WexfordLocal.com

“One of the great Fleadh’s of all time’ ends in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh in Wexford town

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town has been described as “one of the great Fleadh’s of all time” and is universally acclaimed by visitors and locals alike as an outstanding success after more than 600,000 visitors filled the streets over the week-long celebration and injected €60 million into the local economy. The event attracted 7,000 competitive musicians, dancers and singers from all parts of Ireland and abroad.

Officially opened by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins on Sunday week, the festival culminated on Sunday night with Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band Cill Dara solidifying their legacy by winning the Senior Céilí Band competition after an evening of fierce competition.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com today, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Pip Breen said; “It has been a great honour to host this fantastic event in Wexford town for the first time. What a privilege to showcase our town in the heart of the sunny southeast to a global audience. I would like to thank everyone from the many volunteers to the visitors to the people of Wexford, and I sincerely hope that everybody had a wonderful, safe, and happy time in our town and county.

“It has been such a pleasure to host the Fleadh this year, and we certainly are looking forward to 2025. Memories have been made that will last a lifetime, and the legacy of the Fleadh is the increased interest in traditional Irish music, song, and dance that will last for generations to come,” concluded Cllr Breen.

Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard-Stiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said; “Wexford has proved to be an ideal venue because it has its own order of tradition and history, and the co-operation of the County Council has helped it deliver one of the most comprehensive programmes ever. There were huge numbers in attendance from the 22 countries where Comhaltas is rooted, and we are happy that we have exceeded the number in attendance last year, which was 600,000. In terms of musicians and performers, the number has possibly reached 20,000 this year, so Wexford will go down as one of the great Fleadhs of all time.”

Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and hosted by the local Wexford Town Fleadh Executive Committee in association with Wexford County Council. The event was kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Credit Union, and Fáilte Ireland. RTÉ and TG4 once again acted as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.

Update; €7.2m cocaine seizure

The two men (aged in the 40s and 50s) that were arrested on Friday as part of the seizure of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of €7.2 million, at Rosslare Europort, have been released without charge.

Both men were released from custody without charge and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigations ongoing.

2 men arrested following cocaine find at Rosslare Europort

Revenue officers seized 104 kg of cocaine with an estimated value of €7.2 million as part of an intelligence-led operation at Rosslare Europort last Thursday.

Two men (aged in their 40s and 50s) were arrested on Friday by An Garda Síochána. They are currently being detained pursuant to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at Garda stations in Wexford and Kerry.

The seizure was made because of a joint operation conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB).

Investigations are ongoing.

The seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Drugs worth over €16m seized at Rosslare Europort

Revenue officers, assisted by Gardaí have seized cannabis with an estimated value of more than €16 million at Rosslare Europort today.

Approximately 783kg of herbal cannabis and 70kg of cannabis resin was discovered in an unaccompanied freight unit that was stopped and searched after its arrival on a ferry from Bilbao in Spain.

**JASPER the detector dog was involved in today’s operations at Rosslare Europort.**

The operation was a result of risk profiling with the assistance of detector dog Jasper and an x-ray scanner,

The drugs will be analysed by Forensic Science Ireland.

No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.

A ‘Berry’ good evening at Wexford races

**CRUISIN SUSAN (John Padge Berry up) is led into the winner’s enclosure following local success at Wexford races this evening.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*).

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Highlight of this evening’s Fleadh racing festival at Wexford was the six and a half lengths success of Cruisin Susan (5/1) in division two of the Pat Farrell Memorial Handicap Hurdle for the Berry family stables at Ballyroe, Blackwater.

Trained by John Berry and running in the colours of his wife, Anna, the seven-year-old bay mare had finished second to wide-margin winner Kilashee at Kilbeggan on her previous start, was ridden by their son, John Padge Berry.

Speaking afterwards, John Berry said; “The last day she was just beaten by a better handicapper. We were afraid that she mightn’t stay the trip today, but the better ground helped her. She’s won two now and maybe she’ll be lucky and win another one.There is a race over two-and-a-half for her at Tramore and she might go there next week.”

A second locally trained winner was That’s About Right (12/1) in the colours of the Namtab Syndicate from the Tinahely area and trained by Philip Rothwell by six and a half lengths in the Traynors of Wexford Handicap Hurdle. It was a sixth career winner for jockey Conor Owens from Carlow.

