Fleadh Ibiza 2009 plans unveiled Country Roads
Michael Commins TWELVE years down the line and still the biggest festival of its kind in Europe, the annual Fleadh Ibiza will again be held on the Mediterranean isle from April 16 to the 30. And with in the region of 2,500 attending the celebrations over the two weeks, the stage looks set for another marvellous festival of country and céilí dancing.
For the many people from this region who make the journey year after year, it is a must on their social calendar, a chance to relax and enjoy a wonderful holiday on the lovely island (about a tenth the size of County Mayo) while also enjoying sitting back and relaxing or dancing to their favourite singers and bands.
Most come along for either the first or the second week, while in the region of 20 per cent opt to do the two weeks. Flights from Knock, Shannon, Dublin, London, Manchester and Birmingham fly the revellers to the island.
The venture is organised by Gerry Flynn and his Enjoy Travel company. Based in Blackburn, Gerry is a native of Ballina and served as a leading Bord Fáilte senior executive in the English midlands for two decades until he retired and launched his own travel business.
“We had a number of different ventures in the early days, including pilgrimages to Knock from the UK. Fleadh Ibiza didn’t happen overnight either. It took around four years for the whole thing to take off. Today, it is our flagship promotion and easily the biggest of its kind on the continent.
“It is like taking a piece of old Ireland and transplanting it to the Mediterranean. The weather is lovely and we give people a real choice with almost non-stop entertainment in the four-star Seaview and Aura hotels near San Antonio. The amount of people who come back year after year is, at the end of the day, the best endorsement of all for our promotion,” says Gerry, who makes numerous visits back to his home county each year.
While the Fleadh Ibiza started off as a set dancing and céilí-style festival, it evolved over the years with the introduction of many country bands and singers. Even the Galway Bay Jazz Band has graced the Fleadh in more recent times while a number of major concert acts such as Foster and Allen, Johnny McEvoy, Showaddywaddy and The Bachelors have all been part of the Fleadh Ibiza scene.
“Regulars know what to expect at this stage but newcomers are always amazed at the variety and the quality of the holiday,” says Gerry. “We take a very personal interest in the entire promotion, whether it be the Ibiza, Portugal or Spain ventures. The same goes for the Mediterranean cruise.
“I am also proud of the strong west of Ireland connection with the Fleadh Ibiza. We have always received tremendous support from Mayo and Galway and Roscommon. The annual county colours day is nearly always won by the Mayo contingent, whether it be those out from Mayo or the Mayo people living over in England. It always reminds me of the song, ‘The Boys form the County Mayo’ …. whenever we chance to assemble together, we think of the land where we once had a home.
“Mick Kelly from Newport has been a central player in our promotions for years and he also supervises some of the set dancing workshops. Tom and Noreen Carter from Westport have been out with us for the ballroom classes. We have added Seamus and Linda Melvin from Bonniconlon in recent times and their jiving and social dancing classes go down a treat. Noel Ryan from Ballina has hosted a wonderful nostalgic showband exhibition in Ibiza over the last two years and this has created huge interest.”
From morning through until 3am, there is céilí and country music, sing-songs, music session, classes, céilís, and much more. And for those who wish to explore the island, there are conducted tours to the old city of Ibiza, a boat cruise with plenty of céilí and sing-songs, drama by the Lough Rea Players from Lanesboro, and a trip up the hills of the island.
There is also the talent show, waltzing competitions, fancy dress, and just relaxing in the warm Mediterranean sunshine.
Among the acts already confirmed for the 2009 Fleadh Ibiza are the Copperplate, Annaly and Brian Boru Céilí Bands, Michael Sexton and Pat Walsh, Danny Webster, the Tony Stevens Band, the Brose Walsh Band, Galway City Jazz Band, Enjoy Travel Band, Curtis Magee, Michael Cleary and Breege Kelly, Sharon Turley, Johnny Carroll, Dave Lawlor, Nathan Carter, Sean Wilson, Pat Jordan, Dermot Hegarty, Eddie Lee and Catriona, Niki James and Michael Muldoon, with a number of other acts to be added to the list.
Several people keep asking about when the Fleadh Ibiza is on and how they can book accommodation.
The departure dates for Ibiza are April 16 and 23 and the all-in prices are €925 for one week or just €1,249 for the two weeks.
All the details can be had from the family run Enjoy Travel Company at 0044 1254692899.
