Thousands of music fans from all over the world were dancing in the streets yesterday for the Fleadh Cheoil.
Residents in Drogheda, Co Louth, were encouraged to “shine” by trad lovers from Australia, France, Spain and South America who didn’t let rain spoil the fun.
Mayor Paul Bell said it was great to see locals get heavily involved in this year’s events, set to run until next Monday.
He told the Irish Mirror last night: “I think more peoplefigured out what the Fleadh is about and that it’s not just for parts of our population and that there’s something for everybody.
“The atmosphere is buzzing – it’s constant.
“And what’s happening in some areas on the outskirts of town that may not have a particular connection with the Fleadh – in some pubs they have invited local traditional musicians to play and buy them a few drinks. This event has urged the locals to shine and express collectively their confidence in their town.
“The people of Drogheda have demonstrated that the Fleadh will be successful despite the fact that some people were talking about the issues we were having in the town as being a distraction.”
Mr Bell said the international influx has been a hugely welcome shot in the arm and a chance to “show what we are”.
He added: “I’m meeting a lot of people who have come to Ireland for the first time.
“I met a young man in a coffee shop who had arrived just six hours before and he was from Germany and came over to play the uilleann pipes.
“I met three young people that had come over from Spain just to be there for the opening event to see President Higgins.
“These are people in their 20s fascinated with how Irish people can engage so closely with their president.
“I’ve met people from Argentina, Brazil and France where they have aspects of Irish culture in their own countries.
“There must have been 2,000 people in the square.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is expected to make an appearance on Saturday and is set to spend time with Mr Bell and other council officials before exploring the area in his own time.
Meanwhile, the mayor paid homage to the local authorites and volunteers who have kept the town litter-free.
He said: “The council have been cleaning and washing the streets at 4am.
“The guards and local authorities are doing a great job. People are willing to put up with some disruption – it’s just part of it.
“The level of volunteers in the town is massive – there are 2,000 of them out helping with a major clean-up operation every day while people are out dancing on the streets.
“There’s music being played everywhere by ordinary folk in side lanes, on balconies, in courtyards that no one uses.”
Those attending today’s festival are set for another cracker with plenty of talent to suit everyone.
Events include a 1pm concert by the McCague family, featuring the former TG4 Young Musician Of The Year Donal McCague.
At 6pm, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre return to St Peter’s Church of Ireland with Cormac Begley.
The evening will also see the Bardic Awards and Dinner which will honour those who have made significant contributions to traditional Irish culture.
- More information on the week ahead is available at fleadhcheoil.ie