That’s About Right had won on his previous run at Downpatrick and held off Noble Hilltop ridden by Kieran Buckly for his father, Edward Buckley of Clonroche.

The seven-race card commenced with a riding double for Cian Quirke; Sunchart (11/10 fav/) for Andrew Slattery in the maiden hurdle and Inchiquin Star (8/1) for Dungarvan trainer Paul Kiely in the mares’ handicap hurdle.

Quirke was delighted with his double success as he was returning from injury. He said; “That’s my second double. I broke my left wrist in Limerick three months ago and I was only back after breaking my leg three months before that. Just before that I was back from breaking my other wrist, so it’s just been injury after injury.”

Racing returns to Bettyville Park on Friday, August 30^th for an evening fixture.

Over 5,500 musicians chase Fleadh trophies

**Pictured at the Official Opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford Town are Agnes O’Donoghue (5), Edel Kavanagh (6) and Regina O’Donoghue (7).** (Pic; *Andres Paveda*).

By Dan Walsh

Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann launches into a weekend jam-packed with music and competitions, celebrating a diverse array of performers. Over the next three days, an estimated 5,500 musicians across 250 competitions will compete for a much sought-after trophy.

On Sunday, the Senior Céilí Band Competition will take centre stage at the Credit Union Dome. This fantastic night of compelling music and ferocious competition will serve as a spectacular finale to the Fleadh, as bands battle it out for the ultimate prize in Irish traditional music. For over 70 years, some of the best-known names in traditional music have engaged in this prestigious contest, with reputations built and legacies born through the rhythm of the reels.

The live-streamed competitions, including the Senior Céilí Band Competition, can be viewed on Facebook and will attract thousands of viewers both at home and overseas. This is an amazing opportunity for Irish culture lovers to experience the magic of the Fleadh no matter where they are in the world. The full schedule of live-streamed competitions is:

Friday, August 9th

14:00 – Concertina (Ages 12-15)

16:00 – Accompaniment (Over 18)

Saturday, August 10th

10:00 – Melodeon (Over 18)

13:30 – Harp (Ages 15-18)

16:00 – Miscellaneous Instruments (Ages 15-18)

Sunday, August 11th

18:30 – Céilí Bands (Over 18)

Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and is hosted by the local Wexford Town Fleadh Executive Committee in association with Wexford County Council. The event is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Credit Union and Fáilte Ireland. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.

For a full rundown of all the exciting events happening this week in Wexford for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, click here.

Samaritans to support revellers at the Fleadh

**Visitors to the Fleadh enjoy the music from the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Volunteers from Samaritans will support revellers at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town this weekend, offering emotional support to those in need or struggling to cope. 

Thousands of people are expected to join the celebrations over the coming days, but for some the weekend may be challenging. 

Samaritans Festival Branch will be on duty from Friday night to Sunday (9^th – 11^th), offering support to those who look lost in the crowd.

Samaritans volunteer and Festival Director, Anne Carlisle, said; “Events like Fleadh are vibrant and designed to be fun and enjoyable occasions for all, including participants and visitors. However, for some people it can be a case of ‘lost in a crowd’, albeit in a festival atmosphere. They may be overwhelmed by feelings of loss and/or despair because of what’s happening in their lives. 

“We know that young men in particular tend to bottle up their emotions, for a variety of reasons. By being present at this event, we want people to know that Samaritans are there to listen, give time and support, in a face-to-face setting, to anyone feeling under pressure, for whatever reason.”

Anne believes that sometimes it is “just easier to talk and share things with a stranger”.  “As Samaritans, we are trained to listen. We do not and cannot assume to know anyone’s full situation, so we don’t advise. We don’t offer solutions, but we do give people time and space to talk, to express their feelings, and we help them to explore options, in dealing with any issues facing them,” she added. 

Samaritans Festival Branch attend approximately eight festivals each summer, supporting hundreds of people every year. 

