Wicklow Fleadh launches ‘Road to The Fleadh Music Series' as big day looms
Comhaltas Bhré will host the annual event on Saturday, May 24, also in Coláiste Ráithín and will welcome family and friends from Comhaltas branches from across Wicklow and from around the country
Hot House Flowers vocalist and musician Fiachna Ó Braonáin was the special guest of honour at the Bray launch, with a selection of whistle tunes and a collection of some memorable stories about his own musical journey through traditional music.
Speaking about the 2025 Wicklow Fleadh, Comhaltas Bhré Chairperson Gabe Moynagh said: 'Hosting the Fleadh in Bray this year is a great honour for our branch and a chance to celebrate not just the music we love, but the people and places that keep it alive in our community.'
In preparation for the Fleadh, libraries around Wicklow will host the 'Road to The Fleadh Music Series', which are all free to the public. Comhaltas Bhré musicians of all ages will showcase their talents and entertain the community with a series of performances.
In a further initiative aimed to make music accessible to all members of the Wicklow community, libraries are also offering affordable rental of musical instruments. Thanks to a collaboration with Music Generation Wicklow, library users can explore their musical talents with ease and affordability.
The 'Road to The Fleadh Music Series' takes place in the following venues:
Ballywaltrim Library, Saturday, May 10 May at 4pm (Bray CCÉ).
Arklow Library, Saturday, May 10 May at 11am (Wicklow Miners CCÉ). After the performance, there will be an opportunity for audience members to try out an instrument.
Donard Mobile Library Stop, Wednesday, May 14 May at 3pm (Donard CCÉ).
Bray Library, Saturday May 17 at 10.15am (Bray CCÉ).
Wicklow Library Exhibition Floor, Saturday, May 17 May at 12.30pm (Boathouse CCÉ).
Rathdrum Library, Saturday, May 17 at 11.30am (Anne Devlin CCÉ).
The Fleadh in Bray marks a significant milestone in the Comhaltas Bhré branch history.
Bray CCÉ was founded in 2007 by Gerry and Annie O'Donnell, with the support of Gearóid Ó Ciaráin, then principal of Coláiste Ráithín. Their vision and dedication laid the foundations for what would grow into a vibrant branch, where hundreds of young musicians first found their love of Irish traditional music.
In the years that followed, Comhaltas Bhré played a central role in bringing music into homes, schools, and communities across the town. Like many other branches, COVID-19 caused major disruption. With no venue in Bray able to accommodate in-person classes at the time, the branch were incredibly fortunate to be welcomed by Rita Ní Thuathail and the Board of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath in Greystones.
In 2021, thanks to the determination of a dedicated committee – including Claire Brennan, Majella Ní Bhuachalla, Pauline Duffy, and Eileen Ó Céidigh – Bray Comhaltas found its footing again. In 2024, the branch were able to return to Bray with the support of Déaglán Ó Laoire, principal of Coláiste Ráithín. Today, the brach are proud to run classes in two locations – Bray on Wednesdays and Greystones on Thursdays.
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