Leinster Fleadh, July 7th to 9th 2006 - Carlow Town, Ireland, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Carlow Branch, with the generous sponsorship of The Fairgreen Shopping Centre, are proud to host the Leinster Fleadh for 2006 in Carlow Town. This is a major event for the town, attracting between 15-20 thousand people.

Session in Carlow

The competitions feature the cream of Leinster musicians and singers. These will take place in Carlow Institute of Technology, Kilkenny Road, with under-15 competitions on Saturday, 8th July and all over-15 competitions on Sunday, 9th July. These are always exciting events where one can listen to mature, accomplished performers playing all manner of instruments, as well as checking out the musicians of the future!

We feature some brilliant bands during the week-end too. On Friday night, Dervish will grace the stage of the Music Factory, Tullow Street, Carlow with their own unique brand of exciting, driving traditional music and song. Kila, a band which fuses all that's good in Irish culture with musical influences from around the world will play the same venue on Saturday night. Live on the street (and free to the public) we present an up and coming young band called Nuada. They will entertain Carlovians in Shamrock Square on Saturday night.

In the Carlovian Bar on Friday night a rather special night will be had by all who love to sing Irish songs. We host a traditional singers club in the upstairs bar, and all are welcome. Please note that silence will be requested when singers are performing. The night will feature visiting guest singers Philip Enright (Limerick) and Alice Fitzgerald (Waterford), aswell as able local talent.
		On Sunday afternoon, in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, the set dancers of Leinster take the stage. We hope that the weather will be fine so that we can hold the set dancing competitions in the open air. A group of musicians and dancers from Korea are also coming along to join in the fun!
During the weekend there will be a pub session trail in operation. The Fleadh attracts many visiting musicians and singers. Our group of local talents will join with these to provide a memorable weekend of impromptu sessions. Again, depending on the weather, we hope that some of this music will be played outdoors.
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This promises to be a fantastic festival of our own traditional culture. We thank the sponsors and advertisers who have donated so generously so far. We are still somewhat short of our target and welcome any further help in that regard. On the weekend, we need many volunteers to steward the competitions. Please contact us if you wish to help in this way. All help gladly accepted.

The Fleadh Mass will take place on Saturday, July 8th, at 8pm in The Cathedral of The Assumption in Carlow - See Map

We would ask the people of Carlow to welcome all visitors to our town and treat musicians, singers and dancers with courtesy. We know that these visitors will leave Carlow full of praise for the town and its citizens.

Enjoy the Festival!