Thurs 2nd May - Mon 6th May 2013
Welcome to Fleadh by the Feale 2013
In 2013 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 nineteenth year.
PUB TRAIL SESSIONS 2013 CLICK HERE>>
Fleadh by the Feale 2013 Traditional Celebrity Concert
The main highlight of the festival is always the Traditional Celebrity Concert, which has entertained locals and visitors to Abbeyfeale, This year we are looking forward to a night of entertainment with the famous Kilfenora Céilí Band.
The Kilfenora Céilí Band
The band features four fiddles (Eimear Howley, Sinéad Heagney, Anne Rynne, and Annemarie McCormack), two flutes (Anthony Quigney and Garry Shannon), concertina (Tim Collins), accordion (Claire Griffin), banjo (John Lynch), drums (Sean Griffin) and piano (Fintan McMahon).
2009 was the centenary celebration of the formation of the Kilfenora band. Not only is this an historic milestone for the band itself but a reminder that the irish culture and traditions are thriving and have survived the test of time.
The Band will perform their Big Band Show "Spraoi" in Abbeyfeale and will be joined by guest musicians Sharon Howley(cello), Brian O'Grady(double bass),
Don Stiff (singer), West Clare Set Dancers and World Champion Dancer Michael Donnellan.
A Concert not to be missed.
For more information and ticket bookings click here>>
Art Poster Competition
Confined to the five local primary schools in the parish an Art Poster Competition with this year's theme "The Gathering"
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
For those that are energetic and wish to take to the dance floor a "Set Ceilí", featuring the popular "Striolán Ceilí Band" will take place at the GAA Clubhouse. This will give you a lively start to "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
KOSTAL Ireland GmbH International Soccer Tournament
As part of The Gathering 2013 and in conjunction with "Fleadh by the Feale a Soccer Tournament has been organised by Abbeyfeale's KOSTAL Ireland GmbH. The unique event is being organised to mark Kostal's ongoing support and sponsorship of the traditional music festival in the town. Teams have been invited from Kostal's other factories in Europe to take part in the tournament competing with local teams from Abbeyfeale and Mallow. We wish our visitors a Cead Mile a Fáilte.
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 2013
Each year the Fleadh host a Traditional Pub Trail, Details of the Pub Trail can be downloaded here.
PUB TRAIL SESSIONS 2013 CLICK HERE>>
Pub Sessions in Abbeyfeale during the May bank holiday weekend!
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