Fantastic Fleadh Promises to be Bigger and Better in 2009

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2009 is set to leave its mark as the annual cultural event began its exciting programme of events this week.

Date released: Monday, 17th August, 2009

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2009 began on Sunday, 16^th August last and will continue until Sunday, 23^rd August next.

“This is the third visit to Tullamore. There is no doubt that the good work of all involved that this year will be as enjoyable and successful as the two years gone before,” he enthused.

Cllr Tommy McKeigue, an Chathaoirleach of Tullamore Town Council was delighted to have the Fleadh Cheoil back in Tullamore once again. He hoped that people would see the improvements in Tullamore, noting the co-operative work that had taken place between the Council and the Tidy Towns’ committee and other organisations in working to improve the appearance of Tullamore.

Cllr McKeigue extended a huge thank you to the people of Tullamore for “opening their homes” and pointed out that from the Fleadh committee, the town had learnt how to host a major event.

“I hope that you will be back again and that this year will be a special occasion. We will put the recession behind us for the moment,” the councillor noted, adding that he knew that “everyone was putting their shoulder to the wheel” for this event.

Cllr Noel Bourke, an Chathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, welcomed everyone back to Tullamore. He was delighted that the Fleadh Cheoil had come back again for the third year.

“I remember the first year and it went really well. Then it came back for the second year. But, to get it for the third year was a great honour both for Tullamore and Offaly. He said that it was good that it was back in Tullamore and he congratulated everyone involved in the Fleadh.

Cllr Bourke added that traditional music, song and dance would be better for the work that had been done in Tullamore.

Laois Offaly T.D., Olwyn Enright hoped that it would be another successful year. The local deputy noted the number of services and facilities that were being utilised as part of the national cultural event in both Tullamore and Offaly.

“I am sure that it is going to be bigger and better then before,” she enthused.

Attracta Brady, an Chathaoirleach of the Fleadh Cheoil committee 2009, welcomed everyone to the official opening. “Little did we think, five year ago that we would be here again in 2009. Tullamore has certainly proven itself as a Fleadh location over the years,” she enthused.

Attracta extended a huge thank you to all of the Fleadh sponsors while thanking all of the hundreds of volunteers taking part in the event.

The Chairperson took the opportunity to outline to people the continued emphasis by the organising committee to encourage eco awareness as part of the ‘Green Fleadh’ and the specially commissioned song that will be performed as part of the World Largest Traditional Irish Music Attempt on Friday, 21^st August 2009.

Attracta hoped that when people left Tullamore next week that they would “bring with them great memories of Fleadh 2009”.

Senator Labhras O’Murchú, Ard Stiúrthóir CCÉ, noted the extra challenges of hosting the event in the current economic climate. However, he marvelled at the enthusiasm of the organising committee and how they were continuing to get on with the work involved in organising Fleadh Cheoil.

He said that it was a great occasion for Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann as he looked back over the earlier years of Irish traditional music, song and dance and the history of CCÉ.

The Senator thanked the organising committee, the people of Tullamore and Offaly and also the Irish Diaspora as he welcomed the arrival of Fleadh Cheoil 2009.

Newly elected President of CCÉ, Séamus Mac Cormaic, was delighted to be in Tullamore to officially opening Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2009.

He extended his heart felt congratulations to the organising committee and noted that they have “certainly put their distinctive stamp” on the Fleadh. He also pointed out the committee’s innovativeness over the past three years since the Fleadh first arrive in Tullamore.

Mr. Mac Cormaic said that the town of Tullamore was extremely welcoming and that the cead mile fáilte was certainly extended to everyone who visited the town during the 2007 and 2008 Fleadh Cheoil.

The new president outlined details of CCE’s national development plan and how it had influenced the growth of the organisation over the past number of years.

Concluding, Mr. Mac Cormaic also pointed out the economic benefit that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann does have to the local businesses and also that it will be something to look forward to in the coming days as people “still wanted to play music”.

Further details, visit our website on www.fleadh2009.com