Trad magic in Borris as village hosts Fleadh Ceatharlach

THE already attractive village of Borris was made even more welcoming recently when it hosted the county’s most important traditional music competition, Fleadh Ceatharlach.

Music poured from every pub in the village throughout the entire weekend recently, thanks to the south Carlow branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, whose members organised the music festival. It’s an annual competition that takes place in every county in Ireland and, in Carlow, it’s rotated every three years between the north and south branches.

This was the first time since Covid that the south branch had a chance to host it and secretary Anna Spruhan was delighted with how it went.

The weekend started as it meant to continue with a wonderful concert in the Step House Hotel on the Friday night, when musician Sonny Cahill from Garryhill and his friend supported the main act of Carlos Sweeney and McCartin. After that, over the weekend there were competitions for all ages of musicians as part of the formal Comhaltas Ceoltóirí competition in the local national school, while there were also informal sessions in local pubs Joyce’s, O’Shea’s and Bob’s Bar.

About 45 musicians took part in the competition, with two in every category going forward to the Leinster regionals. The categories included solos and duets, singers and newly-composed music and songs. There were also four shields awarded for the best banjo, tin whistle, accordion and fiddle player. In short, there was lots and lots of music played and enjoyed over three days in Borris.

“Yes, it was a great success. We’re delighted with it and are already planning what we’ll do next year,” said Anna.