Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - Swinford 1961
(Compiled by Moy Valley Comhaltas)
The origins of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Mayo can be traced back to when Swinford formed the first branch in the county in 1959. It was the first branch in Connaught and one of the first in the West of Ireland. Two years later Swinford hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Whit weekend May 20th, 21st and 22nd, 1961.
From the "Mayo News" May 27th, 1961, "the little East Mayo town of Swinford will never forget Whit Weekend of 1961 and little wonder for it was on those three glorious days that the town was changed into a dancing arena and dancers and musicians not alone from all over Ireland but also England, Scotland and even America flocked there for the 11th Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann".
Over 20,000 music loving fans visited Swinford during the memorable weekend to make this event the most successful festival of its time. The Fleadh was a three day event with the County event taking place on the Saturday and the National event taking place on the Sunday and Monday.
From early on Saturday, thousands flocked into the town and by Saturday night the streets were beginning to show signs of things to come, and on Sunday it was nearly impossible to make one's way through the heavily congested thoroughfares. Never before had Swinford experienced such an influx.
From "Western People" Saturday May 27th, 1961 (Page 5): "In declaring the Fleadh open, the Bishop of Achonry, Most Reverend Dr. Fergus complimented Swinford on having being chosen as the venue and pay tribute to the work of the energetic local organising committee. "It was a welcome decision by Comhaltas", said his Lordship, "to hold the annual Fleadh in turn in our provincial town in the rural setting in which most of Irish Traditional Music originated and has been preserved and where it has helped to brighten the lives of people down through the centuries."