Autumn 1999

Eagarfhocal

Bhí macalla na staire an-láidir ag Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Inis Chórthaidh, Co. Loch Garman, i mbliana. Bhí se díreach tar eis Comóradh `98 nuair a bhí súil siar ar mhisneach agus tírghrá gan sárú - muintir Loch Garman a sheas an fód ar son na cirte. Dar ndóigh, bhi an Fhleadh in Inis Chórthaidh cheana, i 1967, agus bhí macalla na h-ócáide sin soiléir freisin. Bhí an-chuid daoine ag taisteal ar bhóithrín na smaointe agus bhí cultúr na nGael go mór in uachtar.

It can be truly said that Enniscorthy is famous in song and in story. In our school days we learned of valiant deeds and shattered dreams on Vinegar Hill. We sensed the unspeakable trauma which befell a proud people who could no longer suffer the yoke of slavery.

Enniscorthy in 1999 at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann bore testimony to the resilience of the Irish race and their distinctive culture. Amidst the echoes of history, our national characteristics - music, song, dance and language - comforted the ghosts of the past and brought forth a rich harvest from a scorched earth. Here is a triumph of hope over dispair - a salute to liberty and fraternity.

The Fleadh is a celebration of cultural survival - a celebration in which all our people participate, joined by people from all over the world. Music and friendship reigned supreme in the congenial company of the boys and girls of Wexford.

The Fleadh committee, in the proud tradition of their noble ancestors, gave unstinted service to the Irish nation. They knew from the very successful Fleadh held in Enniscorthy in 1967 that the town has an ambience conducive to the success of this mammoth celebration of Irishness.

Thousands answered the clarion call to this great extravaganza of traditional arts and excellence. Young and old, Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter, the Irish and their friends from abroad, all joined together in a spirit of cultural harmony which has roots in the vision and history of the hallowed spot which is Enniscorthy.

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