Competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions + more at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2019

It was an exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more at the 2019 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Over 500,000 people thronged the streets of Drogheda over the past eight days, while tens of thousands of people attended the special opening by President Michael D Higgins. The town pulsed with Irish rhythm and revelry as age-old traditions were celebrated by new generations and the vibrancy of the Fleadh emanated throughout the streets.

This is the second year in succession that Drogheda hosted the All-Ireland Fleadh. In 2020 it will be moving to Mullingar. Every year, the Fleadh provides a cultural meeting place for those who carry the great traditions of Irish music, song and dance in their hearts.

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www.dervish.ie

Traditional Irish band Dervish will be honoured with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at this year’s BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS 2019 for their incredible contribution to folk music.

Dervish have been bringing Irish traditional music to the world for 30 years, and have played at festivals across the globe – from Rock in Rio to Glastonbury.

Shane Mitchell from Dervish said: “We are thrilled and so delighted to be receiving this very special honour at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, particularly as this is the 30th anniversary of the band.”

What an incredible year it’s been so far for DERVISH.

To celebrate turning 30 this year, Irish Folk Icons Dervish released their New Album The Great Irish Songbook (Rounder).  The album is a fitting tribute to Dervish’s 30 years in the business and features Dervish performing with over a dozen luminaries across an eclectic range of genres including Imelda May, Brendan Gleeson, Steve Earle, Andrea Corr, David Gray, Vince Gill, Rhiannon Giddens, Kate Rusby, Abigail Washburn and others. The Album went STRAIGHT TO NO. 1 ON THE AMAZON FOLK CHARTS AND NO. 16 ON THE US iTUNES ALBUM Charts on its Release.

A quote from U2’s The Edge features on this very special Album: “It’s great to hear these classic Irish Folk songs given a 21st Century treatment. It sounds like they’ll be hits for another century at least!”

The Great Irish Songbook Special Concert with DERVISH featuring Special Guests Imelda May, David Gray, Kate Rusby and actor Brendan Gleeson will take place at The London Palladium on Thursday, 19^th September 2019.

It all started 30 years ago in one of Ireland’s oldest pubs in Sligo “Shoot The Crows” (the pub itself is 150 years old)! “Shoot The Crows” runs one of the longest running Trad sessions in Ireland and it’s where Dervish was formed 30 years ago.

DERVISH was given a Special Reception by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council to mark the band’s 30 years performing.  It was hosted by Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Baker at Sligo County Hall.

A highlight of the folk music calendar, the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards celebrates the thriving folk music scene and serves to raise the profile of this much loved musical genre. The event showcases and celebrates the best folk, roots and acoustic music and features live performances by the very best acts including legendary Irish group Dervish. Now in its 20^th year, this year’s ceremony, will take place at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Wednesday 16th October 2019.

The awards are presented by folk fans that in the past have included, Sir David Attenborough, Sean Bean, Jarvis Cocker, Phil Collins, Roger Daltrey, Ray Davies, Peter Gabriel and Sharleen Spiteri.

The show, which will be broadcast live from 7-9pm on BBC Radio 2 and on BBC Sounds, will be produced by 7digital.

For more on Dervish www.dervish.ie