Tag Archives: Fleadh Nua

They say life begins at 40. The ruby anniversary of Fleadh Nua in Ennis is certainly in full swing, with a host of events taking place throughout the county capital this week, attracting visitors from around the country and further afield. And providing a much welcome boost to the local economy. It is fair to say that in deciding to move the fledgling Fleadh Nua out of Dublin and to bring it west of the Shannon, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí was taking a risk. But, with the benefit of 40 years of hindsight, it was an inspired move, as the festival has thrived in the heartland of traditional music that is County Clare. Writing in Treoir in 1974, Gerard O’Grady observed, “Many had considered that a Fleadh Nua outside Dublin would be a flop. It was the very opposite and it can now take its place in the world of traditional festivals. As a country traditional festival, and with the very high …

THE very first Fleadh Nua in Ennis was held in 1974 and, as the festival prepares to celebrate its 40th milestone, one family recalls those first days, having uncovered a set of photographs documenting its rich heritage. In 1961, the prominent public house on O’Connell Street, now known as Brogan’s, was owned by the Hogan family. Brian Hogan and his wife, Joan, ran the business there up until November 1976. It was then, as it is now, renowned for its traditional music and entertainment and, when the Fleadh Nua began in the town, it was one of the moments they recall with great fondness. The Hogans’ son, Senan, who lives in Kildysart, was given a stack of old photographs by his aunt, Kitty Heffernan from County Waterford, who used to travel to Ennis to help out the Hogan family during this busy festival period. It is believed that these photographs date to between the first Fleadh Nua or, at the …