Laois Comhaltas organization got into full swing last weekend with the start of the Fleadh Ceoil season.
The Fleadh was launched on Sunday, May 29, with Ceoil na nÓg at Colaiste Dún Masc.
County PRO PJ Phelan thanked LOETB for the use of their premises including Portlaoise College which makes it possible to host the Leinster Provincial finals on July 8, 9 and 10.
Excitement was palpable at the fleadh launch with music and song by Ceol na nÓg groups and later in the evening a concert by Goitse who launched their 6th studio album Rosc at Dunanaise Theatre.
While there was a vast contrast between novices starting to play music and the professional band celebrating 10 years of recording and touring the world, both audiences were enthusiastic.
The novice musicians and singers from Spink, Portlaoise and Ratheniska branches ranged in age from 7 to 11 years of age and took the stage for their very first appearance to the delight of family and friends.
Next week end, June 3-5 will see strong competition at a very high standard when the county fleadh takes place in Portlaoise, organised by Ratheniska and the local branch.
Dancing on Friday evening commencing ay 7pm will be followed on Saturday with Ceili Bands and music groups from across the county in an all day event commencing at 11am.
On Sunday the individual talents of over 200 musicians, singers and story tellers will be on display in the classrooms of the former CBS school now operating under the auspices of LOETB.
Those who qualify from Laois will have home venue at the Leinster Fleadh being hosted by Portlaoise branch with the full support of the Co Board and the constituent branches across the county.
The town was chosen on this occasion as the most central with suitable venues for the 183 competitions scheduled for the 8,9,10 July.
Christy Bannon, PRO for the Leinster Fleadh says it will be an opportunity for everyone in the area to enjoy music and craic on the street.
Christy was one of the organisers of the very successful St Patrick’s Week-end festival and summer weather can only add to the enjoyment for all.
With TG4 scheduled to broadcast from the town over the weekend, organisers are working hard to ensure Portlaoise will look it’s best. Upgrading of public spaces by Laois Co Council and the work of Tidy Towns and DownTown Portlaoise together with all interest groups guarantees the county will be seen as a destination for visitors all year round.
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