Town tunes in to traditional treat

A TIPPERARY town came alive with the sound of traditional music last night as the 53rd Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann got off to a rousing start.

Clonmel was awash with colour as it prepared to greet up to a 250,000 visitors, all eager to play a part in what has become one of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals.

Some 10,000 musicians from across the world will descend on the town throughout the weekend to entertain crowds with both set-piece events and impromptu street performances.