Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2009 got off to a colourful start today with Fun sa Pháirc

The 59th Fleadh will take place between 16th August 2009 and 23rd August 2009 and is shaping up to be an even bigger and better event then previous two years. The Fleadh Cheoil is often described as the Olympics of Traditional Irish music, culture, song

Date released: Sunday, 16th August, 2009

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2009 got off to a colourful start today with Fun sa Pháirc in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The 59^th Fleadh will take place between 16th August 2009 and 23rd August 2009 and is shaping up to be an even bigger and better event then previous two years.

The Fleadh Cheoil is often described as the Olympics of Traditional Irish music, culture, song and dance.

It is making a welcome return to Tullamore for the third time this year, following its phenomenal success in August 2007.

It is expected that the event will bring over 250,000 visitors, 10,000 performers and 131 competitions to the town of Tullamore over a nine day period.

It is one of the premier cultural events in Ireland and one of the largest in Europe. It began in 1951 and has increased in popularity and size over the past fifty years. It will include thousands of musicians, dancers and storytellers from all over Ireland, the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA.

Each year, the Fleadh provides a meeting place for those who carry on the great traditions of playing and cherishing our music, songs and dance. Following on from last year's event, Tullamore has in itself, now become known as great location to host such events.

The Fleadh includes Scoil Éigse, which comprises of a week of workshops and classes of Irish traditional music, song and dance and the Fleadh weekend follows.

The opening parade and the World’s Largest Traditional Irish Music Session attempt will certainly thrill the crowds when it takes place on Friday, 21^st August next.

Further further information on the forthcoming event, please contact the Fleadh office at Woodchester House, O'Connor Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on 057 93 25704, visit the website at www.fleadh2009.com or email the Fleadh at info@fleadh2009.com

Note to Editor, Further information, please contact Karen O Grady PRO, 087 1397438 or email pro@fleadh2009.com