Music to our ears…. Munster Fleadh Cheoil officially launched!

The 52^nd Munster Fleadh Cheoil was officially launched by RTÉ’s Kieran Hanrahan on Wednesday May 30^th  in the Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan.

The 2012 Fleadh mascot - a happily grinning Bodhrán, affectionately known as the “Fleadh Blaa” greeted guests at the door while musicians and dancers from Comeraghs Comhaltas entertained the assembled group - many of whom represented the worlds of local business, politics and the arts.

Micheal Marrinan, Chairman Fleadh Cheoil Committee, Mark Knowles, Clonea Strand Hotel. (Sponsors) Michael Burke, Lawlors Hotel. (Sponsors) Denis McCarthy, MaManager WCC (Sponsors) and Imelda Walsh, Park Hotel (Sponsors) at the Launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Clonea Strand Hotel.

Unveiling the festival programme, Fleadh Chairman Micheál Marrinan paid tribute to the generosity of the Fleadh Sponsors and thanked them most sincerely for their support and belief in the event. The assistance received from Waterford Local Authorities and the Comhaltas Munster Council was also gratefully acknowledged, along with the tremendous hard work and commitment demonstrated by the Comeraghs Fleadh Committee and the many Volunteers in the community.

Alongside the many concerts, céilithe, sessions, singing club events and gig rig entertainment, the Fleadh Committee have added several unique elements to the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in 2012.

Tadhg O'Maolcatha, Chairman Munster Council. Kieran Hanrahan, RTE and Micheal Marrinan, Chairman Fleadh Cheoil Committe listening to the sweet music of Shannon Kearney, Tin Whistle and Sarah O'Gorman, Fiddle at the Official Launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan at the Clonea Strand Hotel. Dungarvan. Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2012 will be held in Dungarvan from the 15th to the 22nd July 2012

The South East’s first traditional music Summer School will be launched in the early part of the week, while the playing of the Mouth Organ will be given special attention with a one-day workshop by world-renowned exponents, John and Pip Murphy from Wexford.

In an ambitious School’s Song Project, several of the local schools will join together to form a substantial choir and will perform a repertoire of traditional Déise songs in a special concert on Fleadh Cheoil Monday (16^th).

In a surprise announcement, Mr Marrinan also revealed that the Australian Ambassador to Ireland will travel to Dungarvan during the Fleadh Cheoil to officially open the Conneries Memorial Garden. This Garden commemorates the Connery Brothers of Bohadoon who were transported to New South Wales in 1838. Contemporary songs telling the story of the Connerys are still in existence, and the slow air is played regularly all over the country.

In a warm and good-humoured speech, RTÉ Presenter Kieran Hanrahan complimented the Fleadh committee on their comprehensive programme of events, and expressed delight that what was once a weekend event of competition has in 2012, grown into an 8-day festival and celebration of our national culture.

RTÉ's Kieran Hanrahan speaking at the launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan

 

 

For lots more photographs from the Fleadh Launch Click here