This article is from page 37 of the 2008-05-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 37 JPG
GREAT weather and great music proved an irresistible draw as Fleadh Nua fans from Colorado to Tokyo, Cape Breton to Adelaide descended on Ennis for the past 9 days.
The general consensus is that Flea- dh Nua 2008 will live long in the memory for both the depth of the programme of events and the quality of the performers on view.
The Frank Custy Tribute got pro- ceedings off to a flying start as Flea- dh Nua paid homage to the legendary music teacher from Toonagh.
Dennis Liddy and Michael Hynes — ably assisted by Eoin O’Neill and Jack Talty — slowed things down with a beautifully crafted evening of mu-
sic at the Fidil Beo Recital.
Each year the Aos Og Concert promises audiences the finest tradi- tional music, song and dance per- formed by the cream of the country’s young artistes. This year’s concert delivered on this promise in abun- dance with the usual high standards maintained.
An eclectic mix of traditional mu- sic and dance with contemporary ar- rangements from the students of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at U.L., Ulster Scots music, polkas from the Sliabh Luachra tra- dition, master-piping and the power- ful singing of Seamus Mac Mathtna wowed the audience at the Celebrity Concert in Glor.
Acclaimed trad band, Cruinnit
played a varied set of songs and mu- sic with such élan that some mem- bers of the audience just had to get out of their seats and dance despite the lateness of the hour.
The intensely spiritual singing of Cor Cuil Aodha under the direction of Peadar O Riada at Cor agus Ceol allowed listeners a period of reflec- tion which was followed by a series of high octane performances culmi- nating in a rousing finale by Leeds Scoraiocht group.
There was plenty of outdoor activ- ity as live performances on the Gig Rig and a network of street sessions kept people royally entertained.
The pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street lent itself greatly to the crea- tion of a festival atmosphere around
the town and the Organising Com- mittee said they greatly appreci- ated the support received from the traders, Ennis Town Council and an Garda Siochana to this end.
The streets were thronged for the best Fleadh Nua Parade in years which featured bands, schools and community groups as well as open air entertainment from the Hounds of Ulster, Ogra Tiobraid Arann and Oo) iKeyse mrt WY Ebebisuslone