The 2017 Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí got off to a flying start at its launch on Sunday last February 12th in Actons Hotel, Kinsale. Guests packed into the function room to hear the newly formed traditional orchestra raise the rafters under Conductor Tara McCarthy during a truly special evening where pride and passion for traditional Irish music dominated.
Ceol Fhoireann Béal Átha an Spidéil was formed on January 8th and Paudie Palmer, MC for the evening, commented “if this group was only formed in early January and this is what they can do then watch this space for the future”. He noted that the talent within the branch was amazing, including performances from All Ireland Winning Trio, Diarmuid Ward, Sean Ahearn and Fergus Walsh, All Ireland Winning Medallist Triona Nyhan on harp and a five piece group, Lily Patton, Deirdre O’ Reilly, Jeanie Murphy, Triona Nyhan again, Niamh Hales and Ellen McGuire performing the “Lament for Kinsale”.
Speakers included County Mayor Seamus McGrath and Kinsale Community School Principal Fergal McCarthy who both also spoke of the wonderful talent in the local area and what an opportunity it is for everyone in the branch and the locality to host the County Fleadh this year. In attendance were Deputy Margaret Murphy, Deputy Michael Collins, Kevin Murphy and local councillor Gillian Coughlan, Humphrey Moynihan from Eli Lily, as well as members of Cork Comhaltas County board and representatives from main sponsor ABP Bandon.
The Fleadh Ceoil descends on the historical town of Kinsale from 21-23rd April with as many as 5,000 competitors, singers, musicians and visitors expected for a full programme of competitions, workshops, gigs, lectures, marking the first time that the Cork Fleadh will take place in Kinsale. For a full programme of events and competitions please visit the website on http://corkfleadh.ie/