The Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil will this year be held in the picturesque village of Athleague, 7 km from Roscommon town on the N63. Athleague last hosted the County Fleadh Cheoil in 1997/1998. Those events are still fondly remembered by local people. The Fleadh Cheoil was a great success and the craic was 90 all weekend! Athleague is a relaxing, friendly village which boasts four pubs, two supermarkets, a wonderful furniture and gift shop, a comprehensive electrical retail outlet and a Café and Visitor Conference Centre. Its compact size makes it an ideal venue to host the Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil. Centrally located, Athleague village is nestled on the banks of the River Suck, and is on the route of the Suck Valley Way, a 100km long walk that winds through the beautiful Suck River Valley. Rich in history, local attractions include the La Tene Stone, a granite stone intricately carved with flowing spirals, dated from the early iron age, approximately 2000 years ago. So, come along and enjoy a great weekend of the very best in traditional music, song and dance. There will be a vintage car and tractor rally at the Community Centre car park on Saturday. The Rally starts at 12.30 pm. The Suck Valley Angling Centre are holding a Craft Fair from 3 to 9 pm on Saturday, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. There will be face painting and a bouncy Castle for the kids. Informal music sessions will be held in all the pubs throughout the weekend. The Fleadh will be officially opened at 3.30 pm on Sunday afternoon after which there will be a traditional music show in The Square, presented by the widely acclaimed Rahan Comhaltas from Co. Offaly. A Gala Concert is being hosted by the local Comhaltas Branch in the community centre at 7.30 pm featuring Ceoltoiri Roscomain, with guest artiste James Donohoe. James is a multi-instrumentalist and the most exciting button accordionist in Ireland at the moment. Tickets for the Concert cost €10 and will be available from all Comhaltas Branches or from the Angling Centre in Athleague. There will be a Ceili in the Bridge House at 10 pm on Easter Sunday night featuring the ‘Annaly Ceili Band’. All competitions will be held on Easter Monday in the Community Centre, Athleague N.S. and in the Angling Centre, Athleague. From this Saturday until Monday 24th, if it’s music you want, forget Clare, Athleague is the place to be! We look forward to seeing you all. B&B or self-catering accommodation can be arranged by contacting the Angling and Visitor Conference Centre in Athleague, telephone (090) 66 63602. Alternatively go to www.irelandsheart.com . Camping and caravanning facilities are also available. All enquiries to Dermot Keane, Suck Valley Visitor Conference Centre, Athleague, (090) 66 63602 or email info@suckvalley.com.
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