Preparations are in full swing in Kilfinane for Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh 2017, which is expected to bring up to 5,000 people into the town during the June bank holiday weekend next year.
Ballyhoura Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, set up just over a year ago, was chosen by Limerick County Board Comhaltas to host the Limerick Fleadh in 2017.
A public meeting was held recently, with representation from Ballyhoura Comhaltas and Limerick County Board in attendance. A Fleadh sub-committee was set up to oversee and organise the running of the event.
Sarah Gleeson, secretary of Ballyhoura Comhaltas, told The Avondhu that the Fleadh will be a great weekend in Kilfinane and the branch proved during the summer with their Hup na Houra shows they are ready to host the competition.
“A big number will come into Kilfinane over the June bank holiday weekend, it will be a super boost for the town. With Hup na Houra we got the town ready for the Fleadh. We had large numbers and from that we know we are ready,” she said.
Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh will host around 1,000 competitors from Thursday to Sunday of the June bank holiday weekend, all wishing to progress from Limerick for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.
Events being considered for the Fleadh weekend include; Musical Seisiún Trail, Battle of the Bands night, a ceilí, a regional dancing display, launch night of Hup na Houra 2017, street entertainment, traditional and historical trails and family fun days, among others.
The secretary of Ballyhoura Comhaltas said, historically it was possible for a branch to make some money from a Fleadh, but they will be investing any money made back into the weekend.
“With the Fleadh you might make a few bob and put it towards the aims of your branch, but we will invest it back into the Fleadh, because we really want to make it a super weekend,” she said.
Hosting the Fleadh meets the aims of the branch, said Sarah Gleeson, in that it will promote traditional music in the area,
“Traditional music was lacking in Kilfinane, but it is really back,” she added.
Ballyhoura Comhaltas was set up in August 2015. Even outside of hosting the Fleadh, it has really taken off. They are teaching music to 115 people with five tutors. An instrument bank is run by Ballyhoura Comhaltas, which allows children to rent instruments for a year at a nominal fee.
