Chieftains legend recalled to help launch Laois Fleadh

A scene from a TV programme broadcast internationally in 1983 that featured trad legend Paddy Moloney from the Chieftains will be recalled at a session at The Deadman’s Inn in Ballyfin as part of the launch of Laois Fleadh 2024 on Saturday, May 18.

Entitled ‘Pipes and Dreams’, the broadcast by Channel 4 began with a scene at the historic Ballyfin pub as part of a series labelled ‘How to be Celtic’.

Paddy Moloney persuaded some of his relatives and friends in the locality to join in a scene reminiscent of his youth when visiting his grandparents nearby.

Alan Phelan undertook to locate a copy of the programme when his friend John Phelan, former owner of the pub recalled playing banjo some 40 years ago for a television programme with Paddy Moloney, Stephen Conroy and Johnny Dunne who have all departed to their eternal reward in the meantime

To recreate the scene and inform the younger generation about the traditions of the area Alan invited P J Phelan, Portlaoise Comhaltas Chair to help. An ideal event to mark the launch of the upcoming County Fleadh at St Mary’s CBS, Rathevan was the response.

Comhaltas has nine active branches in the county that will convene for the launch at Portlaoise library in the afternoon before heading to the Deadman’s later.

Triona Marshall, harpist with the Chieftains for many years will attend in memory of Paddy Moloney. Triona recalls that Paddy always made her feel proud of her Laois heritage as he claimed his love of the tradition stemmed from his parent's native Laois.

Spink CCE players at the Laois Fleadh 2023 in Abbeyleix.

The Laois Fleadh will be launched at Portlaoise Library on Main St on Saturday, May 18 at 2-4pm. The event in Ballyfin takes place from 8pm.

The Fleadh itself takes place from Friday, May 31 to Monday, June 2 in Portaloise.