Comhaltas concert shows future is bright

Hundreds of traditional musicians, singers and dancers gathered in the city’s An Taibhdhearc Theatre last week to raise funds for this year’s Connacht Fleadh which will be hosted by Moycullen Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. It will take place in NUI Galway, from July 7-9 inclusive.

The fundraiser in An Taibhdhearc featured musicians of all ages, with young performers sitting side by side with more senior entertainers.

The performances in solo singing, sean-nós, storytelling and dancing showed the wealth of talent on display, especially among the youngsters

Almost 20 Comhaltas branches, from all parts of the county, including Oileán Árainn, took part in the weekend festivities.

Musicians such as Pat McDonagh of Shaskeen took to the stage with his son Fergal and his three grandnieces Éabha, Róisín and Fiona Mc Donagh from Ballinasloe. The famous multi-instrumentalist Matt Cunningham joined in with the Headford Branch and World Champion dancer Adam McGee also performed with them.

Oileán Árainn entertained the crowd, ably assisted by U-18 All Ireland sean-nós winner Laura Ní Ghoill, by Amy Ní Fhátharta, a Connacht concertina champion and by Katie Ní Fhátharta, who earlier on Saturday y had won the U-11 She’s Ace Ladies Handball Championship.

Seamus Ó Flatharta, holder of five All-Ireland titles, joined his sister Caoimhe in a captivating rendition of the song Belfast Love as part of the Ballinasloe Branch contribution.

Co-hosts Caomhán Ó Fátharta and his daughter Sadhbh thanked everyone who participated in the fundraising weekend, while County Chairman of Comhaltas, Peadar Bric, encouraged all visitors and supporters to note that the Galway County Fleadh would take place from May 19- 21 in Portumna.

That will be followed by the Connacht Fleadh which will be held from July7-9 at NUI Galway.