• Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
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Recent Updates and News

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Recent Updates and News

Useful Information & FAQs

Competition & Events FAQs

Fleadh Event Schedule

  • Day-by-Day Schedule – Click here 
  • Map of Mullingar – Click here
  • Gig Rig Schedule – Click here

*all events are subject to change.

Adjudication Request Form and Late Slip

Adjudication Request Form available to download here
Adjudication Request Form should be accompanied by an SAE and posted back to:
Adjudication Form Request, CCÉ 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, A94 XV02.
It is advised that the fee if in coinage be sellotaped to a separate page.
If paying by card contact Head Office at (01) 2800295.

Late Slip available to download here

 

Comhaltas Fleadh HQ & Office

Comhaltas Fleadh Office – Parish Community Centre
CCÉ HQ, Competitions admin, shop, etc.

Seo uimhir ghutháin atá ag ‘Oifig Riaracháin an Chomhaltais’ i rith na Fleidhe / Contact Number for this office for duration of Fleadh – (085) 1503504

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8th August 10 am to 5pm
Wednesday 9th August 10 am to 5pm
Thursday 10th August 10 am to 5pm
Friday 11th August 10 am to 5pm
Saturday 12th August 10 am to 5pm
Sunday 13th August 10 am to 5pm

Parish Community Centre, Bishop’s Gate St, Mullingar
Eircode N91 AWH7

 

 

 

Fleadh Information Office

Fleadh Information Office – Town Centre
General Information, Clár sales, Ticket sales, Lost & Found etc.

Opening Hours

Sunday 6th August 10 am to 6pm
Monday 7th August 10 am to 6pm
Tuesday 8th August 10 am to 6pm
Wednesday 9th August 10 am to 8pm
Thursday 10th August 10 am to 8pm
Friday 11th August 10 am to 8pm
Saturday 12th August 10 am to 6pm
Sunday 13th August 10 am to 6pm
Monday 14th August 10 am to 6pm

50 Pearse Street, Mullingar, Eircode is N91 FY58

 

 

2023 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Mullingar Torthaí / Results

2023 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Mullingar Torthaí / Results available here

Travel Information - Town Maps - Accessibility FAQs

Town Centre Event Plan (Map)

Parking Information (inc. Map)

  • PARKING FOR FLEADH CHEOIL NA hÉIREANN
    Free parking has been provided for Fleadh goers for this event. Traffic Management will direct traffic to the closest car park depending on the direction of approach. Shuttle bus provision has been extended this year and will be available from your car park provided you have followed the signage to the car parks being served.Please note that maps show indicative car park opening times only. This is subject to change depending on weather and level of attendance. Please follow traffic management signage at all times.There is no parking available in the town centre except for Disabled Parking. Please note Columb Barracks is not available for parking this year.
  • Outer Event Plan Map
  • Interactive Map Mullingar

Scoil Éigse Parking

  • Scoil Éigse  – Participants can be dropped off at Scoil Éigse on the grounds of The Cathedral of Christ the King, each morning from Monday to Friday. This is strictly a set down system only with NO PARKING allowed at drop off.Pickup from Monday to Wednesday, is on the grounds of the Cathedral also. Again, this is strictly a set down system only with NO PARKING allowed at pickup.Due to Seisiún mór na hÉigse on Thursday and the increase in crowds on Friday,  Parents/Guardians should park at Glenveagh (Brown Car Park) and walk via Carey Bridge to collect participants at the Cathedral.( Scoil Éigse Venue to Carey Bridge 500m). Glenveagh (Brown Car Park) is also serviced by shuttle bus every 15 mins to/from Fairgreen.

Shuttle Bus Timetables and Routes

  • Shuttle Bus Timetables
  • How to use:
    • Step 1 – Download the TFI Go App
    • Step 2 – Choose Local Link
    • Step 3 – Click “Type” (nothing else needs to be changed on this screen) and choose your journey
    • Step 4 – PaymentSingle Fares will be accepted in cash also.

