Roscrea Enjoys Festival Like Weekend   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · Fleadh Cheoil

Last weekend was one of the busiest and most entertaining in recent times for the town of Roscrea.

On Friday last the County Fleadh officially opened in Colaiste Phobail, and two days of fantastic competition commenced on Saturday morning. Street entertainment was provided on both Saturday and Sunday bringing a wonderful atmosphere to the town, which will hopefully continue into June, when we welcome a delegation from Saudi Arabia for the Special Olympics.

The last time the Fleadh was held in Roscrea was June 1979, but based on the success of last weekend its doubtful Roscrea will ever have to wait as long again to do the honour of hosting the County Fleadh. We congratulate Comhaltas on hosting such a wonderful event and we would encourage everyone to come and view the photo exhibition that Comhaltas have organized and which will be on display in Roscrea Credit Union from later this week.

Also last weekend Roscrea had the honour of hosting the first stage finish of the prestigious FBD International Milk Rs. This was the first time the Rs has stopped in Roscrea, and judging by the success of last weekend, we may very well enjoy the spectacle of the Rs in Roscrea once again in the coming years.

The winner of the first stage was Tommy Evans from Ireland who represents the Irish Sports Council Team. Tommy was presented with his prize by Roscrea's very elegant, Miss Milk Rs, Tara Moloughney as he took the yellow Jersey after a very tough stage in horrendous weather conditions from Dublin to Roscrea.

There was also great news for Brian Franks and Eoin Delaney from Colaiste Phobal, Ros Cre who were winners of two fantastic Raleigh bikes compliments of the FBD Milk Rs Nutrition competition for Roscrea. Runners up were Joseph Heavey, Dan Cavanagh, Peter Durcan and Barry Connolly from Cistercian College Roscrea. All the prizes were presented to the pupils from both schools before the presentation of the jerseys to the Cyclists.

On Monday Morning the Milk Rs departed Roscrea on the second leg of their journey, which involved a daunting 117 miles journey to Clifden. Minister Tom Parlon officially commenced the stage. The Army band did the town proud by performing a recital for the cyclists as they prepared to leave the town. Hopefully the 155 cyclists and 300 officials and journalists that departed Roscrea last Monday Morning will have left with fond memories of the towns unique generosity and warm hospitality. A lot of people worked very hard to make the Milk Rs a tremendous success in Roscrea, and we hope to compliment them all in next weeks edition.