Foxford Senior Céilí Band - Stephen Doherty, Matt Molloy, Kevin Doherty, Brian Scahill, Brian Doherty,
Margaret Murray, Tom Doherty, Maria Lynn, John McHugh and David Doocey
Margaret Murray, Tom Doherty, Maria Lynn, John McHugh and David Doocey
Foxford announced as host town for Connacht Fleadhfest ’21 TG4 Programme
The Admiral Brown Branch of Comhaltas were delighted to be recently approached by both Comhaltas and TG4 and asked if Foxford would be the host town for the Connacht TG4 fleadhfest programme.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. With no Fleadh Cheoil this year, TG4 has commissioned Fleadhfest ’21, a series of programmes celebrating the 70th anniversary of one of Ireland’s most significant cultural events.
For the next five weeks, beginning on TG4 this Sunday, July 11th, at 9.30 p.m., viewers will be treated to a wealth of musical talent presented by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin and Daithí O Sé. The first programme in the series comes from Leinster, then Ulster, Connacht and Munster over the following three weeks, before landing in Sligo for ‘Fleadhfest na hÉireann which will have three consecutive nights of performances on August 6th, 7th and 8th.
Chairman of Connacht Comhaltas, Michael Brennan said “Foxford has been chosen due to the high profile of its musicians and the musical heritage of the town. The regular ongoing active work by the members of Admiral Brown Comhaltas, including hosting Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo in 2018 and 2019 and the annual Foxford Traditional Weekend had a big impact on the decision”.
The Admiral Brown branch is based in Foxford but has members from around Mayo. Most members are quite young and encouraging these young members is one of the main focuses of the branch. Members are encouraged to take part in Fleadhanna as individuals and groups and they also take part at numerous performances and competitions throughout the year. During non-covid times, junior sessions and teenage sessions take place monthly and everyone is welcome to attend. At different times of the year the branch run workshops, culture nights, concerts, céilís, rambling house, competitions, radio performances and days out!
Recording for the Connacht programme has taken place in various venues in Foxford over the last few weeks. The programme will feature high profile musicians, singers and dancers from around the province. The programme is also set to feature Margaret Kelly (nee Murray) and Matt Molloy, two original members of St. Patrick’s Céilí Band, Foxford. Formed by Fr. Towey, the junior band won the All-Ireland in 1961 and 60 years later Margaret and Matt will be joined by senior musicians from Foxford celebrating 60 years since their first win. Foxford trained bands went on to win the cup again in 1965 and 2011.
Foxford musician Tom Doherty, was appointed Comhaltas coordinator for the Connacht programme. Tom has liaised with various business, venues and organisations within the town over the last number of months in coordinating the project with TG4 and Power Productions. “We are so grateful to the local community here in Foxford, for getting behind this project as they have done when we hosted the 2018 and 2019 county fleadh. The venues have all been fantastic and so cooperative while the ‘Foxford Town Enhancement’ group pulled out all the stops. Recordings were made in the Foxford Woollen Mills, Maloney’s Lodge, St. Michael’s Church and St. Joseph’s secondary school. There are also some outdoor shots but we are not sure yet what will make the final cut” added Tom.
While Foxford will host the Connacht Programme, Derry is hosting the Ulster Programme, Listowel the Munster Programme and Tullamore the Leinster programme – three towns which have previously held All-Ireland Fleadhs! “It was a great honour for Foxford to be asked to be the Connacht host town and we are very grateful to both Comhaltas and TG4 for the opportunity”.
Produced by Power Pictures, the series begins at 9.30 p.m. on TG4 Sunday nights from July 11 with the Connacht programme on Sunday 25th July at 9:30pm.
For further details please contact Tom Doherty on 087 2787984 or email cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. With no Fleadh Cheoil this year, TG4 has commissioned Fleadhfest ’21, a series of programmes celebrating the 70th anniversary of one of Ireland’s most significant cultural events.
For the next five weeks, beginning on TG4 this Sunday, July 11th, at 9.30 p.m., viewers will be treated to a wealth of musical talent presented by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin and Daithí O Sé. The first programme in the series comes from Leinster, then Ulster, Connacht and Munster over the following three weeks, before landing in Sligo for ‘Fleadhfest na hÉireann which will have three consecutive nights of performances on August 6th, 7th and 8th.
Chairman of Connacht Comhaltas, Michael Brennan said “Foxford has been chosen due to the high profile of its musicians and the musical heritage of the town. The regular ongoing active work by the members of Admiral Brown Comhaltas, including hosting Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo in 2018 and 2019 and the annual Foxford Traditional Weekend had a big impact on the decision”.
The Admiral Brown branch is based in Foxford but has members from around Mayo. Most members are quite young and encouraging these young members is one of the main focuses of the branch. Members are encouraged to take part in Fleadhanna as individuals and groups and they also take part at numerous performances and competitions throughout the year. During non-covid times, junior sessions and teenage sessions take place monthly and everyone is welcome to attend. At different times of the year the branch run workshops, culture nights, concerts, céilís, rambling house, competitions, radio performances and days out!
Recording for the Connacht programme has taken place in various venues in Foxford over the last few weeks. The programme will feature high profile musicians, singers and dancers from around the province. The programme is also set to feature Margaret Kelly (nee Murray) and Matt Molloy, two original members of St. Patrick’s Céilí Band, Foxford. Formed by Fr. Towey, the junior band won the All-Ireland in 1961 and 60 years later Margaret and Matt will be joined by senior musicians from Foxford celebrating 60 years since their first win. Foxford trained bands went on to win the cup again in 1965 and 2011.
Foxford musician Tom Doherty, was appointed Comhaltas coordinator for the Connacht programme. Tom has liaised with various business, venues and organisations within the town over the last number of months in coordinating the project with TG4 and Power Productions. “We are so grateful to the local community here in Foxford, for getting behind this project as they have done when we hosted the 2018 and 2019 county fleadh. The venues have all been fantastic and so cooperative while the ‘Foxford Town Enhancement’ group pulled out all the stops. Recordings were made in the Foxford Woollen Mills, Maloney’s Lodge, St. Michael’s Church and St. Joseph’s secondary school. There are also some outdoor shots but we are not sure yet what will make the final cut” added Tom.
While Foxford will host the Connacht Programme, Derry is hosting the Ulster Programme, Listowel the Munster Programme and Tullamore the Leinster programme – three towns which have previously held All-Ireland Fleadhs! “It was a great honour for Foxford to be asked to be the Connacht host town and we are very grateful to both Comhaltas and TG4 for the opportunity”.
Produced by Power Pictures, the series begins at 9.30 p.m. on TG4 Sunday nights from July 11 with the Connacht programme on Sunday 25th July at 9:30pm.
For further details please contact Tom Doherty on 087 2787984 or email cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com
