Play on, players

ORGANISERS of this year’s Fleadh Nua in Ennis have described the event as an “outstanding success”. The festival drew to a close on Monday night after nine hectic days of top class traditional entertainment.
Performers from the Arctic Circle to Argentina, from Texas to Tokyo and all points in between descended on the town for the celebration of music, song and dance.
Rory Casey, PRO for the festival commented, “Undoubtedly, the appropriately decorated shop window displays, the road signs, the abundant street entertainment, the plethora of café and pub sessions all contributed greatly to the feel good factor so prevalent at this year’s Fleadh.”
However, according to Rory that isn’t all that contributed to the success of the Fleadh, with feedback from the many visitors indicating that the friendliness of the people and the quality of the artistes were highly praised.
Among the highlights of this year’s Fleadh was the official opening, featuring the Tulla branch of Comhaltas who paid tribute to the 60 years of achievement by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the preservation and promotion of traditional music, song and dance.
The Riches of Clare series of free lunch time concerts proved a runaway success with standing room only for many of the listeners. Other notable events included a performance by the Brock Maguire Band and the Aos Óg Concert showcasing the talents of underage performers.
The celebrity concert featured the Tulla and the Kilfenora Céilí Bands who took to the stage for the launch of Foinn Seisiún 4 – the final volume in the popular music book series devised by the late Brian Prior. At the Singers’ Sessions in the Old Ground Hotel, which were conducted by Joe O’Connor, Gradaim Ceoil Fleadh Nua were bestowed on Robbie McMahon, Declan Coyne and the late Gary McMahon.
Fleadh Nua is always an extremely busy time for the dancing fraternity with many céilithe and set dancing workshops to attend. Frank Custy’s Foinn Seisiún Workshops proved extremely popular. Seanchaí Eddie Lenihan also proved once again that you cannot beat a good story well told for entertainment. Screenings of Last Night as I lay Dreaming – a documentary about Robbie McMahon, the Guided Walking Tour of Ennis and the Banjo Strikes Back 2 demonstrated the wide range of activities which were on offer at the Fleadh.