Fleadhs

Class Fleadh

We had our first class fleadh in June 2004. Over 80 children played in front of the adjudicator (Emma O'Leary from Scartaglin). There were competitions in every 2 year groups (just like school years - 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6 and 7+). These were then broken down into beginners and intermediate to ensure that the children all played in groups appropriate to their ability. As well as solo competitions, there were also duet and trio competitions, as well as a singing and parent's competition. Every child received a certificate and medal and first place holders got a trophy.

For many children this was their first time paying in front of an audience and they all performed very well. For the very young or nervous children, Colette played along with them. Everyone really enjoyed the occasion and we are hoping to organise another class fleadh this summer.


Class Fleadh - Click to Enlarge		Class Fleadh - Click to Enlarge

Comhaltas Fleadhs

The London branches of Comhaltas organise two fleadhs each year - in the autumn is a junior fleadh with competitions for under nine - eighteen and in April/Spring is the London qualifying fleadh. These are held at Haringey Irish Centre. Although the aim of our music school is not competitivie, chidren can enter for fleadhs if they wish and are helped with their selection of tunes and practising.

In the 2005 qualifying fleadh we had a number of children who qualified for the All Britain Championships by gaining a 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd prize in their age group, in both solo and group competitions. Our under 12 group cheoil also qualified to play at the All Britain which was held at St Mary's College in Twickenham. For many of the children this was their first time competing at a fleadh and they all played extremely well and enjoyed hearing the other groups from all over England and Scotland.

We had two children who qualified in three competitions for the All Ireland Flead Cheoil which took place in Letterkenny on the last weekend of August. They played very well in front of a large audience and showed no signs and I was very proud of them.