Director general of Comhaltas to perform official opening of Connacht Fleadh in Mayo town

Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú, ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, has confirmed that he will launch the Connacht Fleadh and inaugural Community Fleadh on Friday, June 30, in Ballina Arts Centre.

The director general of Comhaltas will spend five days in Ballina to oversee the inaugural Community Fleadh taking shape.

Members of the Árd Comhairle from Comhaltas headquarters in Dublin, who awarded the new Community Fleadh to Ballina as a pilot, will also travel to Ballina to liaise with the local Connacht Fleadh committee as well as the Mayo County Board and Connacht Council of Comhaltas throughout the week in order to identify areas of improvement so that the Community Fleadh can be developed and enhanced further.

The success of the inaugural Community Fleadh in Ballina will decide the future of the event.

Dr. Ó Murchú said: “This provincial Fleadh will be Fleadh an Phobail – a community celebration. All organisations in the community will have the opportunity to be part of this celebration of who we are as a people – a sense of place, nation and tradition. The local meitheal of volunteers have given of their time and talents to deliver this shopwindow of Irish cultural traditions.

“As we rejoice in the popularity of Irish traditional music worldwide today – Comhaltas now operates in 21 countries – it is perhaps timely to recall the deeds and the vision of those who sowed and cultivated the seed for this bountiful harvest.

These are the men and the women who composed, played and passed on our musical heritage from generation to generation. Their enthusiasm inspired and guided many young virtuosos who in turn put their own unique stamp on an ancient music which is ever fresh and vibrant.”

Dr. Ó Murchú concluded: “I wish competitors the very best of luck as they pace on the road to excellence. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. We hope to meet them at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann next August in Mullingar.”