My Beginners Guide To The Fleadh Cheoil

I am in the lovely county of Tipperary for the new few weeks. Paul has just suggested that we attend the Tipperary Fleadh Cheoil from May 15th-18th in Nenagh. I say yes! I think this is a good idea. I have never been to a Fleadh Cheoil. Here's the thing: I actually don't know what one is. Sure, I know it has something to do with Irish music, but that is sadly all I can say. And it's really about time I get to the bottom of this. I mean, I really should know!

It's time for a bit of research organized by my trusty friend, Google. I find out Fleadh Cheoil means Festival (or feast) of Music in Irish and these types of events are Irish music competitions organized by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Each year, there are stages of competition - county and province - all leading up to the one big event of the All-Ireland Fleadh, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. So this means there are Fleadh Cheoil events happening all over Ireland all of the time leading up to All-Ireland which happens in August. These regional events also happen in Britain and the United States, by the way.

Who are Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann? This is an Irish organization dedicated to the promotion of the music, song, dance and the Irish language. So, yes, of course, it definitely makes sense they are in charge of Fleadh Cheoil. And Comhltas's website states that, "[these] events attract thousands of competitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors, from local right up to All-Ireland level." These events are a big deal then.

Now I want to know what the events are actually like. There are categories of competition: Under 12, 12-15, 15-18, and over 18 (senior). And there are competitions that include not only music but also song, language and dance (the latter competitions only occur at the local level). And I find the event is not just competition driven but there are also range of entertainment, like concerts, céili/set dancing, and traditional sessions.

I really feel excited about attending the Tipperary Fleadh Cheoil now. I will post pictures and video from the event to share with you all, too. Good times.

Have you been to or participated in a Fleadh? Share your experiences with us below as a comment!


♣ Related Links
Fleadh Videos on Diddlyi
Comhaltas 2009 Fleadh Schedule
The Beat Of The Bodhrán Drum

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