Fleadh Dhoire 2020 this weekend

Fleadh Dhoire Mhór 2020 will bring the North West to virtual life this coming week showcasing to a global audience some of Ireland’s finest Irish traditional musicians, singers and storytellers who emanate from Derry’s shores.

With over 20 events and concert performances going live online between now and Monday, this years Fleadh Dhoire hosted by Greater Shantallow Community Arts in partnership with CCE Baile na gCailleach features international award winning bands including Connla, Aisling Óir, Traditional Sean nos singing sessions in English and in Gaeilge,promises to have something for everyone.

Some of the local CCE Baile na Cailleach musicians performing at the County Derry Fleadh.

placeholder image — Some of the local CCE Baile na Cailleach musicians performing at the County Derry Fleadh.

A new concert entitled, “Irish Ballads of Love” featuring the remarkable international renowned soprano, Margaret Keyes, Derry Girls legends Ciara McCafferty, Erin Carlin Betty Harrigan, and South Derry songbird Una Mc Gill brings together an outstanding array for singers who promise to enthral audiences.

The Fleadh will highlight some of the absolute best of traditional Irish music and song from around the county engaging local CCE Baile na cGailleach Comhaltas stalwarts, whilst bringing forward a Fleadh programme of masterclasses and music that bring our unique Irish culture to life.

Pictured at Saturdayâ€TMs County Derry Fleadh recordings in Studio 2 are Marcas Oâ€TMMurchu, Siobhan Molloy, Martin Donohoe and Cathal Lynch.

Fleadh Dhoire said it is honoured to give a platform for the launch of a new album featuring the very best of Derry Trad & Folk musicians and song writers, entitled “Stories from the Island” .

This new album features a range of new songs by some of Derry’s greatest songwriters with 18 local musicians coming together under the direction of musical legends Paddy Nixon and Ronan Mc Donald to create a living legacy of Irish song that tells the stories of our island across the generations.

Speaking ahead of the official launch, Ollie Green Artistic Director of Fleadh Dhoire 2020 expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the wonderful artists who worked together to make the Fleadh so special.

Mr Green said during a time that all the people of our island and beyond have been suffering with lockdown fatigue and isolation, and that it has been inspiring and humbling to witness these amazing musicians and singers unite to bring the joy of Irish music and song to so many. The sheer quality and beauty of this week’s performances will undoubtedly lift the spirits of everyone who tunes in to enjoy this great Fleadh experience, he added.

Renowned group Connla who performed at the County Derry Fleadh this week.

Mr Green went on to say that without the help and support of so many dedicated people giving freely of their time this Fleadh would not be possible, and along with the support of DCSDC Headline Festivals Fund, The Community Relations Council, Awards for All, Community Fund and Arts Council NI “we seek to create a small beacon of hope and joy at this difficult time and to remind all our viewers of the brighter days that lie ahead”.

Encouraging people to visit the new Fleadh website at www.Fleadhdhoire.com Mr Green said all these homegrown events and masterclasses are free of charge. “We encourage all our viewers to celebrate the gift our skilled artists from across the island contribute to enhancing in our daily lives, our neighbours and our friends lives from all sections of our community, creating real and lasting friendships through this shared love of music and traditional arts.”

Photos by Jim McCafferty Photography