A musician's take: A superb location for All-Ireland Fleadh

As Mullingar prepares for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann’s second coming, one man who is really excited about what promises to be a fantastic week is Ballinagore singer and guitarist Niall Kelly.

Last August, as the town welcomed 500,000 visitors over the course of a memorable week, Niall and his fellow Ruaile Buaile band members were playing to 1,500 people each night in the Fleadh Villlage at the Greville Arms Hotel. It was tremendous, but even more amazing was the overall event and what it brought to Mullingar.

“The Fleadh was just unreal; it was class. I’m the only member of the band from Westmeath so it was always going to be special for me to have the event in my home county. But to witness crowds like we had over the course of the week and the great buzz it brought was just great,” he said.

Ruaile Buaile, a five-piece, twisted-trad band, have only recently released their high energy version of The Bog (The Rattlin’ Bog) which has been very well received and they have once again been confirmed as the highlight act for the Fleadh Village this year. It’s a venue Niall is really excited about returning to.

“We started off on the Monday night of the Fleadh last year and it was full; that’s the way it stayed every night for the entire week. The venue was superb. The Greville Arms is centrally located and that’s ideal; it’s such an iconic venue and no matter where you travel in Ireland or abroad, people instantly recognise the name,” he remarked.

When he’s not playing music, the former teacher, along with his dad, works as a carpenter for Michael Kelly Joinery Works Ltd in Kilbeggan. He’s been learning and playing music all his life and he was thrilled to get the opportunity to play in front of such great crowds last year.

“For us it was just mighty. We are a midlands-based band and to have the Fleadh in Mullingar, firstly, was wonderful but to play in the Fleadh Village every night was extra special.”

Niall gives great credit to Christy Maye and the staff of the Greville Arms Hotel for making it happen and for supporting local talent.

Ruaile Buaile will return to the venue for four nights this year on August 7, 8, 9 and 10, and there is great anticipation among the band members.

“We are all looking forward to it after last year because it was one of the best events we have ever played at, within Ireland or on the international stage,” said Niall.

The band have been together over 10 years now and from humble beginnings, have grown into one of the most recognisable names in folk music. Along with Niall, there’s Cathal Guinan on fiddle, Sean Bourke on banjo, Jack Godley (percussion) and Shane Lynam (vocals and base).

Like all entertainers, readjusting to the post-Covid scene has been a challenge. Last year’s Fleadh was their first real drive after the pandemic and Niall is delighted to see that people are getting together once again.

“The country scene was alive before Covid, but the lockdown had a major impact on bands and musicians. It‘s great that folk music, and ballads with that trad twist, is now more popular than it ever was. That’s the direction the crowds are now going in and it fits in superbly with the Fleadh.”

Niall grew up in Ballinagore, playing football with the local club and hurling with neighbouring Castletown Geoghegan. He takes great delight in seeing his friends in the audience and the GAA link is special.

“It’s wonderful to see the GAA people coming to see us play and lending their support; I know them really well. There’s a link between the GAA and traditional music, that genre especially. Everyone knows you; the GAA is tight-knit and the music scene is the very same.”

Niall is proud of the growth of Comhaltas in Westmeath and the emergence of the new and progressive branch in Ballynacargy.

“It’s just phenomenal and great to see. I’d have great regard for the wonderful work of Joe Connaire and Willie Penrose. The Ballynacargy Comhaltas group is amazing. It’s a great example of what can be achieved.

“To see all the young people with instruments now is incredible and they’re learning it more in school these days because of the growth of Comhaltas.”

Bringing Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Mullingar is a wonderful achievement, the talented musician and singer feels.

“It’s just massive; to have the event here in our town is a dream come true for so many local musicians and singers. As well, people who had never been to the national Fleadh didn’t appreciate just how big it was until last year. That whole experience was great.

“I remember it was great in Tullamore and in Cavan, but it was even bigger and better in Mullingar last year.”

Niall feels Mullingar is an ideal location and is well suited to the event. And he’s anticipating another wonderful week.

“The layout of the town fits in really well. Everything is so close; everyone is very welcoming and music is such a driving force here. The town is very open to all genres.

“All my life I have been learning and playing music and it’s special to be involved in what should be another fantastic week.”