The local branch of Comhaltas has confirmed that the celebration of music, language and culture will take place over three days, May 6, 7 and 8.

Making the announcement County Fleadh chair Joseph Gibson said, “Hosting the County Fleadh and making a success of it is the first step on the road to bringing back the All Ireland Fleadh.

“Letterkenny and its people proved 17 years ago that we are well capable to host such a prestigious event and while the All Ireland has grown substantially since then, I believe we have too.”

The County Fleadh combines all Irish traditions from Sean-nos singing and dancing to the language, céilí dancing and bands, marching bands and sessions.

Things get under way on Friday May 6 with a céilí in Bonagee Hall. Concerts and sessions will take place throughout the weekend at various locations while competitions will be held on Friday and Saturday.

“We are delighted to team up with Letterkenny Institute of Technology and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on their achieving university status,” said Joseph Gibson.

“We invite all competitors young and old to dust off their instruments and put their talent to the ultimate test – Be it solos, duets, trios, Grupaí ceol. Most of these competitions will take place on Saturday in LYIT from 10am to 6pm.”

Anyone wishing to enter a competition must submit an entry form six weeks before the competition, in this case March 31. Entry forms can be downloaded online at www.Comhaltas.ie and sent to fleadhlk@gmail.com.

Mr Gibson added, “Also, given that it has been two years since Fleadhs have taken place, we would like to remind all competition winners in possession of trophies that they must be returned to the county treasurer before the end of March to allow for cleaning.”

A programme of events will be available in April or follow Comhaltas on social media.

Chair of the local Comhaltas branch, Jean Curran, said bringing the County Fleadh to Letterkenny was an opportunity for the town to showcase what it has to offer.

“Bars, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets and hotels will cater for our visitors’ every need and should make their stay in Letterkenny, whether long or short, a really enjoyable one.”

Separately Letterkenny Gaels and Líonra Leitir Ceanainn had a session for kids and all ages in the Silver Tassie on Sunday.

Joseph Gibson said, “We at Comhaltas are delighted to team up with them to help run more sessions. The next session is on March 13 at 4pm in the Tassie.

“We at Letterkenny Comhaltas recognise that our young members have missed so much during the pandemic. In an effort to help we are delighted to announce that a fully-funded Grupaí Cheoil will be set up for those young members.

“Places are limited and are targeted to the 12 to15 age bracket. We hope to be able to expand but for now our goal is to establish one group first. Entry application details will be posted on our social media in the coming days.”

There will be a public meeting on Monday February 21in Letterkenny at 7pm. Anyone looking to attend should email fleadhlk@gmail.com.