By Train - Irish Rail

Timetable for August

  • Dublin – Sligo Route –
  • Additional Services Irish Rail – Specials – Fleadh Week Only
    • 23:20 Mullingar to Dublin (this will operate from Monday 07th to Sunday 13th August)
    • 00:30 Mullingar to Dublin (this will operate Friday to Sunday ONLY)
      serving the following stations:Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Connolly.
    • 22:30 Mullingar to Sligo (this will operate Friday to Sunday ONLY)
      serving all stations to Sligo inc.
      Edgeworthstown, Longford, Dromod, Carrick On Shannon, Boyle, Ballymote, Collooney and Sligo.

By Bus - Bus Eireann

Please note all Bus Eireann bus stops (Castle St, Austin Friar St and Train Station) will be relocated to St Paul’s Church (Delvin Rd) during the Fleadh.

Timetables Aug

Accessible Fleadh 2023

Wheel Chair Rental

Fleadh Goers who wish to rent a wheel chair in advance for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann can call Marie from O’Flynn Medical on 0867707727  before Monday 31st July 5pm to avail of special Fleadh Rate of €75 (normally €190).

 

Accessibility Hub

This year we are working to make the Fleadh as accessible as possible with the provision of an Accessibility Hub at Westmeath County Council/ Westmeath County Childcare Offices at the bottom of Mount St.

The Accessibility Hub will be open 12 noon to 8pm daily during the Fleadh

Accessibility Hub

Toilets/ Changing

Westmeath County Council in association with Westmeath Childcare Committee and CYPSC have co-funded the provision of an AccessoLoo at this year’s event.

The AccessoLoo will be located at Westmeath County Buildings/ Westmeath County Childcare offices at the bottom of Mount Street ( beside the Arts Centre) . With the following facilities.

Adult Changing Table

A hydraulic bed with wipe clean surface to suit any user from child to a fully grown adult complete with paper roll to maintain hygiene and privacy screen when required.

Ceiling Hoist

An electric hoist capable of lifting people from their wheelchairs to either toilet or changing table. Making life easier for attendants and more dignified for the user.

Lavatory

A flushing toilet with a changeable cassette which has eco-chemicals to maintain freshness and hygiene. Centrally placed to allow access from either side.

Grab Rails

Placed at the lavatory and sink to assist with transferring and maintaining balance for those who are able to stand.

Hot & Cold Running Water

Users and their attendants can wash hands, moisten cleaning cloths and flannels and keep themselves clean and maintain hygiene.

Heating And Lighting

To keep our units lit for those darker nights and warm for the colder weather events.

Enough Space

For a disabled person and any companions or assistants to be able to move around freely without having to negotiate obstacles.

The AccessoLoo provider has highlighted that users should bring their slings with them if required.

Furthermore, there will be numerous Accessible Portaloos at the event including in the Accessible Car Parks at the Gig Rig and at any event sites.

The Westmeath Childcare Committee Office will also be providing a baby care area and an area for changing disabled children which will be manned by volunteers . This will be a safe and comfortable space for changing & feeding babies, and children with additional needs.

Parking

Accessible parking will be available at Friar Mill Rd Car Park . ( Last year’s Gig Rig 2 Location opposite TEG Cusack Park)

Some accessible parking will also be provided at Supervalu Car Park Austin Friars St and at the rear of the County Buildings ( Council Staff Car Park). These locations will be reserved for blue badge holders.

All of the shuttle buses servicing the outer car parks will be low floored accessible buses also.

Parking will be available for concert goers with mobility issues at the Cathedral. Concert goers should show their concert ticket and blue badge at Harbour St Barrier ( beside Dunnes Stores). As above discretion will be used where patrons may have mobility issues but no badge. Parking is available at St Pauls Church for concert goers also.

GIG RIG VIEWING AREA

There will be a specific accessible viewing area cordoned off at the front of the Gigi Rig. Seating and space for wheelchairs will be provided in this area.

