The organizing committee of Fleadh by the Feale have pulled off something of a coup by engaging the services of the legendary Sharon Shannon to perform at their celebrity concert in the Convent Hall on Sunday 4^th May.

Sharon Shannon has become an icon of traditional music and has toured extensively all over the world. She has played with the Waterboys, Arcady, Adam Clayton, Steve Earl (Galway Girl) Jackson Brown, Christy Moore, Sinead O’Connor and a host of other high profile singers and musicians. Her audience has included Bill Clinton and Lech Walesa, and her 1991 album, Sharon Shannon, is the biggest selling traditional album of all time.

The Fleadh by the Feale committee have tried down through the years to bring Sharon to Abbeyfeale but her worldwide popularity and heavy workload proved major obstacles. Now however, their persistence has finally paid off, and the Corrofin accordion player will make her début in the town on the 4^th May.

Fleadh by the Feale runs from Thursday 1^st May to Monday 5^th May. A full itinery of events is being arranged and details will be published in the coming weeks. Check back here for weekly updates.

RUGBY

Ireland stuttered to an unconvincing win against Italy in the opening round of the Six Nations Championship at Croke Park on Saturday, eventually winning by 16 points to 11.

Those of us hoping for an improvement following the World Cup debacle were left disappointed and wondering just what is wrong with Irish rugby at the moment. A team that beat Australia, South Africa, and hammered England in Croke Park last year, cannot become so bad in such a short space of time – or can it?

Next weekend we visit the French. We owe them, big time. They beat us in the World Cup. They robbed us of a Grand Slam with a last gasp try in Croke Park. They stole the Championship from under our noses with. an injury time try against Scotland. Payback time is at hand.

Can we deliver? Paddy Power says an emphatic “NO!” He goes 1/8 France. 9/2 Ireland and 25/1 the draw.

I think that, on this occasion, we must respect Paddy’s judgement.

Other results; England 19, Wales 26. Scotland 6, France 27.

And what about those New York Giants? Against all the odds they defeated the Patriots, cheered on by a huge contingent of Abbeyfeale Superbowl fanatics who spent the weekend in New York just to sample the atmosphere (and the Bud) They are also big Hillary Clinton supporters and have been doing a bit of canvassing in Lower Manhattan and The Bronx. With support like that, Hillary is a shoe-in for the nomination!

CONCERT

The Welcome Spring Concert with Finbar Wright at the Church of the Assumption, Abbeyfeale last Friday night played to a packed house. The performance lasted for over two hours and was much appreciated by all who attended.

PARADE:

The first meeting of the Abbeyfeale St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will be held at St Ita’s Hall on Monday 11^th February at 7pm. The parade has continued to grow over the last number of years and more volunteers are urgently needed to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Anyone interested in helping out in any way is cordially invited to attend St Ita‘s Hall on next Monday evening at 7pm.

FUNDRAISER;

The annual fundraising night in aid of under age rugby takes place in The Grove at 9.30 pm on Saturday 23^rd February with live traditional music by Donal Murphy and Friends. All are welcome including the parents and friends of under age players.

GAA;

Following defeat against Clare in the McGrath Cup final, Limerick footballers redeemed themselves somewhat when beating Louth by 1-10 to 0-9 in the opening round of the league at the Gaelic Grounds. They led by 8 points at one stage but were hanging on at the end as Louth staged a late rally. Limerick kicked around fourteen wides during the course of the game, which unfortunately is now becoming the norm for them. They should all be locked away in Boot Camp for a fortnight and given extensive target practise

Fr Casey’s will hold their annual social in the clubhouse on this Saturday 9^th February. The meal will be served at 9pm and music is by Joe O’Keefe.