FleadhFest in Laois - Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

Our photographer Ena Doocey captures the smiles at FleadhFest. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

The wide brief to Fleadh Fest producers in Ireland and abroad has created a rich archive of material relating to music, performers and places.

One of the concluding films in the series, a feature length cinematic production welding traditional music with the history and heritage of county Laois was officially launched on Dec 1^st.

Speaking at the launch of ‘A Look at Laois’ Teddy Fennelly, National Heritage Hero, declared it to be the first feature length film made in Laois. ‘The art of storytelling is well deployed linking such varied subject matter as the stone age, early Christian settlements, invasions and the continued process of integration taking place today, in an interesting, natural flow of information’ declared Teddy; a well-founded compliment from the distinguished author.

A man in a blue suit and tie looks down at a microphone he is holding, he is wearing a mayoral golden chain — Cllr PJ Kelly, Laois County Council. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

Seven smiling people standing, four men, two holding a medal between them, one holding a framed certificate, are to the left of a woman wearing a blue skirt and patterned top, holding a box with a ribbon bow, two men are to the right, the closest is presenting her with a large bouquet of flowers, in the background to the left sits a woman with a guitar — Cllr PJ Kelly, Laois County Council. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

Launched at Bloom HQ, Mountrath the project was lauded by the Local Authority, Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism in the presence of Uachtarain An Comhaltas, Éamonn Ó hArgáin and Ardstiúrthóir, Labhrás Ó Murchú.

The distinguished audience viewed a short extract of what Dr Ó Murchú said will be ‘a lasting record used by educators and future generations who have an interest and pride in their own place’.

PJ Phelan with a long career in corporate video production was commissioned by CCÉ Laois Co Board to carry out the brief ‘to raise the profile of the county’.

‘During our recent bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann we met an individual who remarked ‘what’s in the Queen’s County except Portlaoise prison’ and instantly we knew there was a misinterpretation of the reality’, PJ recalled when explaining how the brief came about.

Many contributors add to the authenticity and variety as history and heritage are brought to life. When overlain with aerial views of the urban and rural areas where the events occurred the viewer becomes aware of the significance of features in the landscape which might otherwise pass unnoticed.

From the opening scenes music provided by local Comhaltas ensembles, families and individuals underpins the narrative but never dominates. This is one of the most intriguing aspects of the production, the traditional music is always appropriate, endorsing the message; discreet yet essential.

Katherine Penfold, Robert Harvey, Ide Penfold, Colm Phelan, Olivia Penfold, James Harvey and Áine McGeeney who entertained at the Laois FleadhFest launch. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

Land of O’Moore songs, written respectively by Christy Cullen and the late Seamus Reynolds, performed by the Penfold family, add an air of nostalgia linking the chapters before proclaiming with pride the beauty of ‘Lovely Laois’ in conclusion.

By utilising the varied moods from grupai cheoil pieces at fleadh competitions together with specially composed commemorative pieces such as The Dochas suite (2016) and The Soldier’s suite (2018) composed by Aine McGeeney performed by Laois Comhaltas Folk Orchestra, an enthralling soundtrack was created.

Four standing smiling men, three dressed in suits and ties, one wearing a suit jacket over a sweater and holding a framed certificate, the two men in the middle holding a medal between them — PJ Phelan receives Gradam na hÉigse from Comhaltas pictured here with Eamonn Ó hArgáin, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Paul Lynch. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

A group of people, three adults sitting, two women and a man in the middle with a small girl on his knee, two women and four men stand behind — PJ Phelan receives Gradam na hÉigse from Comhaltas pictured here with Eamonn Ó hArgáin, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Paul Lynch. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

In accepting his Gradam na hÉigse award from Uachtarain an Chomhaltais Éamonn Ó hArgáin, PJ said that without the willingness of the dozens of contributors to share their knowledge, together with the generosity of professional and amateur musicians and singers, the production would not have been possible. ‘This is a result of voluntary effort by so many, I couldn’t have done this on my own’.

PJ also acknowledged the support of LEADER funding through Laois Partnership which provided essential technical support and objective outside evaluation at various stages during production. ‘More than anything, the support of Partnership and bodies such as the Tourism and Heritage interests gave me the confidence to proceed, not knowing exactly where the journey would lead’ he concluded.

Robert Harvey entertains at the Laois FleadhFest event. (Photo: Ena Doocey, CCÉ)

As part of the history and heritage of the county, some notable, now departed, Comhaltas personalities are seen including Maura Shanahan, former Co Sec, Stephen Conroy, former Co Chairman and Tom Ahearn of the Bridge Céilí Band, each doing what they were best noted for – dancing and playing music. Other archival items, including a gathering of the clans of Laois filmed three decades ago, recall cultural and social occasions so important in the life of every community.

Fleadh Fest is now a rich legacy on You Tube, created by Comhaltas units during a time when the Covid Pandemic interrupted normal activities but did not prevent them working to support the wider community in novel ways.