Five Talking Points After This Years All Ireland

#1 Judges under spotlight

This year’s judges have caused controversy not only with their decisions but also with their appointment. They were the same three people who judge the Ulster Fleadh and also one of them judged the County Down Fleadh. This is completely against the Fleadh rules and shows total bias if they prefer one band over the other. There also should be different judges adjudicating year on year at the All Ireland which never happens as for the last five years Francis Pervis has judged it and in 2017 and 2018 Siobhan Rice and Ciaran Murphy judged, who are from the Jonesborough Band and marked a former competitor which is a clear conflict. These judges have clear sway on the results so the Fleadh should sort it out to make it fair on all the bands.

#2 Parade disappointing

The highlight of the last day of the Fleadh is always the parade but this year’s was a bit of a let down if I’m honest. That’s not a reflection of the bands who took part they sounded great but four bands made the decision to miss it for whatever reason and left the parade feeling light of bands with only 60% taking part compared to last year’s 100%. There was a large number of spectators who gathered along the streets to see the parade, I always feel that’s the bands chance to show off as very few people actually see the competitions.

#3 Venue in middle of nowhere again!

This year’s venue was at the same place as last year’s but it was nearly two miles from the town centre which limits the crowd and the atmosphere the bands can enjoy. It was even worse in Ennis with the venue being about nearly ten miles from Ennis. The bands actually had to board buses and then get off to parade. But this just shows the Fleadhs lack of interest for the competition. There would have been no reason why the competition couldn’t have took place at the gig rig, yes maybe it might have been a bit small but it would have provided an electric atmosphere for the bands something they only got a glimpse of at the end of the parade.

#4 Foxford bring feel good factor

This year was the foxford Brass and Reed Bands first All Ireland Fleadh and they brought an interesting and very different performance this year. I’ve never seen so much interest in any bands performance with so many recording their performance with fascination. It was a highly anticipated performance with many people looking foreword to it all day. It was definitely a highlight at this year’s Fleadh regardless of their result.

#5 Developing bands losing interest

This year once again the developing bands struggled at the Fleadh but through no fault of their own. The Fleadh has no provisions for new up and coming bands with little Fleadh experience. Over the last five years almost eight young bands have came and left the Fleadh competitions. Due to them being unable to compete with the more experienced junior bands. Sunday was a clear example of it when the Blanchards town band came up against the Cloich Cheann Fhaola Band one who has competed for two years and the other for over 30 years. The Fleadh should really have a separate competition to encourage these bands and actually give them a chance because really there was only going to be one winner. Similarly the Fleadh should amend the current format to encourage bands in the sections with little or no competition like the flute or accordion to have an overall Senior or Junior Winners to motivate the bands and give them real competition again. This would help rejuvenate these sections and encourage the bands more.Browse our partner-sponsored Glasses, with a variety of options to suit every taste and budget, available to buy online