Traditional Irish music fleadh thrives in Pearl River

Since moving the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh to Pearl River over five years ago, it has become as vital and dynamic as the Irish music scene there that has blossomed in the past decade as it became known as THE place for Irish music to prosper.  

As one of the qualifying fleadhanna in North America, it plays an important role in selecting competitors who are encouraged to compete in Ireland late in August at Fleadh Cheoil na HEireann (in Tullamore once again over the week of August 16-23 with details at www.fleadh2009.com). 

Since the fleadh committee is comprised mostly of teachers and musicians and some very dedicated CCE officials who work very hard every year, the emphasis is on creating the right balance of competition and adjudication to not only ensure a high standard, but an atmosphere where the music can thrive and continue to be passed on to future generations.

The flow and execution of this year’s New York Fleadh in Pearl River seemed to be as good as it could be, starting with the ceili on Friday night hosted by the Pearl River Ceili Group in West Nyack. 

Over 14 sets danced to the music of four adjudicators over from Ireland, Corkmen Conal O’Grada (on flute) and Ciaran Coughlan (on keyboards), Paudie O’Connor (on box from Killarney) and Diarmuid O’Brien from Glin, Co. Limerick, a relation of the late Martin Mulvhill. 

The dancers were well pleased and entertained by the music kept at a very comfortable pace that we often don’t see with some of the Irish ceili bands these days.

During the day Saturday solo competitions were the order of the day, with all the groups (duets, trios, grupai cheoil and ceili bands) competing on the Sunday. With over 400 entries across the competitions, interest seemed to be higher than ever and indicative of the quality of teaching available these days and the dedication of students of all ages.  

In between there was a large session gathering at the Holiday Inn in Orangeburg where a number of out of town guests joined in the tunes, with the locals led by Mike Rafferty and Willie Kelly. Providing much needed relaxation and socialization between the busy days of competition is a very necessary thing.

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Nster.com