Traditional musicians of all ages will gather in Claregalway from this Friday to Sunday, May 17-19 for Fleadh  Cheoil na Gaillimhe 2024, which is being hosted by Lackagh Comhaltas.

This is the first time Lackagh CCÉ has hosted a County Fleadh and its members are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the area.

The opening ceremony will take place in Claregalway Castle this Friday evening at 7.30pm when guests will be treated to light refreshments and there will be performances from Máirín  and Yvonne Fahy, Patsy Broderick, Eimear Coughlan and Lackagh Comhaltas members.  Admission is free but will be ticketed.

Competitions will begin this Saturday and will be held in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir.  Record numbers of young musicians are scheduled to participate over the two days, hoping to qualify for the Connacht Fleadh, which will be held in Strokestown in July.

Winners of the solo competitions will have their performances recorded by Máirín Fahy and these will be broadcast on Galway Bay FM.

Trad sessions will be held in the village’s pubs throughout the weekend, beginning with a youth session at 9pm in the Summerfield Bar this Friday evening.

On Saturday evening, there will be a Fleadh Mass in Lackagh Church at 7.30pm, with Mass in Claregalway Church the following morning at 9am. Both Masses will include performances  from branch musicians.

Competitors in the Under 18 and Over 18 ages groups, as well as dancers will have their events on the Sunday. On both days, a large entry is expected for Grúpaí Cheoil and Céilí Band competitions.

Eighteen Comhaltas branches from all over Galway will have participants in the competitions, which will bring large number of visitors to Claregalway and surrounding areas for the weekend.

Members of the public are invited to attend the competitions where they will have an opportunity to hear and see the  talented performers.

The Slán Abhaile Junior Session on Sunday will bring the weekend to a close. Young musicians from all Comhaltas branches are invited to join Lackagh CCÉ at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir for what promises to be a superb Fleadh wrap-up, with lots of fun, tunes and treats.

For more information on this year’s Galway Fleadh go to www.galwaycomhaltas.ie or check out @galwaycomhaltas on Facebook or Instagram.

Pictured: Young members of Lackagh Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.