MUSIC: Roscommon in tune for Connacht Fleadh

The border collies are?set to take the stage at the Gig Rig.

Roscommon in tune as Connacht Fleadh begins


Michael Commins

ROSCOMMON folk may be still be smarting from their heavy defeat to Mayo in the Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final, but the result will have no impact whatsoever on the welcome this week for all visitors to the Connacht Fleadh Cheoil which returns to Roscommon for the first time in 15 years this summer.
The event began yesterday (Monday) and runs until next Sunday and is being hosted by Roscommon Town Branch of Comhaltas.
Derek Campbell, PRO of the provincial Fleadh, says they are sparing no effort in promoting the 2009 event and they are expecting very large crowds to flock to Roscommon Town for what they have themed ‘The West’s Awake - A Celebration of Irish Traditional Music, Song, Dance and Culture in the Connacht Style.”
“We are having a host of top names from the traditional music scene descend on Roscommon for the Fleadh which will undoubtedly be one of the best festivals in Ireland in 2009. Lovers of traditional music know that Roscommon Town with its central location will be a popular choice for this year’s event,” says Derek.
The entire week will bring a welcome economic boost to Roscommon and the Connacht Fleadh Cheoil Committee have organised a spectacular week-long programme of events for this prestigious festival.
Visitors can look forward to the ‘First House in Connaught’ music session, John Wynne solo CD launch – ‘Ar Nos na Gaoithe’, ‘Bloom of Youth’ Connacht style, ‘Roscommon on Song’ Singing Trail, ‘Connacht Man’s Ramble’ session, celebration concert with John Carty & ‘At The Racket’, Roscommon Abbey Traditional Music & Song Workshops, ‘Faces from the Past’ Audio/Visual presentation, Comhaltas Connacht ‘Hall of Fame’ Tribute Concert, Traditional Market, Craft & Fair Day on The Square, the ‘Classical Connection’ event, Enda Scahill & friends and the ‘The Border Collies’ on The Gig Rig, Gala Fleadh concert, indoor & outdoor Céilí & Sean Nós dancing, Jigs & Reels dancing exhibitions, session trails all weekend, Fleadh competitions and much more.
Colm O’Donnell and the Border Collies will perform in the Gig Rig on Saturday night, July 4, starting at 8pm. Matt Cunningham and his band are playing for a Ceili Mor in the Hyde Centre later the same night …so it looks like there will be a major invasion of Roscommon town, especially on July 4.
Further details in relation to the Connacht Fleadh Cheoil can be had from John Hanly at 09066 25057 or 087 2475742, Bill Cunningham at 09066 26729, John Wynne at 0872239095 or Derek Campbell at 086 3540243.