Youghal Success at Feis Maitiú
17 March 2008, 1:03 AM GMT
For the first time, Feis Maitiú, a Cork institution in the world of the arts and the development of young talent, included Irish traditional music in its programme. On the evening of Saturday 15th March, a bus of nearly fifty young musicians left Brú na Sí in Youghal and returned as champions.
The Youghal branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has been promoting Irish traditional music in east Cork for twenty five years and its junior ranks have seen a recent upsurge of interest. The under 16 competitors, a group of more than twenty young musicians collectively named Lár na Cruinne, won the top prize at Feis Maitiú, coming first in the Grúpa Ceoil competition.
A younger group, named Draíocht an Oileáin, had their first performance on the city stage. Together only a matter of weeks, their progress has been phenomenal and they achieved second place in the under 13 competition. Both groups played a carefully rehearsed medley of tunes, many of which had local lore and significance attached.
The celebrations continued on Sunday 16th as Craobh Eochaille CCÉ won the cup for ‘Best Cultural Group’ in the Youghal St. Patrick’s Day Parade, after which they held their annual Mol an Óige concert at Youghal GAA club.
A large number of parents and supporters were in Father Matthew Hall and again at Youghal GAA club for two wonderful evening’s entertainment. With more events and competitions ahead, plans are being put in place for these young east Cork musicians to perform in Youghal for the summer. They are also making links with other groups around the county, as well as in Wales and farther afield, all of whom hope to visit Youghal and Brú na Sí in the coming months.
Posted By Youghal
