Ballincollig gears up for Fleadh Cheoil

THOUSANDS ofmusicians are expected to descend on a Cork town next month for one of the largest traditional Irish music festivals of its kind.

Businesses in Ballincollig are expecting a major boost as the town’s Comhaltas branch, Craobh Niall Ó Cathasaigh — which previously hosted Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí in 1992 and 2009 — will for the first time host the Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan from July 11 to 17.

It is the largest of the seven provincial Fleadhanna held by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Ireland, Britain and north America.

The 51st staging of the event will feature a festival of traditional music, song and dance incorporating competitions, céilithe, concerts, live outdoor entertainment on the gig rig, singing and music sessions in the local pubs and on the streets.

Organisers are expecting more than 3,000 competitors to take part in the 47 categories of competition which will be held in Coláiste Choilm and the Oriel House Hotel. The successful competitors will qualify for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to be held in Cavan in August.

“Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan will transform Ballincollig into a hive of traditional music, song and dance,” Comhaltas spokesperson Nóirín Ban Mhic Chárthaigh said. “The organising committee guarantees a ‘céad míle fáilte’ to everyone for a week of ceol agus gaol.”

The competition will begin with a screening of “Mise Éire” on Monday, following an introduction by Peadar Ó Riada, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Seán Ó Riada.

Music sessions will take place in local pubs on the Tuesday night.

Cór Chúil Aodha, Seán Ó Sé, Máire Ní Chéilleachair and several other well-known singers from the Muskerry area will perform on the Wednesday.

Sean Nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan, who featured in RTÉ’s All Ireland Talent Show will feature on Thursday night.

The opening concert on Friday night will celebrate 60 years of Comhaltas (1951-2011).

Competitions will continue across the weekend and there will be free outdoor entertainment and a céilí mór on Saturday night.

The organising committee has thanked their sponsors, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Meitheal funding), Ballincollig Shopping Centre, Ballincollig Credit Union, Oriel House Hotel, Ó Crualaoí Butchers nd Delicatessen, the businesses and people of Ballincollig and surrounding areas.

- Details on Facebook (Ballincollig Comhaltas — Craobh Niall Ó Cathasaigh), www.ballincolligcomhaltas.ie or www.munsterfleadh.ie.

Picture: Siobhain Murphy and friends Fionnuala and Cliona Joyce, Meabh Ahern and Caroline Uí Chathasaigh at the launch of the Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan which will be held in Ballincollig, Co Cork, from July 11 to 17. Picture: Dan Linehan