Tens of thousands of people are set to descend on Ennis from today, bringing a major economic boost to the town, as the big weekend of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan kicks off.
The dancing competitions are underway today, with the music to begin from tomorrow on the Gig Rig in the Abbey Street car park.
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2018 is well and truly underway here in Ennis today, with young dancers from every corner of the province taking to the stage throughout the day.
Over 3,000 competitors and their families have travelled to Clare to compete in the provincial finals, with hopes of reaching the All Irelands next month.
It’s the first time in 44 years that the Munster Fleadh is being held in Ennis and along with those involved in the competition, it’s expected to bring around 100,000 people to the town.
Secretary of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan Micheál Ó Riabhaigh says it’ll bring a significant spend into the county town.
There’s also traffic restrictions in place, with the Abbey Street car park closed until Monday, while O’Connell Street and O’Connell Square, and parts of the town’s Market area, will be closed at times across the weekend.
Secretary of Comhairle na Mumhan Assunta Uí Chathasaigh says it’s the ideal location to hold the event and a lot of work has gone into getting it to this stage.
Today’s dancing began in Treacy’s West County Hotel, where competitions are taking place throughout the day.
Most of the competitors have now completed their group dances but will come back on stage later for the age categories and other competitions.
In between dances, Sarah English and Niamh O’Farrell of Caisleán Nua CCE in Tipperary told me how they’re feeling.
And Sarah and Niamh’s dance teacher Cathy McGrath says they’re straight back to preparations now for the remainder of their competitions despite one or two glitches this morning.
