'Enjoy the fantastic music and dance': Fleadh Cheoil off to a flying start with Cork Airport

CORK Airport has announced a partnership with Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí, which takes place this weekend in the village of Douglas.

The festival, which is organised and hosted by Comhaltas na Dúglaise, will showcase the best of Irish music, dance, and culture in the county of Cork.

The weekend-long festival kicked off yesterday with an extensive programme of events, including a Fleadh Céilí in association with Craobh Proinnsias Uí Néill, comórtaisí (competitions) for those aged under 12, 12- to 15-year-olds, and 15- to 18-year-olds, fleadh sessions, a special aifreann na fleidhe (fleadh Mass), and other group performances.

All the events are taking place within the surrounds of Douglas, in venues including Douglas GAA Hall, Rochestown Park Hotel, Douglas Village Shopping Centre, and local bars.

Announcing the partnership with Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí 2024 and Comhaltas na Dúglaise, Cork Airport’s managing director Niall MacCarthy said: “We’re really proud to sponsor Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí.

“Regularly, throughout the year, we feature Irish musicians playing in our terminal.

“Whether it is Christmas welcomes, St Patrick’s Day festivities, or just holiday musical celebrations, our passengers love a bit of Irish music to welcome them home.

“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the wonderful Barry Cogan and all at Comhaltas na Dúglaise for all that they do to promote Irish culture, particularly at Cork Airport.”

The cathaoirleach of Comhaltas na Dúglaise, Barry Cogan, said: “Ahead of this weekend’s Fleadh Cheoil Chorcaí, it is great to have the support of Cork Airport. We are very grateful to Niall MacCarthy and all the team for their support.

“Comhaltas na Dúglaise have a great programme of events across the weekend and each of these events are free to attend.

“For anyone in the vicinity of Cork city this weekend, we’d like to extend an invitation to come and enjoy the fantastic music and dance that will be on show."