Ballaghaderreen in Co Roscommon is hosting the first Fleadh of the year in Ireland this weekend, in what has been advertised as a unique 'three in one' event.
Due to the pandemic, the Roscommon County Fleadh has not taken place since 2019.
Organiser Neil Sheridan said "the 2022 Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil will be three Fleadhs in one on account of the 2020 and 2021 events being cancelled".
Roscommon is a county steeped in traditional music and, with South Sligo and Leitrim, the county is noted for a distinctive style of flute playing.
The Roscommon County Fleadh has traditionally been held over the Easter weekend and is the first fleadh of the year in Ireland.
Regardless of uncertain weather at this time of year, it is usually attended by large crowds, including from Northern Ireland as well as Irish communities in the UK and US, with people of all ages enjoying this festival of traditional Irish music and dance.
Promising “craic agus ceoil” at venues throughout the town, Mr Sheridan said there would also be “live outdoor performances,busking, and a lot more events with a great influx of people from home and abroad”.
Recalling the 2019 Fleadh, he said: “That event was a tremendous success and plans were well underway for the 2020 edition before the music was cruelly silenced by Covid-19. Nobody could have imagined then that it would be Easter 2022 before Ballaghaderreen would see another County Fleadh.
“This weekend’s festival of music will aim to make up for lost time. It’s been a long wait but this year’s Fleadh will be a welcome boost for Ballaghaderreen.”
The Fleadh can be followed on Facebook at Roscommon Fleadh 2022 and more details are available on (094) 9860144.