Sensory Room

Mullingar Library have a state-of-the-art sensory room available in the library .

Wheelchair Hire

We will have a limited number of transit wheelchairs available to hire at the Accessibility Hub.

Fleadh Road Closures & Parking Monday 14th August

Please note that road closures will be in place on Monday the 14th August from 10am until 4am Tuesday 15th.

The following roads will remain closed :

  • Mount St
  • Oliver Plunkett St ( to Dominick Square)
  • Upper Pearse St (to Castle St Junction)
  • Blackhall St from Mount St to Telephone Exchange
  • Gaol Hill ( Local Access/Taxi Access Only)
  • Martins Lane ( Local Access Only)

Fairgreen Carpark and some parts of Blackhall Carpark will remain closed to parking until Thursday 17th August.

Float to the Fleadh - Mullingar 2023 - coming back again

Step or cycle on the Royal Canal Greenway to the sounds of the Fleadh Cheoil this August. As part of the national festival’s packed programme, there will be a special performance from a ‘Band on a Boat’ who will perform traditional Irish music while travelling on the Royal Canal towards Mullingar on Monday 07 August – Friday 11 August 2023 from 4pm each day.
Taking to the water, this group of young musicians will sail to the Fleadh Cheoil and entertain visitors of the Royal Canal Greenway en route to the festival. The ‘Band on a Boat’ spectacle is part of the annual ‘Float to the Fleadh’ which will see more than 40 boats cruise the inland waterways to Mullingar from Saturday 05 to Sunday 13 August.
The first Fleadh Cheoil took place back in 1951 in Mullingar, and since then the National Festival celebrating Irish traditional music has travelled the country, with counties vying for the honour of hosting. Back in Mullingar for 2023, expect heroes such as infamous trad band Four Men and a Dog, The Glenside Céilí Band and melodic folk band Drops of Green, alongside theatre performances, street sessions and more.
The ‘Float to the Fleadh’ is organised by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) Royal Canal and is supported by Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Waterways Ireland.
The Royal Canal Greenway is a 130km stretch of level towpath and has waterside trailheads every 8-12 km. Starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth, it follows the 200 year old canal through friendly Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in Longford, with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. Rustic and historic industrial landscapes combine, with rolling fields, pretty waterside villages, working locks and historic landmarks.
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News & Media Coverage

RICHARD LEWIS MEALY 1873 – 1947

The Mealy Family, inc Grandnephew’s & Grandnieces of Richard Mealy are to be honoured on Saturday night Aug 12th before the Kilfenora Céili Band concert in St. Paul’s Church at 8.30pm

RICHARD LEWIS MEALY 1873 – 1947

Richard “Dick” Mealy from Templecross, Tristernagh, Co. Westmeath was one of the leading traditional musicians in early 20th century Ireland – and was referred to as “The Prince of Irish Pipers”. A player and maker of uilleann pipes, he was one of the first traditional musicians to broadcast on radio. As a music teacher he helped train up new generations of pipers and to ensure the survival of the uilleann piping tradition.

Richard Lewis Mealy was born in Templecross on October 22nd 1873 – the youngest of eleven children in a farming and musical family. The Mealy family had been involved in traditional music for four generations going back to the early 18th century and there was a 16th century music manuscript in the Mealy house. Richard’s father, Larry, was a well regarded piper. One set of pipes owned by Larry Mealy had been made by James Kenna, who, along with his sone Timothy, was among the most renowned pipe makers and players of the 18th century. The Mealy and Kenna families were neighbours in Templecross. Larry Mealy’s father and grandfather were also pipers. The Mealy home was the centre for traditional music in the Templecross/Tristernagh/Ballynacargy area for over two centuries. Richard’s brother John was regarded as being one of the best fiddle players in Westmeath and was also admired for his dancing skills. Richard’s sister Katie was a very good concertina player and his brother Ned was also a piper. Richard’s interest in music was obvious from an early age. There is a story that his father found him hiding in a barn one day with a set of pipes and told Richard “Leave them on you. Never take them off you”.

