Cupán Ceoil Café Music Sessions bring traditional music at a time and to venues not normally associated with the genre and have become a firm favourite with business owners, patrons and performers alike.
“Proving that the best things in life are indeed free, the Riches of Clare series of lunchtime concerts devised by the Clare County Arts Office once again featured a veritable who’s who of traditional musicians, including Meabh O’Hare, Eamonn Cotter and Siobhán Peoples, among others. Not surprisingly, therefore it was standing room only for all of the concerts.
“Everybody loves a parade and after a hiatus of a few years, it was great to see how the crowds enjoyed the colourful spectacle of bands and marching groups winding their way through the narrow streets of the town. The entertainment continued with a glorious performance on the gig rig by the Chapel Gate Wrenboys and an open air céilí with The Star of Munster.”
