The most important event in the traditional music calendar took place last weekend- Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, where the very best of traditional talent from all over Ireland and the world comes together to meet, to compete, but, most importantly, to celebrate all that is best in Irish music song and dance.
For many, it is the culmination of months of hard work and practice as they compete against fellow musicians, singers and dancers to achieve the recognition of being an All-Ireland champion. For others it is a unique and welcoming festival of the best of traditional arts that offers a wide range of activities to be enjoyed by all.
Fleadh Cheoil 2016 featured more than 400 events throughout Ennis and Co. Clare, many of them free of charge, such as concerts, céilís, exhibitions, lectures, street performances, hundreds of sessions and much more.
One Westmeath native who enjoyed great success at the event was Shane Heraty of Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ who received second prize in the Senior Men’s Singing.
“The first time I ever sang on my own in public was at my Aunt’s 25th anniversary about 15 years but even then that was just in front of the family. You build it up over time. You can get a few setbacks I suppose but you have to keep going.” Shane told Topic. “I like to sing traditional folk songs and traditional Sean-nós songs but if I’m at a disco or anything like that I’d sing anything. I listen to all sorts of music” he added.
Shane, who works at FBD head office in Dublin, discovered a passion for singing while still at school. “I listened to local singers and went to Comhaltas events and went to concerts and different things like that and gradually started to sing myself. I’ve taken part a few times and I was at the All-Ireland once before two years ago in Sligo.”
Shane said that he had not been expecting to place so highly this year and was thrilled to come second in the competition that took place on Sunday afternoon at the Holy Family Hall in the town. “I was really delighted. You sing one slow song and one lively one. You have to know four lively songs and two slow ones and the judge picks one and you pick the other one. I sang ‘Pat Murphy’s Meadow’ and ‘1945’ by Christy Moore. I was nervous going up. You wouldn’t think you’d be when you’re used to singing in front of people but you do get nervous at the start in front of such a big crowd. Once you get going you’re not too bad.”
Shane was accompanied to the festival by his sister Aisling, Kevin and Brigid O’ Brien and two members of the local Comhaltas, former All-Ireland champion Pádraic Keena and Marie Neagh to name just a few. “It makes a big difference when you have the support there.” He commented.
Shane said he favors singing at more informal gatherings such as seisiúns than competitions. “I prefer when there’s a group of people singing a few songs. I’d get it very hard to sing nine or ten songs on my own but if there is crowd there where a couple of people are singing one after the other it’s more relaxed. If I’m alive next year I’ll go back and try it again. ” he smiled.
Chairperson of Castletown Geoghegan CCÉ, musician, composer, singer and teacher, fellow Castletown native, Enda Seery also attended the event as he does every year. “Ennis is the home of music so it was great. They have the Ennis Tradfest in May and there is music here seven nights of the week there anyway so they’re well used to it. The weather obviously wasn’t great but the music on the streets was brilliant.
Speaking about his fellow singer, he said it was a wonderful achievement for a member of the the Castletwon Geoghegan CCÉ. “Shane has been through to an All-Ireland before so he has been kind of knocking on the door for a few years so it’s a great achievement for him to get second. I’ve heard him sing and he has a very distinctive voice.”
As well as Shane, other Westmeath performers who took medals were Bunbrosna CCÉ who received third place in Senior Mixed Set Dancing and Ben Keary of Ballynacargy CCÉ who got third in the 12-15 banjo category. Bunbrosna also won the All-Ireland Senior Scór talent this year.
