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<\/p>\nThis year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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The highlight of the last day of the Fleadh is always the parade but this year\u2019s was a bit of a let down if I\u2019m honest. That\u2019s 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\u2019s 100%. There was a large number of spectators who gathered along the streets to see the parade, I always feel that\u2019s the bands chance to show off as very few people actually see the competitions.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s venue was at the same place as last year\u2019s 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019ve 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\u2019s Fleadh regardless of their result. ![](\"https:\/\/marchingbandsireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/img_0586-1.jpg\")
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