UNDER BLUE skies, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann kicked off for the third and final year in Cavan yesterday on the Gathering Day. Next year, it crosses the Border to Derry. Music sessions will take place on the streets, in pubs and at campsites over the next nine days.
The event is expected to attract up to 300,000 people to Cavan town and up to €40 million will be generated for the local economy.
The fleadh opened last night with a Concert of No Musical Demarcation, featuring musicians from Catholic and Protestant communities. The event was sold out and 1,800 people packed the Dome on the outskirts of the town.
An aerial dance spectacle, Rite of Spring, by Ériu Dance Company in association with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company staged in the grounds of Cavan Cathedral left thousands spellbound.
Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan showed his hidden talent for bodhrán playing – Finuge-style with a kingdom abandon. He said he was impressed with the huge cross-Border element to the fleadh. “For instance tonight you have cross-Border music, you have different traditions playing together. That is something very positive.”
Cavan county manager Jack Keyes said the fleadh was the best thing that had happened to Cavan. “There is something for everyone in the family, so if you are thinking of taking a break in the next week, please think of coming to Cavan – you will have a great time here.”
The director general of Comhaltas Ceoiltóirí Éireann, Labhrás Ó Murchú, said Cavan had raised the bar over the last two years by expanding the programme and arranging fringe events that involved the whole community. He was most impressed with the way the community had responded.
Up to 1,000 volunteers will deal with visitors from all over the world during the festival. The fleadh continues until August 20th.