Tullamore in Offaly gets ready to host the 59th Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The town of Tullamore prepares for a third successive year to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Young people from the county have grown accustomed to having the Fleadh on their doorstep.
One of the main events of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the competitions, with traditional musicians of all ages and backgrounds competing at regional level throughout the year for the chance to participate in the All Ireland final.
After years of devotion to traditional music Ciara McKeown and Rohna Lynch are both competing in the All Ireland final. Ciara McKeown started playing the fiddle when she was five years old. Rohna Lynch has been playing since she was three and competing in the Fleadh since she was six years old.
For those not in competition, the Fleadh has storytelling, concerts and music taking place in venues all over the town.
Capitalising on its Grand Canal location, Chairperson of the Offaly Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Bernadette Quinn explains how 'The Float To The Fleadh' attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over Ireland to come to Tullamore by boat.
In 2007 when we first started, we had 42 boats, last year we’d 80 and this year we’re hoping for 100.
Ronnie Byrne is returning to the Fleadh on his boat. It will take him two arduous days to reach to Tullamore Harbour, but the hard work is all worthwhile,
The atmosphere down around there is just unbelievable.
Fiddle player and chairperson of the organising committee of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2009 Attracta Brady sees the cultural benefit the Fleadh has brought to Tullamore,
There’s a huge awareness of music in the area now.
In the current tough economic times, Tony McCormack of Tullamore Chamber of Commerce explains how beneficial the Fleadh is to local businesses,
It is a bit like Christmas.
During the Fleadh up to 10,000 will require a place to stay. Joe O’Brien of the Tullamore Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee is confident Tullamore can cope with the influx, as nearby towns are providing accommodation also.
A ‘Nationwide’ report broadcast on 17 August 2009. The reporter is Ciaran Mullooly.
