CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn Rath hosts Offaly Fleadh Cheoil this weekend

CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn is honoured to host Fleadh Cheoil Uíbh Fháilí 2025 next weekend.

It is the very first time in the history of the branch, which was formed in August 2019, that they will host the Fleadh. The Fleadh Committee has worked tirelessly for the past four months to deliver an extensive programme of events.
The official launch of the Fleadh took place in Rath Hall on Monday evening last. Music sessions and cultural activities will run throughout the week, while Fleadh competitions will take place from Friday May 9^th to Sunday May 11^th in St Brendan’s Community School, Birr. Fleadh closing celebrations will the held in the village of Rath on Sunday evening when competitions have concluded. All are welcome!

Competitions begin at 6pm on Friday May 9th with Ceilí, and Sean Nós Dancing in St Brendan’s Community School, Birr. Competitions continue on Saturday May 10th and Sunday May 11th with music, singing, storytelling, Comhra Gaeilge, Grupaí Cheoil, Ceilí Bands etc. With approximately 330 entries to Fleadh Cheoil Uíbh Fhailí this year, all supporters can look forward to tremendous display of talent from the ten branches of Comhaltas in County Offaly, over the three days of competition. CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn wishes all competitors the very best of luck and a most enjoyable experience.

On Wednesday May 7^th there is a pop up Gaeltacht suitable for all ages, with Biorra le Gaeilge in Birr Library from 4pm to 5.30pm, with conversational Irish, Traditional Irish Music, Song, colouring and more.
On Thursday May 8^th there will be Trad Thursday in Kelly's on the Green in Birr starting at 9pm.

Competitions will begin on Friday May 9^th with dancing competitions in St Brendan's Community School from 6pm.

Later that same night there will be a Trad Session in Craughwell's Bar with Maire Brennan, Eimear & Aine Gleeson at 9pm, while there will be another Session in the Ormond Clubhouse, Emmet Square at 9pm with the Broadband Sessions Group.

On Saturday May 10^th Fleadh competitions will continue in the Community School from 11am.

At 7pm the Fleadh Mass will be celebrated in St John The Baptist Church, Rath at 7pm.

At 9pm that night there will be a Session in The Chestnut, Birr, with the Ard Eiscir Ceili Band.

Sunday May 11^th will see the Fleadh competitions continue from 11am in the Community School.

At 4.30pm the Fleadh Finale Music Session and celebrations will take place in Rath Hall with ‘ceoil agus craic’, BBQ, the ice cream van and more!

CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who has helped in any way to bring the 2025 Offaly Fleadh to fruition. Special thanks to Mr John Kennedy, Principal of St Brendan's Community School, Birr, and the Board of Management for the use of the School, to all sponsors for their financial support and to the local community who have pulled out all the stops to ensure that Fleadh Cheoil Uíbh Fhailí is a memorable event.

Additional volunteers are always welcome! For anyone wishing to lend a hand at any time over the weekend, please contact Karen (087) 9346928.

They wish the very best of luck to all the competitors. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh.

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