August 4, 2022
The All Ireland Fleadh, or Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the final round of an international traditional Irish music competition, organized by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. To qualify to compete in the All Ireland, musicians must place first or second in their age/instrument category at the regional competition. CIM’s regional competition was the Midwest Fleadh, hosted by St. Louis Irish Arts in May 2022.
We are proud to announce that CIM students qualified in 37 categories at the Midwest Fleadh.
In Mullingar, the 18 CIM students are attending the Scoil Eigse, a 4-day music workshop, and/or competing in solo and duet competitions over the weekend.
CIM instructor Brian Miller has traveled to Mullingar to serve as an ambassador for the school, to network with Irish musicians and music schools from around the world, and to help the students (and families) make the most of their time in Ireland. CIM is fortunate to also have CIM instructor Mary Vanorny attending as a parent supporting Claire who placed first in the u15 fiddle competition at the Midwest Fleadh. Congratulations Claire!
We’d like to thank Maria Pasquerella for providing scholarships to support CIM’s youth students to cover costs of attending Scoil Éigse (music workshops) through the Frank Pasquerella Memorial Fund. A passionate music educator himself, Frank Pasquerella would be proud to support our most dedicated youth musicians through this opportunity to develop their musicianship at the Fleadh Cheoil.
In no particular order, students in Ireland are Katya, Katie, Claire, Ginger, John, Nevellie, Allegra, Owen, Morien, Derek, Cora, Ben, Alex, Vivienne, Colleen Ebinger, Bob Ford, and CIM board members Mike O’Connor (past president) and Dave McKenna (current president).
Best of luck to all of you, and have a wonderful time! We can’t wait to hear the tunes and songs you bring back from your trip.