Fabulous line up for County Longford Fleadh Cheoil

The eagerly awaited Fleadh Cheoil Longfoirt 2023 will take place in Edgeworthstown from Tuesday, April 11 to Sunday, April 16.

Longford County Board CCE are looking forward to welcoming almost three hundred entries in solo music, singing, Comhra Ghaeilge, Scealaiocht and Storytelling in all age categories to participate in the Fleadh Cheoil competitions.

This is not allowing for the number of competitors in Grúpaí Cheoil, Céilí Band, Rince Céilí & Rince Seit, duets, trios, dancing and competitors who have entered in numerous competitions.

Currently, there are over 100 entered in music and singing for the Mini Fleadh at St Mary’s National School, Edgeworthstown from 12 noon on Saturday, April 15 more competitors will enter on the day.

It is a credit to the music schools, tutors, and parents for their dedication and hard working committees of county Longford’s three Comhaltas branches – Joe Callaghan CCÉ, John Dungan CCÉ and Lios Breac - An Longfort CCÉ.

Patricia Masterson, Cathaoirleach, Longford County Board CCE, outlined that this year, Fleadh Cheoil Longfoirt will honour a couple of very worthy people who were stalwarts in their own rights.

She explained, “Renowned Storyteller, the late Liam Butler from Legan, was a past member of the Joe Callaghan CCE group and he helped bring storytelling to the level it’s at today.

“Also, Longford County Board CCE will pay homage to a very long standing member who eats, drinks and lives music - the identity of this worthy honouree will be divulged at a later stage.”

At Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2022 in neighbouring Mullingar, the Longford County Board CCE had a number of prize-winners, including two All-Ireland Champions - Laoise Hanly 1st in 15-18 Scéalaíocht competition, member of the Joe Callaghan CCE and Aoibhinn Lynch 1st in U18 Button Accordion.

Patricia remarked, “This is our first year to honour our Irish Language in the form of Gaeltacht half scholarships and there was a good interest in the scheme and well done to the two very worthy recipients of these accolades, Laoise Hanly and Sarah Keenan. Congrats to both girls.”

Fleadh Cheoil Longfoirt 2023 will be officially launched on Tuesday, April 11 at 7pm in Edgeworthstown library and this will feature performances from the Joe Callaghan CCE Céilí bands.

The County Fleadh Mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 7pm in St Mary’s Church, Edgeworthstown and away from the competition venues, there will be music sessions in many of the local hostelries, including The Sportsman Inn, Jack’s Corner, The Goldsmith Inn and Conefrey’s Bar.

The Gig Rig at the Edgeworthstown library plaza on Saturday and Sunday will feature lots of entertainment, with performances by members of Comhaltas branches, local musicians and singers and on Sunday, Laura Jo Callaghan, The Ross Sisters and 4 Degrees West will be on the Gig Rig stage.

Patricia said the organisation of Fleadh Cheoil Longfoirt is a big undertaking and she wished to thank everyone for their support.

“The organising of a Fleadh Cheoil is a community effort over the whole weekend with the help of committees, volunteers, parents and the businesses in the town. Thanks to all who supported us in any way.”