Rían Gleeson a double winner at Fleadh Ceol NEWS BRIEFS...

The sixth-class pupil at St. Oliver’s National School is a member of the Glenflesk branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. His first success, last weekend, came in the miscellaneous competition. This event included competitors on a huge variety of instruments ranging from viola to guitar, melodica to mandolins.

Rían took part on a single row accordion – he has been playing this instrument for the last two years, and is taught by his Dad, MIcheál Gleeson.

He was awarded awarded the Drogheda CCÉ perpetual cup for this competition.

“I could hardly believe when the judge said that the winner and All Ireland Champion for 2023 is Rian Gleeson. I was elated, and a little proud of myself too. I think I might have left out a little cheer,” he said.

He also won the under-12 competition storytelling, retaining the ‘Nóra Butler Memorial Cup’ cup from last year.

Rían has developed a huge passion for the art of storytelling over the past few years.

Some of the best know local story tellers like Sonny Egan, Frances Kennedy, Aindrias de Staic, Colin Urwin and Dick Beamish have taken him under their wing.

Rian was invited to perform at the interval of the All-Ireland senior storytelling competition and wil return to perform at the Listowel and Sneem storytelling festivals in the coming weeks.

“I absolutely love the art of storytelling. It gives me such a buzz making the audience laugh and entertaining them. My stepmom Paula helps me write stories and recitations, and sometimes my Dad is the inspiration! He’s a fairly funny fella,” he added.

“Since I was a small boy I grew up with my Dad always playing traditional music in

Free concert at Killarney House

Tim O’Shea and friends will host a free traditional Irish music concert on the grounds of Killarney House on Saturday.

The concert, which gets underway at 2pm, features Peggy Healy and LiChin Healy on fiddles and storyteller Joe Brennan as well as a team of Irish Dancers.

Church gate collection

The Killarney Branch of Irish Wheelchair Association is holding its annual church gate collection on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

the house and I could not wait to start. I love playing, I go into my own world and forget about everyone around me - I get lost in the music.

“Storytelling is different because I love engaging with the audience and getting everyone involved. I suppose by doing both I get the best of both worlds. The Mullingar fleadh was a brilliant weekend, I will always remember winning my two big cups. Let’s hope I make it to the Wexford fleadh next year.“

For more on local success at this year’s Fleadh Ceol turn to page 26.

Bio writing workshop

Brendan Kirwan, the new Kerry Biosphere Officer with Kerry Council, and local author Katie O’ Donoghue held a creative writing workshop at Killarney Library on Friday. The event was free to attend and was supported by Creative Ireland through the Kerry County Council Arts Office.