The 2017 Mayo Fleadh Cheoil hosted by the Cleary/Coyne branch was launched by Cllr Al McDonnell, Chairman of Mayo County Council, in the Valkenburg Hotel Ballinrobe recently. It was attended by a number of local councillors, representatives of various organizations in Ballinrobe, branch executives, and members of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
The evening also included traditional music, song, and dance by the younger members of the branch. It was a very successful launch and the branch thanks all those who showed their support and to thank especially Cllr McDonnell for being in attendance to perform the launch.
In his speech Cllr McDonnell complimented the young musicians and especially the parents for their commitment and efforts in ensuring that their children got the chance to learn a musical instrument. He was happy to hear that Labhrás Ó'Murchú, director-general of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, would be performing the official opening of the Mayo Fleadh Cheoil on Friday, May 12, and said that it was a great honour for the branch that he should attend. He wished the committee and the fleadh every success.
The Mayo Fleadh Cheoil proper will commence on Monday, May 1, with the dancing competitions and the rest of the competitions taking place on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14. You can keep up to date with the 2017 fleadh on its Facebook page.
