Abbeyfeale Library was brimming with a sense of pride and achievement with the annual Fleadh by the Feale Art Competition over the bank holiday weekend. All those who participated were duly recognized for their achievements. The five national schools can be very proud of their students for the work that was done and exhibited.
The works of art will hang in the library for another week or two to give local a chance to view the display.
“A big thank you to all the students who performed on the night, yet again showing us as a community what a great generation is coming behind us. Mol an oige and tiocfaidh si. This was followed by an oiche of ceoil and caint in Teach Ui Mhurchú. This offered respite from the rain and some more excellent music, song and conversation,” said a Fleadh by the Feale spokesperson.
“The rain was heavy and weather unkind, but this did little to dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of the Fleadh by the Feale Street Buskers.
Yet again record numbers turned out to perform on the Friday evening as they heralded the start of the weekend. Buskers of all ages fine tuned their fiddles, flutes and whistles for what was a highly competitive evening, enjoyed by performers and spectators.
The town was alive with the best of traditional, home grown talent and this was particularly evident with the local talent of the Ballaugh Wren boys. Great music and the splash of colour emanating from the gig rig lifted the spirits of all. For those who had the extra bit of energy the Céilí in Fr Casey’s with the wonderful Striolán was just the place to burn it off. A fantastic evening of entertainment was had by all. It all provided a great start to the Fleadh 2015.”
“The Master Workshops were very well attended with pupils of all ages. Many places pre-booked for fear of missing out. Students availed of the expertise and tutelage of the very best in their field: Niall Murphy, Diarmuid O’Brien, Michael King, Conor Moriarty, Ciaran Hanna, Lisa Canny and Deirdre Scanlan.
A fantastic show of skills and an afternoon well spent – it was agreed by all who attended. Templeglantine Comhaltas brought the Square alive once more on Saturday evening and every year never fails to keep us entertained with music, song and dance,” according to the spokesperson.
“Up and coming group Out Numbered were amazing with their set despite the elements. One to watch for sure! As a community we are surrounded by a rich talent and very fortunate to have the quality of performances we witnessed over the weekend. Pub sessions up and down the town kept the music going with the best of musicians in place to keep the revelers entertained until the wee hours.”
“Daisy Kearney brought her wit and humour to town and the storytelling was well attended in St. Ita’s Hall. Short stories and tall tales are her thing and at times the shrieks of laughter could be heard on Convent Street. She has a pure gift and an extraordinary ability to effortlessly entertain.”
There was music, song and dance on every square inch of Abbeyfeale over the weekend and it provided the perfect setting in which to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the founding of the town’s most successful festival of local culture and heritage.
