Fleadh by the Feale

The 24th consecutive Fleadh by the Feale will commence this year on the 3rd of May. This annual festival is held over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Fleadh will commence on Thursday evening with an Art Competition confined to all the Primary Schools in the locality. Each year we offer the children a theme associated with music, local history or geography – this year its “50 years celebrating the new Church in the town”. Its a packed house every year when the winners are announced. Later in the evening there will be an Oíche Gaelige in TJ O’Connells Bar, New Street with Ceol, Cainnt agus Crac.

Friday night is Busking night for groups aged 9 to 18 years. The footpaths on Main street are crowded with young musicians and their parents & friends. There will also be a Céilí in Fr Casey’s GAA Club, featuring Donie Nolan & Taylors Cross Céilí Band.

A series of Workshops will be held on Saturday 5th May. The workshops and tutors will be for Accordian: Daithí Gormley; Flute: Aoife Granville; Fiddle: Sorcha Costello and Aidan Connolly; Banjo: Theresa O’Grady; Concertina: Hugh Healy; Singing: Eibhlín Broderick; Bodhran: James O’Connor; Sean Nós Dancing: Adrian Moriarty.

There will be a Youth Trad Session after the workshops in Donal & Ann’s Bar. In the evening, the town square is crowded with entertainment on the Gig-Rig. The main attraction will be the fabulous Wren Boys, namely The Ballaugh Ramblers.

Sunday afternoon, more music & fun in the square with the Junior Bone Playing competition on the Gig-Rig. At 8pm the Colaiste Íde agus Iosef band followed by the Shandrum Céilí Band will be in action in the Church of the Assumption.

On Monday night unique to Abbeyfeale, will be the International Bone Playing competition.

While all the above events are taking place, there will be traditional music sessions occurring in most of the local Bars over the festival. These sessions will be happening during the afternoon & night and are marvelous free entertainment open for all to attend.

With wonderful music, song and dance, there will be something for the whole family at this, the 24th Fleadh by the Feale this May bank holiday weekend.

For the latest info, tickets, workshop fees and full details of all events and workshops, please visit fleadhbythefeale.com or email [email protected].