‘You can’t put a value on the friendship’: Magic memories of the Munster Fleadh Cheoil

As thousands prepare to gather in Cork for Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan, Matt Cranitch, Alan Finn and other trad stalwarts recall their happy days at the event 

An image from 2017 of members of Comhaltas na Dúglaise, sisters Roisin and Aisling Martin of Bishopstown, getting ready for the Munster Fleadh. Picture Clare Keogh

More than 3,000 musicians, dancers, singers, Gaeilgeoirí, lilters, and storytellers will compete at Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan, vying to become Munster champions and qualify for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford.

A total of 176 competitions will be held at Munster Technological University’s Bishopstown campus and from the under-12 tin whistle slow airs category to the senior céilí bands, the rivalry will be intense.