Newcastle celebrating after medals won at All-Ireland Fleadh

Newcastle celebrating after medals won at All-Ireland Fleadh

11 September 2013

THIS year’s All-Ireland Fleadh in Derry saw the annual Irish traditional music, song and dance festival cross the border for the first time in its 60-year history and Newcastle CCE were delighted to have its largest ever participation at the event.

The locals brought home medals in a number of competitions.

Niamh Bloomer achieved another All-Ireland medal this time a silver in her fiddle slow air competition.

Ruairi Howell held o nto his silver whistling medal, while Matthew McAstocker and Ruairi Howell won silver and bronze medals respectively in the highly competitive uilleann pipes competition.

The trio comprising of Niamh Bloomer, Niamh Howell and Matthew McAstocker had a fantastic time, repeating their bronze medal success of last year, but this time in the 15-18 age group.

Niamh Howell said her favourite part of this year’s All-Ireland Fleadh was “getting to watch superb musicians play and to learn from them too.”

“The fleadh allowed me to meet up with friends from all over the country and to make new ones.

Niamh Bloomer added: “If anyone is thinking of playing an instrument or already does, then comhaltas is a great place to go because of the encouraging environment and the great teachers.”

Anyone who would like to learn a new instrument, set dance or sing, then come along to registration at The Lodge, Castlewellan, tomorrow (Thursday) 7-9pm, Saturday 11am-1pm or next Thursday, September 19, 7-9pm.

For further information visit www.newcastlecce.com or search for the Facebook page.