Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 'The Homecoming' 2022

I'm sure there's not a person around, not even a dog in the street, who doesn't know what's coming up later in the Summer in Mullingar! Of course it's the Fleadh Cheoil! The Fleadh Cheoil was to take place in 2020 and 2021, but sadly Covid put a stop to that. So after waiting two long years, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming back to Mullingar.

Back in 1951, the first national festival of Irish traditional music was held in Mullingar and was organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. This festival of traditional Irish music included competitions of music, song and dance and awards were presented. The festival was such a success that it was decided to repeat it the following year and give it the title of 'Fleadh Cheoil' which simply means 'Feast of Music'. The Fleadh has been held in many different locations since that first year but finally it's returning home to Mullingar. 

All this week, the students in St Colman's have been celebrating all things 'Fleadh' related. They've learned about the history of the Fleadh, taken part in quizzes and followed drawing tutorials of traditional Irish instruments.

On Thursday, each class group attended a 'musical treat' in the school hall. Ms Duffy on Piano, Ms Clarke on drums and Ms Casey on violin were joined by some talented St Colman's students and some seasoned musicians. Philip Clarke, who happens to be Ms Clarke's dad, was on piano accordion, Olive Kilbane played violin and Noel Battle was on harmonica, and, playing together, they gave us a taster of what we can expect in August.

This morning, each class had the opportunity to visit the school hall and see instruments up close. They learned about each instrument - the banjo, tin whistle, button accordion, piano accordion, drum, bodhrán and violin also called fiddle. They also listened to the sound each instrument makes.

This afternoon, we had the pleasure of welcoming Joe Connaire to the school. Joe is the chairperson of Westmeath Comhaltas and of the Fleadh Committee. He is also husband to Louise who is one of our Special Needs Assistants. Joe spoke to the children about what it's like being part of the Fleadh and the joy you get from playing an instrument. He encouraged them all to try playing one of the many instruments that are used in traditional music. Joe himself began playing the banjo at 12 years of age and is self taught. He was joined by his daughter Ellen on tin whistle and the Dunleavy sisters Aoife and Anna on banjo and guitar. They played individually and together and got the audience clapping along. June Shanley, a Special Needs Assistant in St Colman's showed us her set dancing skills and Ellen danced a reel.

Today we also had a non-uniform day, where we asked the children to donate whatever they could and all proceeds will go to the Fleadh fundraiser. There has been a huge amount of work involved in getting Mullingar ready for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2022. It is estimated that the cost will be in the region of €1.7 million so every donation helps. It's running from July 31st until August 7th and will attract in the region of 500,000 visitors to Mullingar from near and far. Judging by the wonderful performances in the school hall over the last two days, the Fleadh is going to be an amazing event that you won't want to miss.  Make sure you put those dates in your diary and ENJOY!