Kerry Fleadh Cheoil to feature new competition for people with disabilities or additional needs 

Laura Dillane, 20, who will play her concertina at the event. Picture: Picture: Kerry CCÉ

This year's Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí will, for the first time ever, feature a competition for people with disabilities or additional needs.

The inaugural 'Cuimsiú' (inclusion) competition will take place this Saturday, May 24, at 1pm at Causeway Secondary School, and some performances will be open to the public.

The idea for Cuimsiú was first raised by Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, the runaí, or secretary, of Kerry CCÉ — Kerry County Board of Comhaltas — as a way to promote participation and enjoyment of traditional Irish music for everyone in Co Kerry.

A subcommittee comprising of Ms Uí Ifearnáin, Geraldine Guilfoyle, Alannah Kissane Casey, Martina O’Neil and Gerard O’Carroll was then set up to develop the idea further, and to oversee the event itself.

The organisers say the Cuimsiú, which is being supported by Down Syndrome Ireland, is "a learning opportunity for everyone".

"The Cuimsiú competition is confined to the county, however, Kerry Comhaltas hope to build on its success and it is hoped this innovative idea will be taken to provincial and all-Ireland level.

"A huge thanks to all Comhaltas members for supporting this initiative. Ni neart go cur le chéile," they added.

Lorcan Harnett, who will play his accordion at the event.

Among those taking part in the Cuimsiú are Lorcan Harnett of Glenflesk Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), who plays the button accordion.

"I have been playing since I was 10 years old. The fleadh for me is about playing music and making new friends," he said. 

"I am very excited to play in the Kerry Fleadh because I love playing my accordion."

For concertina player Fiachna Ó Brosnacháin, the fleadh is "about showing what you can do in singing and music".

Fiachna, who has been playing his instrument for five years, says though he is "very nervous" to play and sing in front of people he doesn't know, he is still looking forward to the day.

20-year-old Laura Dillane, Ballydonoghue Lisselton CCÉ, says she is also looking forward to the competition.

The concertina player says she is "proud to be able to partake in the Kerry Fleadh, proud of my local branch of Comhaltas which is Ballydonoghue Lisselton and proud of the Irish culture of music in Co Kerry, ceol agus craic".

• Anyone interested in the Cuimsiú competition can contact Catrina Uí Ifearnáin, runaí on 085 177 0463 or [e-mail].
• More information can be found at: https://kerrycomhaltas.ie/