Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny

Subject: Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny
From: Fliss
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 02:20 PM

A chairde

Just interested to find out if anyone is going to Letterkenny for the Fleadh?

I am going with a group of friends from the Jackfield Irish Session - based at the Boat Inn, Jackfield. We have had our accommodation booked since last September and will be enjoying the sessions and competitions, street music etc from the Tuesday evening till the Sunday evening.

We all enjoyed Listowel and Clonmel so are hoping Letterkenny will be just as great fun.

slan leat
fliss

Subject: RE: Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny
From: Fliss
Date: 30 Aug 05 - 06:05 PM

Got back home 4am after a smooth ferry crossing.

It was a bit wild and wet much of the time in Letterkenny, but there was plenty going on in pubs and venues.

Saw Altan in concert on Saturday night. They were wonderful.

It was certainly a young peoples Fleadh. The standard of playing in the sessions we listened to was brilliant.

We enjoyed a drive along the Donegal coastline. Beautiful.

Cant wait to hear if it is in Letterkenny again in 06.

The best bit of the outward journey was driving thru Derry.

One disappointment was that Newgrange was nt open when we got there... we were too early. I didnt think it would be so commercialised.

On the way back we took the N3 and stopped at Beleek... for some presis

Subject: RE: Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 10:35 AM

I was back and forth between Derry and Letterkenny, usually had to go back to Derry earlier than I wanted to (dependent on lift or buses, dogs waiting impatiently at home). Sat and Mon the weather was good and that made a big difference. Mon was really enjoyable with lots of street music, many young musicians playing (as well as some old-timers). I thought Letterkenny proved a good venue so I hope the fleadh will be held there again. Sorry Fliss I didn't see your message earlier - we might have managed to meet up. who else was there from Mudcat?

the Fri afternoon tribute to Paddy Tunney, with six sons and daughters singing daddy's songs, was very moving

Subject: RE: Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny
From: ard mhacha
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 04:08 PM

The crowd was estimated at 200,000, speaking to friends who attended the Fleadh they judged Letterkenny to be up there with any Fleadh they have been at.
Also they were astonished at the high standard of the young musicians, their verdict was, our music is in good hands for years to come.

Subject: RE: Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny
From: GUEST,fleadh week in letterkenny + penpals
Date: 07 Sep 05 - 03:13 PM

Hi there, I was at the Fleadh in letterkenny. Me dad lives down the road from where it was held so I was up there all the time. Found the walk abit of a pain to the main street haha, as the weather was awful. But it didnt stop us joining in the fun.

Great time and plenty of action. Hope they get one there again, Ill be defo there.

Anybody want to chat online about Fleadh or irish music, get in touch with me on [e-mail] love to hear from any musicians or anyone who attended many thanks
Tracey from UK

Subject: RE: Fleadh 2005 Letterkenny
From: Fliss
Date: 13 Sep 05 - 05:55 PM

Glad you all enjoyed yourselves. We listened to several sessions where there were all young musicians. Love the way they have the modern walkman and earphones, mobile phone and the traditional instruments. One foot in modern and the other in the traditional.

200K is lower than Listowel and Clonmel when I think it was 250k over the weekend. It was a bit wet and windy.   We didnt do as much walking as Denis is now 80 and not too good on his pins. The other 3 of us are in our 50s and kept to his pace and got taxis back to where we were parked.

We enjoyed the food at the Clanree Hotel. Listened to a good performance on the sunday night by a group musicians who had been competing... not sure where they were from.

We did get a couple of sessions in, joined in the practice sessions at the Clanree, found them very useful.

I managed to meet my irish friend Anne Marie. Her daughter was competing in the whistle.

It would have been nice to meet you Philippa. I did enjoy the drive through Derry.

slan
fliss