Richard was educated at National School in Ballynacargy and at Wilson’s Hospital School in Multyfarnham. On leaving school he worked at a drapery shop in Ballymahon, Co. Longford before moving to Boyle and then Cork and Dublin before finally settling in Belfast where he spent the rest of his life. While in Cork he attended the inaugural meeting of the Cork Pipers Club in 1899. At the first Feis Ceoil in Dublin in 1897 he won third prize in the “Unpublished Airs” competition. At the 1902 and 1903 Feis Ceoil he won first prize for pipe making.

By the early 1900’s he was well known as a musician and was playing at feiseanna all over the country. His piping was described as being “Crisp, entertaining, inventive” – He was at the Inaugural meeting of the Dublin Pipers Club in 1899 and was invited to play at a party in Dublin Castle hosted by the Viceroy and Vicereine of Ireland, Lord and Lady Aberdeen. The Aberdeens were enthusiastic supporters of Irish Culture and Gaelic speakers Lady Aberdeen helped secure a job for Richard in Arnotts store in Belfast.

Richard was a friend of Douglas Hyde, Francis Joseph Biggar and Roger Casement. Casement gave him a walking cane. Richard played at events all over Ulster and was a judge at the inaugural Glens of Antrim Feis in 1904, and was adjudicated at the Feis Uladh. His pipes were displayed at an exhibition in Belfast in 1903.

Richard was criticised for wearing garish costumes when he was performing by Eamonn Ceannt. He was good at self publicity but generous with his time and willing to share his talents. He taught a whole generation or two of pipers in Ulster and elsewhere and was known as “Professor Melia”. (The spelling of his name varied between Mealey, O Mealy and Melia). His teaching, playing and making of pipers were crucial to the continuance of piping in the North of Ireland in the 20th century.

Richard married Eleanor “Nelly” Williams in 1899 in Cork. She assisted him in the making of pipes. Eleanor died in 1920 and Richard later re-married his second wife. Letita would outlive him.

Richard returned to Westmeath to play at feiseanna. He was a frequent visitor to the Tristernagh Feis – “the Aeriocht of the Midlands” from 1927. Hundreds of people would gather in Templecross to meet him. He would sometimes play all night. The great Westmeath musician Willie Reynolds recalled. Mealy as “the king of staccato playing” and said that “his interpretation of the Cork Hornpipe was his masterpiece, something to be heard. Among the pipers to play with Richard Mealy at Tristernagh was Leo Rowsome.

Richard was one of the first musicians to play on radio. He broadcast on 2RN in Dublin in 1924 and began broadcasting on BBC radio in Belfast from 1926. He regularly played on programmes celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and Willie Reynolds recalled how he always looked forward to St. Patrick’s Day because he knew that he could tune into the BBC and hear Richard Mealy play and “it was wonderful”.

Richard continued to play the pipes into his seventies but spent more time making pipes than playing them in his later years. He also continued to serve as a judge at competitions-adjudicating at the 1924 Tailteann Games, for example.

In his later life Richard sometimes expressed a wish to return to live in Westmeath, following his retirement from Arnotts but he never did. He died at his home in Rugby Avenue, Belfast on March 14th 1947, aged 73. His funeral took place on St. Patrick’s Day. The “Prince of Irish Pipers” is buried in Knockbreda Cemetery, Belfast.

Westmeath County Council offer water safety advise

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023: Water Safety around Mullingar Town

You, your family, or friends may be out and about in Mullingar Town during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. That is great…….but think about your water safety when in the vicinity of the canal.

Please take note and circulate your family, and friends the attached Water Safety Ireland information on the following:

Water Safety on Inland Waterways
How to use a Ringbuoy

More information on Water Safety Ireland

Are you going to the Fleadh? TV Advert

As media partner of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, RTÉ is proud to celebrate the world’s largest festival of Irish music, song, dance, agus comhrá Gaeilge.

Watch are you going to the Fleadh ad here.

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