Kinsale debuts as host for Cork Fleadh

By BRIAN MOORE

THE CORK Fleadh is to be held, for the first time, in Kinsale next April.

The weekend of April 22nd and 23rd will see all roads leading to Kinsale Community School for a celebration of Irish music, dance and culture. 

The event will see an influx of over 4,000 visitors to Kinsale and the surrounding  area, with approximately 1,500 students entered in competitions over the two days.  

John Kelleher of  ABP Bandon, the main sponsors, is delighted the Cork Fleadh is coming to Kinsale and is certain that the event will widen the educational experience of young people by encouraging them to take part in music. 

James O’Mahoney, chairman of Kinsale Youth Support Group, congratulated Ballinspittle Comhaltas who will be hosting this prestigious event.  ‘This is a very worthwhile initiative which should be fully supported by the whole community of Kinsale,’ he said.  

Fergal McCarthy, principal of Kinsale Community School, will offer the school as a venue and said: ‘Music in all its facets has a powerfully uplifting affect on moral wellbeing for all. Kinsale Community School is delighted to provide the idyllic setting for the fleadh to take place.’ 

Mary O’Sullivan, chairperson of the Ballinspittle Comhaltas, is delighted that the Cork Fleadh is coming to Kinsale and that Ballinspittle Comhaltas will be hosting the this event for the very first time. ‘I hope this wonderful event will help motivate and encourage more people to join our branch and become involved in Comhaltas,’ she said. The Committee will now have the task of planning musical sessions and céilí, along with the two days of competitions.