At a photocall for the launch of Fleadh Cheoil 2022 on the Market Square this morning were, musicians Oisin Wallace, Ellen Connaire and Nicole Reynolds; Fleadh Executive Committee members Willie Penrose, Bernie McHugh, Aoife Moynihan, Joe Connaire and Colette Glynn. Also present: Anne-Marie Corroon, Westmeath County Council fleadh liaison officer; and Eamon Seery and Liam Reynolds, relatives of two of the founding members of CCÉ, Jim Seery and Willie Reynolds; Aoife’s grandparents, Cait Bean Ui Mhuimhneachain and Eamonn O’Muimhneachain, were also founding members of Comhaltas.

All invited to Fleadh Cheoil music launch this afternoon

Published: Fri 27 May 2022, 12:52 PM

Last updated: Fri 27 May 2022, 2:30 PM

Mullingar Fleadh 2022 is officially launching its programme of music events this evening, and the Mullingar Fleadh Executive Committee would like people to join them from 6.30pm, outside Mullingar Arts Centre.

Hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar in 2022 is special moment for the town, as it is where Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded in 1951.

Fleadh Cheoil 2022, which will be opened by President Michael D Higgins, is supported by Fáilte Ireland and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

As Mullingar is at the centre of the region, organisers of the fleadh are encouraging guests to take in some of the sites while in Westmeath.

Music programme highlights

Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble, Sharon Shannon, The Bridge Céili Band, Daithí Gormley, Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh, Téada, IMAR, Seamus Begley, Sean Keane and Emmett Cahill, Anúna, Kilfenora Céili Band, Damien Mullane, Moxie, Four Winds, Meitheal Orchestra, The Blackwater, Breaking Trad and The Full Set.

The most important events are, however, the 150 competitions where people from all over the world perform music, song, dance and Comhrá Gaeilge.

There is more information about the concerts and tickets at fleadhcheoil.ie/events.

The event will feature two gig rigs, street performances and cultural events in various venues including Scoil Éigse, a school that provides workshops, lectures and sessions during the week of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The Fleadh Executive Committee is calling on locals, from Mullingar and the wider county, to get involved, as there is a great need for volunteers to help over the week of the fleadh. There are various opportunities to lend a hand depending on the time people have to offer.

Additionally, there is a huge need for accommodation for visitors and musicians, whether a room in a house or a holiday home that is vacant. Those interested in offering a property, a room, or rooms, to visitors can register their accommodation on the fleadhcheoil.ie website.

Equally, volunteers can get in touch via the website and by phone at 044 93 38954.

Fleadh Executive Committee Chairperson Joe Connaire said: “We are delighted to host this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar. It’s been a two-year wait but we know the people of Mullingar and the surrounding county will pull out all the stops to make this Homecoming something very special.”

RTÉ and TG4 are broadcast partners to Fleadh Cheoil 2022 over the coming weeks.

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