Clonmel to beat to sound of the bodhrán

AFTER almost a decade, Fleadh Cheóil na hÉireann returns to Clonmel next month.

According to organisers An Comhaltas the south Tipperary town is set to attract 200,000 people with the promise: “It will be the best yet.”

An Comhaltas said Clonmel, having hosted the fleadh for three consecutive years from 1992, enjoyed a rich tradition of music and arts.

In a special gesture, Clonmel-born Dr Micheál Ó Súilleabáin will be conferred with the title of Supreme Bard of Fleadh Cheóil na hÉireann 2003. A civic reception will be accorded by Clonmel Borough Council to Dr Ó Súilleabáin, professor of music at University of Limerick, where he founded the Irish World Music Centre.

The fleadh, one of the most popular summertime festivals, will be held from August 22-24.

More than 10,000 musicians from home and abroad will provide street entertainment, many in spontaneous sessions, according to the organisers.

However, about 5,000 hopefuls will be seeking All-Ireland honours in a series of competitions, following qualifying provincial events. Many competitors secured entry through fleadhanna in Britain, America and Japan.

A further feature of the fleadh is Scoil Éigse, a week-long summer school covering all aspects of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Held in the week preceding the fleadh, it provides an opportunity for top traditional tutors to share their expertise with 800 pupils.

With Guinness as main sponsors, Diageo Ireland’s assistant managing director Clive Brownlee said yesterday: “It’s a marriage of our Irishness and heritage, Guinness along with traditional song, dance and music.”

Fleadh committee chairman Peadar MacAmhlaigh said the cultural and financial benefits of Clonmel hosting the event were significant. He paid tribute to hundreds of volunteers, who have worked in the last 18 months to make the event a success. “Their input is not only invaluable, but also unquantifiable in monetary terms.”