KILDARE: Fleadh Cheoil Chill Dara starts this weekend
Fleadh Cheoil Chill Dara 2023, launched by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann president Éamonn Ó hÁrgáin and Cllr Paul Ward, will take place in Kilcock and its environs from April 16 to April 23.
The event last took place in the north Kildare town eight years ago.
At the launch in the Rye Valley cafe Mr Ó hÁrgáin stressed the importance of promoting our unique culture and praised the efforts of all the branches in the county for their tremendous work and dedication in ensuring that our music, song, dance and language are in such a healthy state in Kildare.
Mary Ryan, chairperson of Comhaltas Chill Dara, said the County Board was grateful to Kildare County Council and Brigid 1500 for their generous support.
Cllr Ward, who expressed his delight that Kilcock was chosen to host this county flagship event, adding a warm welcome would be extended to all those attending the Fleadh.
He also noted that St. Brigid would be one of the central themes of this year’s event and the launch night attendance were treated to a reading of a newly commissioned poem in celebration of St. Brigid, written by Margaret Kearney.
Millie Fitzpatrick, chairperson of Comhaltas in Kilcock, welcomed the turnout on the launch night and announced a jam-packed programme of events, that will see the streets of Kilcock buzzing to the sound of traditional music love April 16-23.
There will be music sessions, singing sessions, a céilí in Kilcock GAA with the Rise the Dust céilí band, youth sessions, a Maidin Caifé and Pop up Gaeltacht and a free, gig-rig concert in the town square, with trad super group ‘Jiggy’.
She also looked forward to the Fleadh competitions which will be held on the Sunday when some of Kildare’s finest musicians, singers and dancers will compete to represent the county at the Leinster and All-Ireland Fleadhs in Dublin and Mullingar later in the year.The launch featured musical performances from Jack Fitzpatrick along with George McAdam (banjo) and Libby McCrohan (bouzouki). For further information follow Kildare Comhaltas on Facebook and Twitter.