'A vibrant hub of craic agus ceol': Munster Fleadh Cheoil launched in Cork
Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle along with Ger O'Driscoll, chairman of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan and musicians Michaela Flynn and Roisin Noonan of Douglas Comhaltas, at the launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2025 at the MTU Campus, Cork.
With more than 3,000 competitors and 15,000 visitors set to converge on Cork in July, the organisers of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2025 say the city will be “transformed into a vibrant hub of craic agus ceol over the course of the week-long celebration”.
The Munster Fleadh Cheoil, hosted by the Cork County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, takes place on July 12-19 and was officially launched on Thursday night by Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle.
Announcing with “immense pride and excitement” a packed programme of traditional music, song, dance, storytelling, and Irish-language events, Fleadh committee chair Ger O’Driscoll said competitions will be based at MTU’s Bishopstown campus, with festival events taking place across the city.
“This prestigious celebration of Irish music, song, and dance is set to bring 3,000 talented competitors to the state-of-the-art facilities of Munster Technological University [MTU] in Bishopstown, where they will not only compete to be crowned Munster champion but to also qualify for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August,” he said.
“Beyond the competitions, we are preparing to welcome over 15,000 visitors to our city, transforming Cork into a vibrant hub of craic agus ceol over the course of the week-long celebration.
“With the generous support of our sponsors, Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2025 will feature a wide and diverse programme of events, from lively street sessions to concerts, céilithe, workshops, gig rig, a pub session trail, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a passionate dancer, or simply someone who loves to soak up the electric atmosphere of a Fleadh, there will be something for everyone,” said Mr O’Driscoll.
President of MTU, Prof Maggie Cusack said: “Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan will bring together thousands of performers, their families, and the general public from the Munster region and beyond for a week of music, song, dance, and more in a celebration of Irish culture and tradition.”
Alistair Payne, Dean of Faculty, Creative, Performing Arts and Media, added: “The musical life of Ireland is rich and varied, and the staff and students of MTU CSM play a pivotal role in this musical life through performances and their involvement with musical organisations not only in the city, but also regionally, nationally, and internationally.”
In addition to four days of competitions at MTU Bishopstown campus, Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan features a session trail in city pubs; Gig-rig at Elizabeth Fort; Fleadh concerts at MTU CSM; céilí; singers’ night; workshops in music, dancing, singing, and storytelling; street entertainment competition; and youth sessions.
- The Munster Fleadh Cheoil will run July 12-19. See: munsterfleadh.ie
