Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017 is officially underway.
The festival was declared open this afternoon by the Lord of the dance Michael Flatley and musicians from near and far are entertaining the crowds for the night.
Around 400,000 people are expected to attend over the next seven days.
From the launch, Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
The Abbey Street Car Park filled up well in advance of the launch and even a sprinkling of rain didn’t dampen the crowds spirits.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Tom McNamara and Labhrás Ó Murchú of Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann were among the speakers before Riverdance star Michael Flatley declared the festival officially open.
Before delighting the crowds with a flute display, Flatley spoke of his last Fleadh experience, in Ennis in 1977.
Afterwards, two of Clare’s premier music acts joined forces for a special performance – Martin Hayes and the Tulla Céilí Band.
These people have been soaking up the atmosphere here in Ennis.
This evening, at 10.30, the skies over Ennis will be lit up with a fireworks display to bring the first day of the festival to a close but if today is anything to go by, the Banner is in for a wonderful week ahead.
In Ennis, at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017 this is James Mulhall for Clare FM, first for local news.
