Jammin' Reels from Tullamore to McLean Ave!!

I'm just recently back from a whirlwind trip, with my son Kevin, to the Fleadh Cheoil music competition in Tullamore! Our trip started out a bit rocky when we missed our flight and had to come into Shannon instead of Dublin. Kevin wasn't overly thrilled about the 3 hour train ride from Limerick to Dublin, but the 99 (soft vanilla ice cream w/a chocolate flake on the side) seemed to made it all better. We met up with my brother Ken, his wife Brenda, their son Kenny and my parents and we headed for Tullamore.

Its hard to describe the incredible vibe at the Fleadh Cheoil. The competitions take place during the day and in the evenings, the streets are packed with festivities. There are musicians jamming tunes at just about every street corner, bar room and hotel lobby! The international language of Irish music, never ceases to amaze me! A complete stranger can sit into a session, take out their instrument and join in on the tune that the group is belting out! It's amazing to think that so many of the traditional tunes are know world wide.

The competitions are extremely tough, and one youngster is better than the next. We were absolutely thrilled when my nephew Kenny placed 2nd in the under 12 tin whistle competition. He was one of only two American to win at the competition. Sarah Butuex, also from NY, took 2nd place in the fiddle competition. It has often been said that the judges never like to give an American an All-Ireland title, so you have to be that much better to place!

Keeping the Irish traditional music alive here in NY is what it's all about. Like Kenny, Sarah is part of a musical family and no stranger to the stage. Sarah has been performing with a wonderful group of young ladies called Girsa, which means "young girls" in Gaelic. This talented group of musicians hails from Pearl River, NY. Members of Girsa include Sarah Butuex, her sister Lindsay, Maeve and Bernadette Flanagan, Deirdre Brennan, Pamela Geraghty, Emily McShane, Blaithin Loughran, Margaret Dudasik, Kristen McShane and Neidin Loughran.

We are thrilled to be sharing the stage with them, for a very special concert at Rory Dolan's on Saturday, Sept. 26th at 8:00 pm. There will be lots of singing, dancing and Irish tunes jamming, so don't miss what promises to be a great night on McLean Avenue!

Slainte!