Fleadh Committee Profile: Brendan Doyle
As part of our on-going coverage in the lead- up to this year's Fleadh, we are profiling members of the Fleadh executive committee who have dedicated a lot of their time over the past few years to the event.
What is your role on the committee?
Chairperson of Seachtain na hÉigse.
Why did you sign up for the committee?
I have been a member and officer of the Moate branch of Comhaltas for several years. I was approached by Colette Glynn to serve on the FEC and I felt it was important that the Moate branch was represented on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann team.
What is the role of your committee?
The Seachtain na hÉigse committee organises several events throughout the week, including the Bardic Awards Gala Dinner (Tuesday 7 August) and the Árd-Ollamh Awards Gala Dinner (Wednesday 8 August). These are social highlights of the Fleadh at which the organisation honours those deemed to have contributed greatly to achieving the aims of Comhaltas. Tickets are available for anyone to purchase on the Fleadh website events page.
What was your stand out moment of the 2022 Fleadh?
For me, having been at many fleadhanna over the years, the moment when I knew it would be a success was during the opening ceremony, when over 10,000 people filled Blackhall Place for the President's address.
What are you most looking forward to at Fleadh 2023?
Having been through 2022, I plan to enjoy the event much more this year. There was so much to prepare, monitor and organise in 2022 that I was always on edge for something to go wrong. I will be much more confident this year and get to enjoy it more.
What Legacy would you like to see Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Mullingar 2022/23 leave on the town?
I think Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will leave a massive legacy of enhanced interest in traditional culture throughout the town and county. I would like to see a new generation of young people (and their parents) inspired to develop in themselves the craft of musicianship, singing and set dancing as a result of the massive display in Mullingar over the two years.