'Nothing like this is happening anywhere else in the world'

“Nothing like this is happening anywhere else in the world,” declared An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as he officially opened Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023 in Mullingar on Sunday. He said that in 100 years of statehood, Ireland’s global influence has never been so strong in so many fields, and “it starts here in the community, at events like the Fleadh Cheoil”.

“Music is the language everyone understands,” An Taoiseach said. Last year, four continents, 18 countries, 100 events, three days of competitions and 100s of informal sessions made up the Fleadh Homecoming. “It was a resounding success, and this year is going to be even better,” he said.

The fleadh is a leading example of a successful meitheal, a partnership among Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the local Fleadh Executive Committee and Westmeath County Council, Mr Varadkar said, and he congratulated them on “a brilliant job”. He paid tribute to the 1,200 volunteers for giving their time, skills and experience, the business community for “putting your shoulder to the wheel”, and everyone for taking part.

Mr Varadkar remembered Sinéad O’Connor – “her loss makes this fleadh bittersweet”. As well as being a popstar, singer and activist, Sinéad “was a wonderful traditional music artist and her sixth album, Sean-Nós Nua, remains one of her best,” he said.

We have come a long way since 1951 when a group of musicians met here in Mullingar to think about ways to arrest the decline in the popularity of traditional music. “It’s hard to believe that even happened now, given the profound popularity and strength of trad,” An Taoiseach remarked.

Bishop of Meath, Most Rev Dr Tom Deenihan, blessed the fleadh, its organisers, participants and those who attend. While much of Europe is praying for rain, may we have good weather, he beseeched.

President Michael D Higgins had been scheduled to open the fleadh. Fear an tí, Padraig O Dufaigh, explained that the president could not be present as he was in hospital and wished him a speedy recovery.

Among other special guests in attendance were Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Éamonn Ó hArgáin, Uachtarán Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Peter Burke, TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Deputy Robert Troy, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Liam McDaniel, the mayor of Mullingar, Cllr John Shaw, Canon Alastair Graham, and Tom Allen, North Midlands Credit Union, the main sponsors. Also in attendance were the cathaoirleach of Áras an Mhuilinn, Camillus Glynn, and Áras committee members, as well as public representatives.

See also pages 2-6