Pic. Brian Arthur Photo
Excitement is building in Co Clare ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which commences this Sunday.
Shannon Airport is the lead sponsor of the extremely popular traditional music festival. It has been pitched as the biggest ‘homecoming’ to the Banner County in 2016 with a massive boost expected to the local economy.
Rose Hynes is the Chairperson of Shannon Group and gives an insight into why the sponsorship developed. “This is a sponsorship Shannon Airport was proud to commit to. There are two things that Clare is particularly synonymous with and that’s incredible scenery and incredible culture. Ennis is, therefore, a perfect home for the Fleadh”.
Nothing will be spared for those passing through Shannon Airport’s doors for the Fleadh according to Hynes. “Shannon has a history of having the warmest of welcomes and we’re going to pull out all the stops for the Fleadh for the 400,000 people as many of them that will be coming through Shannon we’ll pull out all the stops for that, a special welcome to everyone for the Fleadh”.
She is looking forward to a “great party” in Ennis for the festival. Music has been a part of Rose’s life since an early age.
“I would consider the Droney family Chris in particular as being real Fleadh royalty and all members of his family. Chris and I are from the same parish in North Clare, he’s from Bellharbour I’m from New Quay two miles apart and my family and the Droney family have known each other for years so yes I would be very connected with them. Also Kitty Lenihan from the Kilfenora Ceili Band actually taught me piano in school in Lisdoonvarna or she tried to teach me she did her best”.