FÉILE ORIEL TO RETURN TO MONAGHAN IN APRIL

The revival of the Féile Oriel traditional music festival which was once a staple feature of the cultural calendar in North Monaghan is set for April 28-30 next. The prestigious Fiddler of Oriel competitive centrepiece of the event has also been restored, and will have its grand finale on the final day of the occasion.

Entries for the competition opened yesterday, Wednesday January 18 and will close on midnight on Tuesday February 28. The first Féile Oriel was held in Monaghan in 1969 and the event quickly became an essential component of the Irish music circuit from both a competitive and celebratory standpoint, creating a festive atmosphere in the town over its weekend and drawing to Monaghan some of the leading traditional exponents of the day, with the Fiddler of Oriel title becoming one of the most sought after by the elite practitioners of the instrument.

Since its heyday, the event has undergone a number of brief revivals, in 1995 for a period of two years and in 2009 until 2012. This year’s manifestation has secured a prestigious affiliation with the 2023 Fiddler of London event taking place in the English capital on April 15.

As well as the Fiddler of Oriel finale, April 30 will see a very special Elders of Fiddling celebration take place, with six of the most respected and treasured “gatekeepers” of the traditional instrument taking to the stage to…