Letter: Great to see loyalist bands take part in the Fleadh and helping to create a wonderful mood in Belfast city centre
A letter from Seanán Ó Coistín:
I would like the share a few words about Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which was held in Belfast last week.
Banjos and fiddles are not my usual musical choice but I was advised by a former colleague from Wexford that the Fleadh is a superb festival regardless of the music.
The Fleadh Cheoil was held in Wexford town before Belfast. He was right.
Out of curiosity and a fondness for Belfast, I visited the city on Saturday last to see what a Fleadh is all about. The city was a delight to be in with a wonderful mood to be found throughout the city centre.
It is very exciting and encouraging that loyalist bands participated in the Fleadh Cheoil. I saw various videos of the Shankill Road Defenders flute band play on the gig rig.
Their performance was excellent and most enjoyable. I hope that such bands will continue to play at the Fleadh Cheoil no matter what city or town it is held in.
Lastly, walking along Donegall Street, I was shocked to see the amount of dereliction. It is grim. Surely Belfast City Council or the executive can get the city centre into better shape. Hopefully the Fleadh experience will spur on renewal of city streets.
I plan to spend more time at the second Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast next year.
Seanán Ó Coistín, Dublin 8