'Mini Fleadh' and Final Class of 2014
15 April 2014
Portglenone CCE Branch held their Annual Under age 'Mini Fleadh' event on Saturday 5th April. The Mini Fleadh is aimed at our very young musicians and also for those preparing for the upcoming County Antrim Fleadh to be held in Portglenone from 18th to 22nd June 2014.
The competition takes the format of the normal Fleadh Cheoil, the only difference being that it is mainly for Under 12 musicians. The main priority of the event is to give these young and enthusiastic musicians the chance to perform in front of an audience and an adjudicator. There are a variety of awards to be won ranging from the Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Flute, Guitar and Concertina competitions.
Many thanks to local musician, Brona Graham, for adjudicating our "Mini Fleadh" and this year was no different to previous ones in that a few of the competitions were hotly contested for and Brona had to make a few difficult decisions before the final winners were selected.
The trophies were presented by Portglenone CCE and Ulster Chairman, Eamon Graham at the last branch class on Monday 14th April. Instead of the normal classes, the evening took the shape of a session. Congratulations to all the musicians who took part and made the 'Mini Fleadh' and the last class of the year very enjoyable for everyone especially the very nervous musicians who overcame their fears and played brilliantly.
The awards were as follows:
The 'Portglenone CCE Tin Whistle Cup' was presented to Caitlin Diamond.
The 'Fr Felix McLaughlin Fiddle Cup' was presented to Tony O'Brien.
The New 'Willie McCullough Shield' for Best Miscellaneous Instrument was presented to Orlagh Convery on Concertina.
The 'Most Promising Musicians Award' and the Ballinasloe Trophy was presented to Clara Quinn on Flute.
Many thanks to Fr Henry McCann for the use of The Loft where the 'Mini Fleadh' was held and also to Ciaran Bradley for the use of The Wild Duck facilities every Wednesday evening for the Portglenone Junior CCE Sessions. Thanks also to Mrs Milner, Principal of St Mary's Primary School, for the use of the school's facilities over the year to hold the classes on Monday evenings and to Brendan for opening up etc and looking after us! We look forward to their continued support next year!
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