Menu
26/08/2009
Fleadh To Fly North
One of Ireland's largest traditional music events may be coming north of the border.
Comholtas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) is considering holding the all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil at a Northern Ireland venue because it is said to offer new opportunities to develop an important aspect of our shared future.
Commenting, the SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA and Irish Language spokesperson Dominic Bradley said it was great news: "The statement from CCE Director General Senator Labhras O Murchu will be warmly welcomed by all lovers of Irish music and culture," he said, noting that an ad hoc cross-border group of elected representatives met with Senator O Murchu and the leadership of CCE to discuss the idea.
Mr Bradley continued:"It would indeed be a great achievement if the all-Ireland Fleadh could be held in the North, but this is not just a matter of geographical equality or the millions of pounds that the Fleadh can inject into our local economy.
"The Flead Cheoil is now a major international cultural event and the organisers have developed great skill and expertise in making it a genuinely inclusive event and the time is right to bring that spirit of inclusiveness."
He insisted that traditional music in particular has never lost its ability to act as a bridge between the two communities.
"This is because it is virtually impossible to draw a firm line between its Scottish and Irish origins," he said.
"The music of the Ulster-Scots tradition is a tremendous repository of our common musical culture and a northern Fleadh would present a great opportunity to recognise it as such.
"When musicians of both sides get together they will both know the tunes and hopefully find new harmonies," he enthused.
Artists such as Harry Bradley, (no relation) the south Belfast-born musician (pictured) who proudly boasts of the influence of the music of Orange marching bands on the development of his own flute playing is a case in point.
See:
www.claddaghrecords.com/WWW/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2887
(BMcC/GK)
Comholtas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) is considering holding the all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil at a Northern Ireland venue because it is said to offer new opportunities to develop an important aspect of our shared future.
Commenting, the SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA and Irish Language spokesperson Dominic Bradley said it was great news: "The statement from CCE Director General Senator Labhras O Murchu will be warmly welcomed by all lovers of Irish music and culture," he said, noting that an ad hoc cross-border group of elected representatives met with Senator O Murchu and the leadership of CCE to discuss the idea.
Mr Bradley continued:"It would indeed be a great achievement if the all-Ireland Fleadh could be held in the North, but this is not just a matter of geographical equality or the millions of pounds that the Fleadh can inject into our local economy.
"The Flead Cheoil is now a major international cultural event and the organisers have developed great skill and expertise in making it a genuinely inclusive event and the time is right to bring that spirit of inclusiveness."
He insisted that traditional music in particular has never lost its ability to act as a bridge between the two communities.
"This is because it is virtually impossible to draw a firm line between its Scottish and Irish origins," he said.
"The music of the Ulster-Scots tradition is a tremendous repository of our common musical culture and a northern Fleadh would present a great opportunity to recognise it as such.
"When musicians of both sides get together they will both know the tunes and hopefully find new harmonies," he enthused.
Artists such as Harry Bradley, (no relation) the south Belfast-born musician (pictured) who proudly boasts of the influence of the music of Orange marching bands on the development of his own flute playing is a case in point.
See:
www.claddaghrecords.com/WWW/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2887
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 October 2024
Belfast Music Continues To Thrive Following UNESCO Designation
Three years after being named a UNESCO City of Music, Belfast's music scene continues to flourish with ongoing support from Belfast City Council.
Belfast Music Continues To Thrive Following UNESCO Designation
Three years after being named a UNESCO City of Music, Belfast's music scene continues to flourish with ongoing support from Belfast City Council.
28 November 2024
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
26 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
07 July 2023
Belfast Musicians And Venues To Benefit From Summer Initiatives
A number of Belfast-based performers and music venues are to benefit from a range of new summer initiatives as part of Belfast's UNESCO City of Music designation. The city was awarded the prestigious title in November 2021, becoming the first city on the island of Ireland and only the third in the UK to receive the accolade.
Belfast Musicians And Venues To Benefit From Summer Initiatives
A number of Belfast-based performers and music venues are to benefit from a range of new summer initiatives as part of Belfast's UNESCO City of Music designation. The city was awarded the prestigious title in November 2021, becoming the first city on the island of Ireland and only the third in the UK to receive the accolade.
16 August 2013
L'Derry Fleadh A 'Phenomenal Success'
Mayor of L'Derry Cllr Martin Reilly has described the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil as a "phenomenal success to date," as the festival attracts more visitors than anticipated. Further numbers are expected in the city over the weekend, as the annual music festival comes to a close.
L'Derry Fleadh A 'Phenomenal Success'
Mayor of L'Derry Cllr Martin Reilly has described the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil as a "phenomenal success to date," as the festival attracts more visitors than anticipated. Further numbers are expected in the city over the weekend, as the annual music festival comes to a close.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
