The local organising Connacht Fleadh committee have announced the revised dates for the Connacht Fleadh, which will now take place in Ballina from June 23rd to July 2nd , 2023.
The committee are working tirelessly in putting together a 10-day packed programme of events which will include workshops, ceilis, street entertainment and pub sessions.
A major Fleadh street festival is planned for the centre of the town headed by Mark O’Donnell from Bofield CCE. This will be during the week leading into the Fleadh and will be unveiled at a later date.
Uilleann Pipes
An uilleann piping event has now been confirmed and will take place in The Merry Monk on Sunday, June 25. Achill-based uilleann pipe-maker John Butler will give a demonstration on the making of the pipes and the materials used. Followed by a try-out the uilleann pipes session by Na Piobairi Uilleann from Dublin. A large number of beginners sets of pipes will be available to anybody wishing to have a try. Historian Michael Kelly will give a lecture on the history of uilleann piping in Mayo over the past two centuries. This event is open to all members of the public.
Joint PROs Eamonn Walsh and Councillor John O’Hara are appealing to traditional musicians from all over Ireland and in particular Mayo and Connacht musicians all over the world to come to Ballina next year for the Fleadh. They are also contacting Mayo Associations and the 450 branches of Comhaltas worldwide to support the Fleadh and come to Ballina and make the event a mini All-Ireland Fleadh.
The Moy Valley and Bofield branches of Comhaltas have joined forces to stage the event. Over 2,000 competitors will compete in the Fleadh competitions in the qualifying stages of the All-Ireland Fleadh on July 1 and 2 next year.
Check our events page and social media channels closer to the time for information as details are confirmed.