Samaritans’ presence at Fleadh will complement freephone helpline and email service. Anyone struggling can call us on our free to call number 116 123- 24 hours a day, seven days a week – or email jo@samaritans.ie 

Gap Arts Festival 2024 opens in Gorey

At the launch of the Gap Arts Festival 2024 in Gorey Civic Offices last month were; (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Garrett Kehoe, Festival Director, a character from the festival and Cllr Joe Sullivan. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

The 14^th annual Gap Arts Festival opened in Ballythomas, Gorey, last night (Thursday) and continues over the weekend. It presents a mix of theatre, photography, poetry, dance, drama, painting, puppetry, filmmaking and storytelling workshops. And audiences are welcome.

“Thanks to great audience support this year this theatrical festival will be extended to three nights”, said Garrett Keogh, who added; “This festival has adapted spaces indoors and out, bringing professional performances and art to this community place in the in the hills of north Wexford at Ballythomas.”

A new documentary, ‘Croghan’s Gold’ about the Wicklow Gold Rush of 1795, commissioned by The Gap Arts Festival and financially supported by the Wind Farm Community Fund will be screened each night before the Dublin Theatre Company’s new play ‘Madeira’, featuring Geraldine Plunkett who played Mary Moran in Glenroe, The Clinic, and so much more, features in this year’s play.

The weekend will also feature photographic exhibitions, late night family movie under the stars, local history, talks, music etc. For more information contact http://www.GapArtsFestival.com

Friday Fleadh racing at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Racing returns to Wexford Racecourse tomorrow (Friday) evening as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann music festival and following on from Wednesday’s successful fixture.

It is a seven-race card – six hurdle races and an INH Mares Flat Race – with the first race off at 4.55pm.

Maximum entries for all races, the track is described as ‘good’ with selective watering in progress and there is a dry forecast.

Top trainers and jockeys will battle for the prizes and hopefully punters will fare well although the bookies deserve a profitable existence too as they are an integral part of the racing scene.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Ursula Sinnott, Managing Director at Wexford Racecourse said; “We would like to welcome you to Wexford Racecourse and especially visitors attending Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann this week for out two evening race meetings (the first took place on Wednesday and the second on Friday) this week. We hope you have a great racing experience at Wexford Racecourse this evening.

Plenty of parking on the course. However, traffic may be heavy on the roads heading for Wexford, so the message is to undertake the journey a bit earlier than normal. It should be noted that on Wednesday the track attracted enthusiastic racegoers, owners and trainers from as far away as Tyrone, Sligo, Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Meath, Kildare, Cork, Tipperary and Limerick, and of course, our neighbouring counties of Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wicklow.

2,516 tin whistles shatter the world record

Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief of Guinness World Records with the new record at the Tin Whistle Guinness World Record at Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The record attempt is just one of a myriad of diverse activities happening as part of this year’s festival, which is expected to draw over half a million visitors to the Sunny Southeast. A new world record was set with 2,516 tin whistle players. (Pic; *Joe Dixon*).

By Dan Walsh at Chadwicks Wexford Park

History was made today at Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town as 2,516 musicians shattered the Guinness World Record for the most tin whistles played simultaneously. The successful record-breaking attempt took place at Chadwicks Wexford Park GAA Stadium this afternoon. Tunes played were The Boys of Wexford and The Dawning of the Day.

The event drew participants from across the globe, including the USA, China, and Australia, showcasing the widespread international impact of Irish traditional music. Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, was flown in to adjudicate the attempt officially.

The new record of 2,516 musicians playing tin whistles continuously for five minutes established today -August 8^th 2024 – surpassed the previous record of 1,015 players rendering ‘The Dawning of the Day’ at an event organised by Scoil Acla (Ireland) in Keel, Achill Island, on July 31^st 2010.

Speaking on the achievement, Catherine Roche, lead instructor for the ensemble, said; “We’re thrilled to have broken the previous record – it’s truly a testament to the power of music and community. We’ve spent months teaching people, from kids to people in their eighties, and the journey to today has been nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to everyone who took part!”

Eddie Taaffe, Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee, said; “Today’s success is a perfect embodiment of this year’s theme: ‘A Fleadh For All’. We’ve brought people together from all corners of the globe and all walks of life to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and make a mark on history. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The record attempt is one of the highlights of this year’s festival, which is expected to draw over half a million visitors to the Sunny South-East before its ends on August 11^th.

The festival, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and hosted by the local Fleadh Executive Committee, is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and Wexford Credit Union. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.

For a full rundown of all the exciting events happening this week in Wexford for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, click here.