This article is from page 14 of the 2007-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
FOR Clare traditional musicians Tullamore was the place to be last weekend as over 250,000 people congregated in the Offaly capital for the 56th running of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.
This year’s event, back in the mid- lands after a number of years, revived memories of the first ever All-Ireland Fleadh that took place in Mullingar back in 1951.
And Clare musicians who have dis- tinguished themselves at All-Ireland Fleadhs since the great contests be- tween the Tulla and Kilfenora bands brought more glory to the county, scooping titles across a range of competitions.
Those in the winners enclosure in- cluded: Tara Breen and Cathal Mac An Ri in the Senior Duet compe- tion; David McCarthy, Accordion under 12; Keith O’Loughlin, under 15 Mandolin; Aisling Lyons, under 12 Harp; Emer Arkins in Lilting and Irish Singing and Tig na Coille in the under 18 Céili Band competition.
The Clare success stories didn’t end there. Many other performers were also on the podium over the week- Ne
Tig na Coille were second in the 12-to-15-year-old Céili Band com- petition, while Burren were third. Burren also scooped second in the Grupa Ceoil compeition.
Tara Breen was second in the un- der 18 Fiddle; Dermot Sheedy was runner up in the under 18 drums; Tara Howley third in under 15 Uil- leann Pipes; Emer Arkins/Brian and Keith O’Loughlin third in under 18 Trio; Sean and Gerard Kennedy/ Aine Griffey third in under 12 Trio; Cres sToymyn Ue. Cui MscubKe MBO MBLY BIO UF-Dahve Fergal Breen third in Pipes Slow Airs; Bronwyn Power third in Fiddle under 18 and Martin Breen third in Senior Accompaniment.