Preparations are well underway in County Wexford with Gorey setting the stage for an exhilarating and memorable summer of Fleadh based events with the launch of Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman, taking place on Thursday, May 16th in Gorey Civic Offices.
This launch is being hosted by Wexford Co Council and the event will feature musical entertainment from CCÉ Gorey Ballygarrett and international uilleann piper, Mark Redmond. Gorey is thrilled to host Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman 2024 and for those unfamiliar, “Fleadh Cheoil” translates to festival or feast of music. The ultimate goal of the Fleadh is for competitors to progress from County level, which is taking place in Gorey from May 17th-19th, to Leinster level (this year in Wicklow Town from July 12th-14th), and finally to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, in Wexford Town from August 4th-11th.
The Wexford County Fleadh is being held in Gorey Community School from May 17th-19th. Competitions will be in four age categories;U12, 12-15, 15-18 and senior, and include many Irish traditional instruments such as fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, banjo, accordion, concertina, etc. along with dance and singing.
There are also competitions for ensembles such as duets, trios, grúpa cheoil, marching and céilí bands. These competitions are very exciting, particularly the céilí bands, which tend to draw very large crowds. CCÉ branches taking part in the Gorey weekend include Bannow CCÉ, Gorey/Ballygarrett CCÉ, Tuaisceart Loch Garman CCÉ, Ferns CCÉ, Craobh Loch Garman CCÉ, Enniscorthy CCÉ, Kilmuckridge/Monamolin CCÉ, Carraig Bán CCÉ, Craobh Chaoimhín Naofa CCÉ and Fr. Murphy’s CCÉ.
It is great to note that already there has been a 25% increase in entries for the May event, reflecting the growing influence of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
CCÉ Gorey/ Ballygarrett would like to acknowledge the support from the Members and staff in Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, who have worked with us to ensure a warm and inviting atmosphere is present in the town for this occasion.
Many different events have been planned, including a window competition, a traditional busking competition and many other exciting events to follow.
Gorey holds strong historical ties with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, having successfully hosted the event in 1962, drawing crowds of visitors who immersed
themselves in the event’s vibrant atmosphere. An exhibition of old photos from the 1962 Fleadh in Gorey will be held in the foyer at Gorey Civic Offices before and after the County event, offering insight into the town’s rich Fleadh history. A first-hand account of the event by local man, Tomás Keegan
who participated in the 1962 event will also be documented for this exhibition.
CCÉ Gorey/ Ballygarrett extends a warm welcome to all participants and visitors to the event and looks forward to what will be a wonderful event for the town and environs.
For more details visit Wexford County Fleadh 2024 (ccegoreyballygarrett.ie)