Fleadh Cheoil An Chláir 2010 in Kilfenora in the heart of the Burren evoked memories of the glory days of the great Clare Fleadhs. – Miltown Malbay in ’57 ,and’61 ,Tulla in ’58 , Lisdoonvarna in ’59 , Kilrush in ’60. and Scarriff in ’62 .When the Kilfenora Band performed in a never to be forgotten open air concert on Sunday afternoon the village of Kilfenora came to a virtual standstill as hundreds gathered in the blissful June sunshine to experience the essence of the might of the thing that has given us birth. Sets were danced , songs were sung , Gerry Lynch of the old Kilfenora was on stage representing the musicians who made the “Kilfenora” famous throughout the world. The sessions in Nagle’s , Linnane’s and Vaughan’s into the small hours throughout the weekend were described by one who has attended several All Ireland Fleadhanna down through the years as being “Half an All Ireland Fleadh.” Clare Co Board Chairman and Fleadh Chairman John Morgan and his committee are to be complimented on hosting one of the best County Fleadhanna of recent years. The Singers session in Linnane’s on Friday night brought together some of the finest traditional singers from Roscommon , Galway , Limerick , Tipperary ,Cork , Kerry and Clare. It will be remembered as one of the great Fleadhs. Credit must be given to Kilmihil , Tulla and Kilfenora, who over the past four years have contributed to restoring the Clare Fleadh to its rightfull place. In recent years the flagship of Comhaltas activity in this county and beyond had become little more than two days of junior competition , lacking the celebration of the traditional arts which is the essence of any fleadh cheoil, but thankfully this trend has been reversed and we can now look to the future with the utmost confidence. On Monday afternoon and late into the night it seemed as if this Fleadh just couldn’t end as Charlie Harris , Des Mulkaire and friends flaked out the old mountain reels and life was simply wonderful in beautiful Kilfenora.