Followers from across the county, and far beyond, are certain to descend in huge numbers on the charming village of Kilfinane for its hosting of Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh over the June Bank Holiday Weekend (Thursday to Monday).
The Fleadh, which returns after a four-year hiatus, is being run in association with the very active Ballyhoura Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branch.
On Thursday evening, a singing session led by Nell Ní Chróinín will take place at Kelleher’s Bar.
An early highlight (Friday) will be a candlelit seated show featuring the best of local talent in traditional dancing, music and song. ‘Hup na Houra’ will be staged in the magnificent Old Chapel Rooms from 8pm (tickets, 087 4548501).
Renowned musicians Derek Hickey, Liam Flanagan, Caoimhín Ó Fearghail and singer Deirdre Scanlan will provide the entertainment.
Over 600 participants will be involved in Fleadh competitions throughout Saturday.
‘Fuinneamh, a five-person traditional band from North Kerry/West Limerick, will perform at an Open-Air Concert the following evening (7pm). The group bring infectious energy to their performance while staying true to their Sliabh Luachra origins.
The members of ‘Fuinneamh’ are Maura O’Connor (concertina), Pádraig Enright (flute), Micheál Broderick (banjo), Ian Sheehy (guitar) and James O’Connor (bodhrán).
On Sunday, another free concert will feature ‘North Cregg,’ a vibrant tradi-tional music group from North Cork. The per-formers embrace musical influences from around the world to create one of the most charismatic voices in Irish music.
‘North Cregg’ is comprised of Christy Leahy (button box), Liam Flannigan (fiddle/banjo), Ciarán Coughlan (piano), Martin Leahy (guitar/drums) and Claire-Anne Lynch (vocalist/fiddle).
A new element of Fleadh ’23 is an Expo event on Sunday (2pm-4pm). It will offer a space to service-providers/musicians/singers/dancers/teachers from within the industry to display their talent. All participants will be encouraged to partake in a performance later that evening on the specially erected Gig Rig.
The organisers are keen to invite along anyone with an interest in instrument makers, or those engaged with such repairs.
A free session trail will take place across the weekend, while family fun events and street events are also part of an eventful programme.
For more information, visit www.limerickcomhaltas.com.
The Munster Fleadh will be held in Tralee in July, while the All-Ireland Fleadh has been announced for Mullingar, County Westmeath (August).