Laois was to the fore at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis over the weekend with highly prestigious first place awards being won by a number of participants from the county.
“Qualifying for the Fleadh Cheoil is like getting to the Olympics,” Lawrence Vesey, Spink Comhaltas secretary said.
“Just getting to a final and being part of the line-up is a major achievement,” he said.
He said once you are in a final, it can be the tiniest detail which separates the winning places.
“It is just down to good luck on the day or what the judges are looking for,” he said.
“I would be fairly confident in saying that Laois musicians were in the top 5 or 6 in most categories,” he said.
Certainly there were a number of very notable performances.
Winners
David Vesey finished first place in the miscellaneous category (15-18) for his flute performance. He also finished second in the whistle (15-18) category.
Diarmaid Faherty, Portarlington, also achieved a 1st place in céilí drums (15-18) and a second place finish in the button accordion (15-18).
Fiadh Fitzpatrick, Portarlington, also beat off all competition to achieve first place in the uilleann pipes slow airs (12-15).
Conor Thomas, Camross, finished second in uilleann pipes slow airs (15-18).
Clióna Dowling McDonald, Spink, placed 2nd in whistle slow airs (12-15).
Isobel Donnery, Camross, placed 3rd in Bodhrán (15-18).
Clare Faherty, Portarlington, finished 3rd in piano (over 18).
There was a third place finish for Cuí na Carraig from Ratheniska in the 8-Hand Céilí Dancing (U12).
In the 4-Hand Céilí Dancing, Sonas from Ratheniska also achieved third place.
While Spink had the largest amount of musicians taking part, musical competitors came from across the county.
A particular highlight was the U12 Buaile Beg Ceili Band who travelled by bus from Abbeyleix, along with their supporters, to perform last week.
“A lot of them are young enough to be back again next year so it was a great experience for them. What they gained from the experience can’t be taught in a classroom,” Mr Vesey said.
They placed a very creditable 4th and no doubt will go on to bigger and better things in the future.
Recognition
The musical accomplishment of David Vesey has brought him further recognition and he has been invited to perform on a nationwide Comhaltas tour in early October.
This tour will take in the Dunamase Theatre on October 13.
Beatha perform at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Ennis
Mr Vesey said his selection is not only recognition of his talent, but also testament to the work done by all his musical teachers over the years.
Laois musicians were to the fore over the course of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with bands Fiuntas and Beatha both performing with some aplomb.
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