Roscrea to stage Munster Fleadh '09

Roscrea Credit Union will be the main sponsor of this year’s event so it was appropriate that the official press launch of the event took place in the offices of the Credit Union recently. In attendance were Comhaltas and Credit Union Officials as well as representatives from local businesses, voluntary groups, County Council and organisations based in the area.

Members of Roscrea Comhaltas were delighted recently to launch Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2009 at the offices of Roscrea Credit Union, Main sponsors of the event.

L/R

Pat Flanagan (Comhaltas), Liam Doran, (Comhaltas), Kay Browne (Comhaltas), Seamus Mullaney (Credit Union) Tadhg Ó Maolcatha, Munster Board Chairman, Lucy McCarthy (Comhaltas), Brendan Wright (Credit Union), Brian King (Credit Union), Denis Shanahan (Credit Union) and Deirdre Bergin (Comhaltas) 

Mr Pat Flanagan, Chairman of the organising committee extended a warm welcome to all in attendance especially local media representatives who he thanked for the extensive coverage that they have afforded the Fleadh to date. Explaining the format of the week long event, Mr Flanagan said that the Fleadh has two elements. The competition element is the first stage and this is where qualifiers from County level throughout the province compete for the right to qualify for the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil which will be held in Tullamore in August. The second element of the Munster Fleadh involves the whole cultural festival that surrounds the event. As you will see in the program of events detailed below the organisng committee has lots of events throughout the week to cater for all tastes. Singing clubs, a book launch, music workshops, street entertainment, ceíli’s etc will all feature as part of the comprehensive program of events that will be on offer.

This will be the third time that the Munster Fleadh will be hosted in Roscrea. It is a great honour for the town to be able to facilitate one of the most important events on the Irish cultural calendar. Mr Flanagan said that Roscrea was chosen once again because of the tremendous local support that the event has received here on the two previous occasions. Mr Flanagan said that the organising committee notwithstanding the downturn in the economy had received tremendous assistance from a considerable number of private and commercial sponsors including, the arts office of Tipperary Co. Council. Mr Flanagan also thanked the businesses of the town, Roscrea Chamber Of Commerce and the Vintners Association who have supported the hosting of the Fleadh. Mr Flanagan then thanked Roscrea Credit Union, main sponsors of the event for not just their financial support but for all their help in many different capacities that they have afforded Comhalts over the years. He said many financial instutions had suffered from bad press in recent months, but Mr Flanagan complimented Roscrea Credit Union for been such a strong organisation that has become the backbone of many of the positive things that happens in Roscrea.

In conclusion the chairman said that the committee were doing everything in their power to stimulate interest in this year’s Munster Fleadh. He then thanked the people of Roscrea for their support and said he looked forward to what would be a very memorable and enjoyable Fleadh during July.

Pat Loughman, Chairman of Tipperary Comhaltas Branch congratulated the Roscrea branch of Comhalts for showing great bravery to take on this year’s Fleadh. He wished the committee every success with the event and said that he looked forward to what promised to be a great weekend of competition and cultural events.

Tadhg Ó Maolcatha, Munster Board Chairman said he was delighted to be in attendance and furthermore was thrilled that after the success of 2004, Roscrea was chosen once again to host a Munster Fleadh. Recalling 2004, the Chairman said the board was delighted with Roscrea and the different venues that were used as well as the numerous events that took place over the weekend. The Chairman said it was a pleasure to work with the Roscrea organising committee which he described as extremely professional and efficient in their approach.

Seamus Mullaney Chairman of Roscrea Credit Union, Main Sponsors of the event, said that the Credit Union were delighted to support such a prestigious national event been organised by local people. The Chairman acknowledged the tremendous voluntary effort of the local group and on behalf on the main sponsor and all sponsors of the event, he wished them every success in July.

