Munster Express Online

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The second annual Fleadh Beag, in aid of the local Solas Centre, took place last Saturday week, August 7th, at Jack Meades Pub.   To say it was a success is an understatement. This unique attraction surpassed all expectations and was greatly enjoyed by approximately 2,300 who participated in the unique evenings’ enjoyment.

The first Fleadh Beag was founded in August 2009 and was the brainchild of John Meade who is well known in East Waterford and beyond for his love of traditional music, songs and craic. John, ably assisted by Pat Phelan and a small but extremely effective ad hoc committee, came together again some weeks back to organise and make possible this year’s event. Twelve groups in all came and gave of their talents and expertise, a fitting tribute to their belief in the most worthy Solas Centre cause, which benefited to the tune of €5,120. The participating groups were as follows; The Mooncoiners, Doneen, Faíne, Bachelors in Trouble, Deise Boys, Dunhill Dunphys, Carrigadoon, The B’Sides, The Wexford Mummers, Tommy Comerford and Noble Call. Carmen Howell also contributed by face painting.

Raffle tickets were on sale for weeks before hand and contributed significantly to the final figures. The lucky winners of the draw were as follows;

1st Kenny Walsh – weekend away in a FBD Hotel, 2nd Carmel Ann Daly – combined credit unions voucher. €200 for Shaws, 3rd Keith Gleeson – Energie six week training programme, 4th Yvonne Cheasty – Altitude mountain bike, 5th Emma Smith – Waterford Golf Club 4 Ball Green Fees, 6th Jim Bray – Ardkeen Quality Foodstore – Hamper, 7th Janette Walsh – Woodlands Hotel – Meal for two, 8th James O’Meara – Cottage Bistro Voucher, 9th Lenora Warner – K. Sport Voucher and 10th Tom Murphy – FBD Hotel Voucher.

Traditional music, songs and craic are very much alive in east Waterford and the surrounding area. This year’s Fleadh Ceol Beag has certainly massaged and copper fastened the appetite for more of the same. It would be true to say this should now become and established annual event, thus contributing its share to the social and community atmosphere and fabric of the area.