Competitions
Comhaltas runs a number of annual festivals of Irish traditional music, song, dance, and language called Fleadh Cheoil — literally “Festival (or feast) of Music.” The Fleadh encompasses a range of entertainment activities including concerts, céili/set dancing, traditional sessions, etc plus competitions in music, song, language and dance at the local (County/Region) , provincial and All-Ireland levels.
The venue for the annual All-Ireland Fleadh is announced in September of the previous year, and with so much talent in town, the Fleadh attracts a huge following of music-lovers. The energy of this event can be hard to describe in words; you’d want to be there to see musical sessions breaking out spontaneously in every pub, hotel and street-corner!
Up to 12,000 performers participate at the Fleadh, with estimated attendance of over 200,000 people. While competition is an important element of the Fleadh, the event is a multi-faceted shop window for Irish culture.
Competition Structure
Competitors at the Fleadh are of any age, and come from around the world to compete. Competitions are in four age categories (Under 12, 12-15, 15-18 and Senior) and include most traditional Irish instruments (Fiddle, Flute, Uilleann Pipes, banjo, accordion, etc.) There are competitions for singing, both in English and in Irish and also for ensembles (pipe and ceílí bands, duets and trios, etc.).
Competitors from regions with qualifying rounds must first qualify at the regional level before competing in the championship round. In Ireland, for example, musicians must be among the prizewinners in their County and then Provincial Fleadh before heading to the final round at the All-Ireland.
At each level the competitor faces one or more Adjudicators, renowned experts in the performance and repertoire of Irish traditional music. Adjudicators make careful notes of each performance, which are then made available to the competitor after the event. Spectators also crowd the room, including friends, family, and well-wishers. At the end of the competition the adjudicator announces results, and often gives a few notes on what they were looking for in the performances.
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- Roscommon Fleadh 2009
- 12 Aibreán 2009–13 Aibreán 2009
- Athleague, Roscommon
The Roscommon County Fleadh will take place in Athleague during the Easter weekend from April 12th to 13th.
Dancing competitions will be held on Sunday evening after the official opening and gig-rig entertainment.
All other competitions will take place on Easter Monday, commencing at 10.00am. These competitions…
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- Granard Traditional Harp Festival
- 16 Aibreán 2009–19 Aibreán 2009
- Granard, Co. Longford, Ireland
Granard Traditional Harp Festival will take place from April 16th to April 19th 2009. With workshops in Fiddle,Tin Whistle, Traditional Singing, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Harp, and also Poetry and Story telling, we as a committee hope there will be something for everyone. Granard is the oldest Harp Festival in Ireland…
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- Midland Region Fleadh 2009
- 19 Aibreán 2009
- Midland Region
The 2009 Midland Region Fleadh will take place at Princethorpe College on Sunday, April 19.
Anyone wishing to enter one of the competitions at a County Fleadh Cheoil must submit their entry form to the Fleadh Secretary not later than 21 days…
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- Kildare Fleadh 2009
- 24 Aibreán 2009–26 Aibreán 2009
- Kildare
The Kildare County Fleadh will be held from April 24th to 26th 2009 in Kilteel.
Anyone wishing to enter one of the competitions at a County Fleadh Cheoil must submit their entry form to the Fleadh Secretary not later than 21 days…
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- Mayo Fleadh 2009
- 7 Bealtaine 2009–10 Bealtaine 2009
- Mayo
The 2009 Mayo Fleadh will be held in Ballycastle from May 7-10.
Anyone wishing to enter one of the competitions at a County Fleadh Cheoil must submit their entry form to the Fleadh Secretary not later than 21 days before the Fleadh…
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- Dublin Fleadh 2009
- 8 Bealtaine 2009–10 Bealtaine 2009
- Dublin
The Dublin County Fleadh 2009 will be held from May 8-10, in St David’s School, Artane.
Saturday 9th May 2009
Competitions in Ceili Band, U12, 12-15, 15-18 & Grupai Ceol all ages
Time: 10am
Competitions in Senior Ceili Band
Time : 7pm
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- Offaly Fleadh 2009
- 8 Bealtaine 2009–10 Bealtaine 2009
- Rahan Comhaltas
The Offaly County Fleadh takes place in Killina from May 8-10, 2009.
Anyone wishing to enter one of the competitions at a County Fleadh Cheoil must submit their entry form to the Fleadh Secretary not later than 21 days before the Fleadh…
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- UK Northern Region Fleadh 2009
- 10 Bealtaine 2009
- Northern Region
UK Northern Region Fleadh will take place in Manchester on Sunday, May 10th 2009.
Anyone wishing to enter one of the competitions at a County Fleadh Cheoil must submit their entry form to the Fleadh Secretary not later than 21 days before…