Below is an outline of the many events that will take place in Roscrea from the 12th to the 19th of July. Please come out and support as much of the event s as you can. It promises to be a most memorable and entertaining week:

MONDAY, 13th JULY

8.30pm: – A lecture on place-names of Tipperary planned for the drawbridge at Roscrea Castle Complex, but may take place in the Damer Court Hotel (Grant’s) with Pádraig Ó Cearbhaill

TUESDAY, 14th JULY

8.30pm: – Oíche Ghaelach. Ceol, damhsa agus amhránaíocht a chur i láthair trí Ghaeilge i Halla na Mainistreach (Abbey Hall)

WEDNESDAY, 15th JULY

8.30pm: – Damer Court (Grant’s Hotel) – A night of poetry, songs and stories with John Browne: Official launch of his book “Remembering Yesterday, Living Today” - order your copy in advance from: John or Cáit at “Orchard View”, Ballycleary, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, Phone: 087 9185705 / 0505 47215

THURSDAY, 16th JULY

8.30pm: – Damer Court (Grant’s Hotel) – A night with the uileann pipes. A local pipe-maker describes the technique of making uileann pipes while well-known pipers exhibit the art of playing them.

FRIDAY, 17th JULY 

10.00am - Scoil Fonn agus Amhrán in Coláiste Phobal

10.00am - Polka & Slide Playing Work Shop – application form attached.

6.30pm – The Fleadh begins with a reception for dignitaries followed by a tour to the historic sites of Roscrea with local historian George Cunningham. The Official Opening ceremony will follow this event.

8.00pm – Senior Set Dancing Competition in Racket Hall is the first competition of Fleadh

8.00pm - Following the Official Opening of the Fleadh 2009, street entertainment by way of the “Gig Rig” will take place in Castle Street. This will continue until 11.30 pm approximately.

9.30pm – Singer’s Club – a long established tradition associated with the Fleadh, will be held in Phelan’s “The Market House” – Fear an Tí – Tadhg Maher.

9.30pm – Mixed Céilí with Glenside Céilí Band in Damer Court Hotel, Castle Street, Roscrea

SATURDAY, 18th JULY 

10.00am – U-12 and 12-15 Music & Singing Competitions (Colaiste Phobal)

11.00am – Junior Set Dancing Competitions (Grants Hotel)

12.00pm – 2.00pm street entertainment competition

2.00 pm – 11.30pm “Gig Rig” will take place in Castle Street.

7.30pm – Aifreann na nÓg

9.30pm – Singer’s Club – Phelan’s “The Market House” – Fear an Tí: Tadhg Maher

10.00pm – Mixed Céilí with Tim Joe and Ann Céilí Band in Racket Hall Hotel, Dublin Road,

Ionad Na Gaeilge

SUNDAY, 19TH JULY 

10.30 a.m. Aifreann

10.00am Senior competitions in Colaiste Phobal and Junior set dancing competitions in Racket Hall

2.00 pm – 11.30pm “Gig Rig” will take place in Castle Street

A full list of those taking part on the “Gig Rig” will be supplied nearer the Fleadh start; but let it be known there will be continuous entertainment available from the start-up time each day to 11.30 pm each night. Prizewinners from the Fleadh competitions – including dancers – will perform as they become available throughout the weekend, while a plethora of entertainers will provide continuous entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.

Because of this there will be some traffic restrictions in the town. Castle Street will be sealed off from 5.00pm on Friday July 17th till 11.30pm on Sunday 19th. Consequently, no traffic or parking will be available on this street. CIE buses will stop outside Luttrell House and be re-routed down the Mall and onwards on their journey.

Following this closure and for traffic’s ease of flow, there will be no parking allowed on the Mall for the same period.

The Coláiste Phobal’s parents council are manning the field entrances from the Dublin Road as well as the Corville entrance which will become a car-park for the duration of the Fleadh.

Maps of parking areas, food services etc. will be made available through the roscreaonline website as well as being published in the Fleadh Programme.

The Fleadh Programme this year will concentrate on music-making in the area reflecting the wealth of musical talent prevalent in the locality. It will feature many articles on Tipperary noted musicians; their influences and styles which will be of benefit to those studying traditional music.

All in all a wonderful weeks entertainment will take place culminating in the week-end’s competitions with the best the province of Munster can provide peforming both formally in competition and informally around the town. All-in-all, an occasion with something for everyone, family oriented and entertaining not to be missed. In these recessionary times, this is free entertainment, for the most part, providing a little oasis of happiness for all. Watch out for new additions to the list of entertainments being provided!