Fleadh Report 2006   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · Fleadh Cheoil

Huge Attendance Gather In Roscrea For County Fleadh

Huge Attendance Gather In Roscrea For Tadhg’s CD Launch And Opening Of County Fleadh:

Roscrea made history on Friday evening last by playing host to probably the largest attendance ever recorded for the opening of a Tipperary County Fleadh.  However while the occasion was a great honour for the town there was no doubt that on the night it was local musician and singer Tadhg Maher who stole the show with the launch of his wonderful CD entitled “Straight From The Heart”

Mr Pat Flanagan Chairman of Roscrea Comhaltas welcomed everyone to the launch and before the official speeches commenced, all those in attendance were invited to enjoy a wonderful concert featuring local musicians, singers and dancers.  When the concert was completed the Chairman reminded those gathered that this was the third Fleadh that the local branch of Comhaltas in Roscrea will have hosted in just four years.  He said the previous two, including the County Fleadh of 2003 and the Munster Fleadh of 2004, were tremendous successes, and while lessons were still being learnt, Mr Flanagan said he expected that the County Fleadh of 2006 would be another great success.  He thanked all the sponsors and the people of Roscrea for their support and he then introduced Director General of Comhaltas, Senator Labhras O Murchú who was guest speaker on the night. 

Labhras said Roscrea had become very important in Comhaltas circles due to its success with the hosting of the County Fleadh in 2003 and the Munster Fleadh in 2004.  He said Comhaltas is very strong in Roscrea and he complimented the members of the local branch who have helped develop the organisation over the years.  Labrhas spoke eloquently about the traditions that Comhaltas try to preserve.  He said while Volunteerism may be in decline a “defeatist or pessimistic outlook should not be adopted”.  Labhras concluded by saying he “wasn’t surprised that Roscrea was chosen to host this year’s County Fleadh”.  He then offered everyone his best wishes for the weekend ahead.

Donnchadh O Cinneide Chairman of the Tipperary County Board was next to speak.  Donnchadh said it was “a privilege to open the 2006 County Fleadh in Roscrea”.  He said he “looked forward to the days ahead” and he congratulated the local branch of Comhaltas for organising some very entertaining events in the build up to the competitions that would take place over the weekend.  Mr O Cinneide concluded by thanking everyone who had helped with organising venues, finance, sponsorship, programmes for the event etc.  He said he was astounded by the vast numbers present on the evening and he thanked everyone associated with the organising of this year’s Fleadh for their time and contribution towards preparing for the event over the past few months.

After a brief respite it was time to launch Tadhg’s CD.  The young musician was greeted with rapturous applause from the hundreds of well wishers gathered to witness such an important evening in the life of a young man who has given so much to his town and so much enjoyment to so many people down through the years. Then, to the delight of those present, Tadhg commenced his part of the evening by singing a number of songs and ballads from the CD.  He cajoled and coaxed as many as he could to join in with him, which added greatly to a very relaxed and most enjoyable occasion.

Senator Labhras O Murchú said he was delighted to be asked to write a few words for the cover of Tadhg’s CD.  Senator O’ Murchú said that Tadhg was a very “focused and determined young man”.  The Senator reminded us of Tadhg’s wonderful achievements to date, which apart from numerous All-Ireland titles have included appearances on radio and on television not to mention his experiences with Brú Ború with which Tadhg has travelled the world.  The Senator congratulated Tadhg’s family and thanked them for helping to nourish Tadhg’s wonderful talents.

Professor Micheál Ó Suileabháin who has taught Tadhg for the last number of years in the University of Limerick officially launched the CD.  The Professor said he was “delighted to be in Roscrea for the third time in nine months”.  He stressed the importance of a singer like Tadhg embarking on a project such as the production of a CD.  He said the title of Tadhg’s CD “Straight From the Heart” was ideal as Tadhg puts so much effort and emotion into his songs.  He also praised Tadhg as “a wonderful performer”.  He said Tadhg had a great stage presence and anyone who has ever had the pleasure of listening to him and seeing him perform will have realised quite quickly that Tadhg Maher was born to sing.  The Professor concluded by saying it was “a great pleasure” to be given the honour of launching Tadhg Maher’s CD.

Finally the man of the moment took to the stage to say a few words.  Tadhg thanked all his fellow musicians on stage for their support throughout the evening.  He thanked the local branch of Roscrea Comhaltas for all their support and for allowing him to launch his CD in conjunction with the official opening of the Tipperary County Fleadh. Tadhg thanked Roscrea Credit Union and Brian King for all the support over the last few years.  He thanked Pat and Evelyn Hennessy who he described as almost “second parents”. Tadhg also had a mention for Walsh Printers and Peter Dooley for all their help and he then thanked all his former teachers, family and friends for all their support.  Tadhg concluded by expressing his delight that proceeds from the evening would go towards the “Uganda Mission Fund” and finally he thanked everyone else associated in any way with the production of the CD. He reserved his final thanks for Professor Micheál Ó Suileabháin and thanked him kindly for all his guidance and for agreeing to launch his CD which is sure to be a great success.  The CD is available locally now.  The album incorporates a mixture of ballads, traditional and folk songs including popular favourites “Bold Robert Emmet”, “The Boys Of Barr Na Sraide”, “Sliabh na mBan”, “The Offaly Rover”, “Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears” and much much more. The CD represents incredible value for money and certainly no Roscrea CD collection will be complete without it.