Flutes and fiddles flutter during Tyrone’s ‘Fleadhfest’

MUSICIANS, singers, storytellers and dancers from Tyrone have taken to the Hill of the O’Neill to entertain people from Tyrone in their own homes.

Dubbed the ‘Fleadhfest Tyrone’, the event, which was broadcast virtually, featured determined members of Tyrone’s Comhaltas who were not to be denied their annual opportunity to express our county’s cultural heritage and traditional talent – despite the efforts of Covid-19.

During the performance, organisers also made sure to devote some time to pay tribute to the late Arty McGlynn – an Omagh musician revered and respected, loved and enjoyed, across the world.

Speaking to the UH, Mary Mckenna, chairperson of Tyrone Comhaltas, said that the group were ‘delighted’ to come together in a socially-distanced manner to produce the virtual show.

“To give you an idea of the calibre of talent performing in Fleadhfest Tyrone, we had the All-Ireland winning Blackwater Ceili band; a vast of young and emerging talent from recently-formed Fintona CCE; a host of Dromore musicians and singers, including the 2019 All-Ireland winning trio of Meghan Teague, Aine Mc Caffrey and Ciaran Mc Kenna; and a range of both budding and mature musicians, singers and dancers from Coalisland, Clonoe, Omagh, Trillick and Clogher Valley,” Mary said. “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who helped us bring the joyous feeling of a Fleadh into peoples homes.

Mary concluded with words of grateful appreciation and acknowledgement to Arts Council NI, Fermanagh and Omagh Council; Mid Ulster Council; and Comhaltas for the sponsorship to make this wonderful trad ensemble possible.

“With the brilliance of renowned radio presenter, Lynnette Fay and the provision of the main recording venue in Hill of O`Neill, the community spirit across Tyrone was a welcome rescue remedy from pandemic gloom,” Mary said.

l If you would live to relive the Fleadhfest Tyrone, or watch the 90 minute performance of beautiful traditional music and dance for the first time, simply visit ‘Fleadhfest-Tyrone’ on YouTube.