Ballincollig prepares to host Munster Fleadh Cheoil
12 July 2011, 1:07 PM GMT
Ireland - Munster – There’s great entertainment on offer this week as Munster’s finest traditional Irish musicians convene in Ballincollig to compete at the 51st Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan.
Over 3,000 competitors are expected to take part in Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2011 from July 11-17 and the week will be jampacked with performances and entertainment open to the public.
Ceol agus craic is guaranteed as musicians take over Ballincollig Shopping Centre to perform for free on the Gig Rig during the Fleadh Cheoil weekend, July 1517.
Events kick off on Monday with a special screening of ‘Mise Éire’ to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Irish composer Seán Ó’Riada.
On Tuesday night there will be a taste of Ballincollig night life with music sessions in local pubs.
Wednesday night will be An Oíche Amhránaíochta featuring singers from the Muskerry area with Cór Chúil Aodha and Seán Ó’Sé, among others.
Thursday night wll feature a performance by sean nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan of RTÉ’s ‘All Ireland Talent Show’ fame.
Friday night’s opening concert will be a celebration of 60 years of Comhaltas (1951-2011) and on Saturday night the céilí mór will feature the Abbey Céilí Band.
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan is the largest of the seven provincial Fleadhanna held in Ireland, Britain and the US.
Competitions will take place in Coláiste Choilm and Oriel House Hotel from Friday, July 15, to Sunday, July 17.
The winning performers will qualify for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2011 in Cavan, from August 14-22.
Ballincollig’s Old Quarter Céilí Band will kick off the Ballincollig Shopping Centre Gig Rig performances on Friday, July 15, at 6pm.
Cork bands Mac Tíre, Owenbahue Valley Traditional Group and the Four Star Trio will also play on Friday night.
Saturday will see performances from Waterford band Sonas, Limerick musicians Ceolteoirí na Sionnane and Ceolteoirí Ógra Luimní and Ceol na Leanaí of Tipperary.
Cork performers Carraigdhoun Comhaltas, Cuisle Avondu, Ceolteoirí Mhuscraí agus Cáirde, and North Cregg also feature in Saturday’s line-up.
Jerry McCarthy and Liam Healy, Cork, will open proceedings on Sunday followed by Milstreet Comhaltas.
Current All-Ireland Champions, Shane Keating and Aisling Vaughan from Cork will play as well as current Senior All-Ireland Champions, Limerick’s Banna Céilí Teampall an Ghleanntáin with special guest Séan O’Sé of Cork.
Sunday will also include Tipperary Youth Ensemble and Ceolteoirí le Chéile from Kerry.
At 8.45pm the newly crowned Munster Senior Céilí Band 2011 will perform.
A full programme of events is available here
Volunteers are needed to steward venues, car parks and sell programmes. If available contact Head Steward Jerry Ahern on 0860746235 or email [email protected].
Posted By Ireland - Munster
