ALL IN READINESS FOR FÉILE ORIEL WEEKEND

Féile Oriel and The Fiddler of Oriel competition return to North Monaghan this weekend after a hiatus of 11 years. 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. Mullan Lighting are sponsoring the Gala Finale of the Fiddler of Oriel competition in the Four Seasons Hotel on Sunday April 30. The U-18 finale takes place at 1 pm and the Over 18 finale at 5 pm. Two iconic musicians of world class stature take on the role of co-adjudicators: Dezi Donnelly and Mike McGoldrick.

HIGHLIGHTS Among the weekend highlights is a solo performance by Tim Edey in St Joseph’s Church in Monaghan Town on Friday April 28 at 7.30 pm. Tim is one of the world’s finest guitarists and melodeon players. He is also a virtuoso on piano, banjo and whistles, and has a fantastic singing voice. As a very special addition to the evening’s proceedings, Tim…