Rath to host Offaly Fleadh for first time

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Offaly Fleadh is set to be hosted in the village of Rath by CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn for the first time ever.

Taking place from May 9 to 11, the Fleadh weekend will be filled with ceol agus craic.

The launch of the Offaly Fleadh will take place from 5pm on Monday, May 5, in the local Rath Hall, followed by a music session in the Rambler's Rest, Killyon.

"It's the first time in history that we've hosted the Fleadh. CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn was only started six years ago, so were delighted to be hosting the fleadh this year," said Loretto Dooley, CCÉ Craobh Chuilinn.

"We've been working over the last four months to put together a special week.

It is a lot of work, but we're looking forward to a full week of celebrations."

On Tuesday, there will be a get together in Carrigeen Farmhouse, which was awarded a National Heritage Award in recent years, where there will be tunes and chat. The following day (May 7) there will be a gig in Irish in Birr Library.

Competitions will take place in Birr Community School across the weekend, with over 200 expected to be in attendance.

Uachtarán (President) of Comhaltas and Tullamore native, Attracta Brady, is expected to make an appearance over the weekend, as well as a number of local councillors.

The closing ceremony of the Offaly Fleadh will take place in Rath village on Sunday, May 11.