Dublin Fleadh 2018
The Dublin Fleadh 2018 got off to a great start in the beautiful location of the Lexlcon Dun Laoghaire. All musicians and speakers were framed by stunning views of the harbour and pier on a beautiful evening. The event was chaired by Tristan Rosenstock, bodhran player with Teada and himself an ex-pupil of Craobh Phiarais Uí Ghreagain who spoke of his early days in the branch and learning whistle from Mairead before taking up the bodhran. Niamh Uí Chroidheáin our chairperson then opened the evening in Irish which was followed by music from ‘The Dublin Performance Group’ of young musicians from Comhaltas Branches across Dubin.
Speeches were made by Cathaoirleach Tom Murphy, Minister Josepha Madigan and Ard-Stiúrthóir Labhrás Ó Murchú but the highlight of the evening was the presentation to Moya Brennan in well-deserved recognition of the last 10 years of fund raising and morale raising concerts she has performed each Christmas in lovely Monkstown church. Moya took the unusual step of, after a few words, delighting us with a song instead of a long speech. We feel this should become a general habit!
Other musical acts of the evening were the teachers from the branch with a lively set. The strength of singing in the branch was ably demonstrated by 6 singers led by Clíona Nic Cába. Seán Grey recited a poem especially written for the occasion and the evening closed with Aisling Jarvis performing a song in English and Irish.
On Tuesday a singing session took place in the Mansion House on Dawson Street in which the Lord Mayor took part. On Wednesday a well-attended pop-up Gaeltacht was held in O’Rourke’s pub on Main Street Blackrock. The music in O’Rourke’s was provided by some ex Craobh members and really added to the atmosphere in what was a very enjoyable evening.
And this was all before the main event which took
place in St. Paul’s Secondary School Greenhills. The weekend was a testament to the hard work that had gone on in the months before and over the Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. The event ran like clockwork, and everybody from carpark attendants to those doing admission, programme selling, delivering teas and coffees, guarding doors, clerking, administration etc. were hard working, uncomplaining and above all cheerful which made for a great atmosphere. The sun shone, and 2 of our groups got through to Leinster as well as a number of individual performers. Congratulations to them all. All in all a truly memorable Fleadh.
