there are now other very good fleadhs,noThing to do with comhaltas. BUT comhaltas have to be given credit for starting the fleadhs , for providing 60 years of pleasure[musicians meeting at the fleadh as a focal point   is one of them].
many people, get pleasure out of competitions and exams. we are all different,[ even those of us who share a general liking for traditional music,][[ apart from defining it]] and we have differencesof opinion and we should be tolerant of those differences.
   please let those people who enjoy the competitive side of the fleadh enjoy it , and those who enjoy the social side, and the sessions enjoy it , but remember we do have something to be grateful to COMHALTAS FOR.
what I dont like to see is children becoming despondent, because they dont win, the examination system is more private and allows more winners and is just as good a focus., and is an alternative for the less competitive .