Thurs 3^rd May - Mon 7^th May 2012

Welcome to The Fleadh by the Feale 2012!

In 2012 the Fleadh by the Feale will bring together traditional Irish musicians from all over Ireland, Europe and America to Abbeyfeale town centre in West Limerick for the eighteenth year.

Fleadh by the Feale Traditional Celebrity Concert

The main highlight of the festival is always the Traditional Celebrity Concert, which has entertained locals and visitors to Abbeyfeale, with many returning year after year.

This year we are looking forward to a night of exciting entertainment with the very popular international and traditional group "Four Men and a Dog".

With support by the talented musicians from Colaiste Ide agus Iosef.

For more information and bookings see our Fleadh Programme page.

Art Poster Competition

Confined to the five local primary schools in the parish an Art Poster Competition with this year's theme "Traditional Irish Culture"

Traditional Busking Competition

The Traditional Busking is a most memorable experience with categories for all ages, For many its their first time performing in public attracting large crowds on the streets of Abbeyfeale.

Set Ceilí   Music by "DEENAGH CEILÍ BAND"

For thoughts that are energetic and wish to take to the dance floor a Set Ceilí with Music by "DEENAGH CEILÍ BAND" featuring all talented champions, Accordion & Melodion: Conor Moriarty,, Banjo: Sean Murphy and Piano: Jayme Lenihan. This will give youa a lively start to the Fleadh by the Feale.

All-Ireland Bone Playing Championship

One of the most unique events that takes place during the Fleadh by the Feale Festival is the All-Ireland Bone playing championship that brings the festival to a close on the Monday evening.  The use of the bones as a rhythm instrument is quite popular in the West Limerick/North Kerry region, but the competition has also attracted competitors from throughout the country as well as from abroad.
One of the finest exponents of bones playing is Patrick "Sport" Murphy, a native of Ballybehy South, Abbeyfeale who dominated the competition in the early years.  The competition has also brought different styles of playing to these shores, a most notable example being that of Massachusetts native Steve Brown, whose impressive use of playing the bones with both hands would see him win two consecutive titles in 2003 and 2004.

The competition has continued to go from strength to strength, with a steady flow of newcomers each year, although in recent years two West Limerick men, David Murphy and Paddy Donovan have been to the fore in terms of titles won.  A Junior Bones competition is also held in the square on Sunday afternoon, helping to maintain this great tradition.  The All-Ireland Bone playing championship has consistently drawn a large crowd to the square in Abbeyfeale on the Monday evening, and has always ensured the festival goes out on a high note.

Here are a few brief audio clips from the 2009 festival that were first broadcast on Éagsúil, the Arts and Culture Show on West Limerick 102 fm, a local community radio station.

Allison Lakin.mp3

David Murphy.mp3

Paddy Donovan.mp3

Featured in the above audio clips are Alison Lakin who travelled from the States to compete, and two seasoned Bones players who have won the competition on previous occasions, David Murphy from Ballybehy South, Abbeyfeale, and Paddy O'Donovan from Ardagh, Co. limerick.

by: Lorcan Curtin

Lorcan Curtin, Wednesday's 6pm on West Limerick 102fm.

Blog: http://eagsuil.blogspot.com

Master Workshop Classes

Each year the committee select a group of well known musicians, singers and dancers to take the role of tutoring at the Master Workshop Classes, If you are interested in attending Workshop Classes, It is advised to book early to secure a place. See Events Programme for categories.

Storytelling

An afternoon of storytelling with Daisy Kearney and friends providing an opportunity for storytellers to come and share their wit telling their old irish stories and myths.

Open Air Entertainment

Traditional entertainment will take place on the open air platform in the town square at various times during the festival.

"This weekend is for everybody; those blessed with talent and ability to play an instrument or sing and those who have an appreciation of traditional Irish music in its purest form."

People of all ages come to share their talent with the folk of Abbeyfeale and in return the town guarantees you a warm West Limerick welcome.

Fleadh by the Feale Pub Trail 2012  

Each year the Fleadh host a Traditional Pub Trail, Details of the Pub Trail can be downloaded here nearer the time of the Fleadh by the Feale.

>> PUB TRAIL Guide to download click here>> 

Pub Sessions in Abbeyfeale during the May bank holiday weekend!