Nua experience as Fleadh begins

A FULL programme of over 60 traditional music, language and cultural events are lined up for the Fleadh Nua, which begins in Ennis this Sunday.

The focus as always is on providing a family-friendly festival with the emphasis on entertainment and enjoyment, with many events free of charge to the public.
One of the highlights of this year’s Fleadh Nua is a celebrity concert, The Seventies Revisited on Saturday, May 29 at 8pm in Glór.
“Ennis was a hive of traditional music activity in the ’70s with the result that Fleadh Nua benefitted greatly from the sterling efforts of local families – both parents and children – like the Hanrahans, the Murrays, the Roches, the Cotters, the McMahons and the Nugents from Barefield. When Fleadh Nua first came to the town back in 1974, the Aos Óg Concert was one of the highlights – as it continues to be to the present day. Consequently, it is our privilege and pleasure to welcome some of these artistes back to the Fleadh for this year’s Celebrity Concert,” Rory Casey of the Fleadh Nua committee said.
The concert line-up includes Kieran and Mike Hanrahan, Paul Roche and Helen Murray, Vincent McMahon, Geraldine and Eamonn Cotter, Mary and Josephine Nugent, Cyril O’Donoghue and Séamus McMahon amongst others. An addition to the line-up is concertina maestro, Noel Hill who will be accompanied by his daughter, Aisling on the night. 
“Aos Óg has always prided itself on bringing outside acts to the attention of audiences drawn in the main from County Clare. Noted piper Eoin Ó Riabhaigh, flute player Conal Ó Gráda and Colm Murphy on the bodhrán were amongst the earliest performers to subject themselves to the scrutiny of a discerning Clare audience. They obviously passed muster as their musical careers have gone onto bigger and better things. They will retrace their journey to Ennis over 30 years ago as they perform at the Celebrity Concert,” he added. The Aos Óg Concert takes place on Friday, May 28 at 8pm in Glór.
This year the Fleadh Nua incorporates the Riches of Clare series of free lunchtime concerts in association with Clare County Council Arts Office, in the County Museum, from Monday to Thursday. “The line-up is a veritable who’s who of traditional musicians. First up are Seamus McMahon, Tim Collins, Dessie Mulkere and Jim Corry. Tuesday sees Niamh O’Dea, Michael Queally, Pádraig Rynne and Tommy Carew take centre stage. Caoilfhionn Ní Fhrighil, Damien O’Reilly, AnneMarie Rynne and Eimear Howley perform for the Wednesday concert. The final concert features Paul Brock, Manus Maguire, Enda Scahill and Denis Carey,” Rory said.
The documentary on the life and times of Robbie McMahon Last Night As I Lay Dreaming–will be screened in Dánlann an Chláir on Saturday, May 29 at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
“The contribution made by the Spancilhill native to the world of singing down through the years, both through his own compositions and his unique interpretation of traditional songs, is immense. This film, directed by Ray Conway, features interviews with those who have known Robbie over the years as well as contributions that set his achievements in a wider context, highlighting the important role the singer and songwriter has traditionally played in their local communities, recording events and keeping that memory alive for future generations. Contributors include Grammy nominee Maura O’Connell, Kieran Hanrahan and poignantly, Gary McMahon and Dermot O’Brien both of whom have passed away since being filmed. As well as being supported by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the documentary received funding from the Arts Office of Clare County Council, through its Traditional Music Initiative supported by the Arts Council,” Rory commented.
Glór also plays host to late-night gigs for Lúnasa on Friday, May 28 and Guidewires on Saturday, May 29. John Spillane visits Patrick’s Bar in the Market as part of the CeolÓlta Sessions, on Friday, May 28.
“We feel that, as always, Fleadh Nua has something for everyone – céilithe, music and set-dancing workshops, street entertainment, traditional singing sessions, storytelling, Oíche Ghaelach, seisiún launch, ciorcal cainte, Corofin Teach Ceoil Tribute, a guided walking tour, The National Dancing Championships, senior and junior cabaret shows, a dedicated banjo/mandolin/guitar session, pub music trail, and street music trail and Cupán Ceoil – a series of café music sessions. A myriad of sessions both indoors and out ensures that the narrow, medieval streets of Ennis will resound with traditional music, song and dance throughout the festival,” he added.
A full list of events during the Fleadh Nua is available on www.fleadhnua.com.