Focus on youth and community
ESB sponsors Feis Ceoil
News
ESB Feis Ceoil 2010 – now in its 114th year – was launched on Thursday, March 4th, in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. 2000 musicians and singers from all over Ireland took part in over 180 competitions during the month.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Padraig McManus said it is vital that support for Irish culture and the arts remain strong in recessionary times. This is ESB’s second consecutive year as title sponsor of Feis Ceoil.
“ESB is very proud to be the title sponsor of Feis Ceoil for the second year. In addition to providing enormous enjoyment to the participants and their audiences, Feis Ceoil has been the launching pad for many successful careers throughout the decades and its enduring success is an eloquent indication of the depth of musical talent and aptitude that we have in Ireland,” he said.
“ESB’s sponsorship focus is on the community and youth. We are particularly pleased to have Feis Ceoil rank alongside ESB’s support for the GAA Minor Hurling and Football Championships as well as Girls’ and Women’s Hockey. Young people carry the future of our society and their engagement in sport, culture and the arts must be encouraged and valued,” he added.
Dr. Veronica Dunne, a doyenne of the Irish classical music scene, stressed the significance of Feis Ceoil in advancing the musical careers of so many young Irish people throughout the decades.
ESB Feis Ceoil took place in Dublin from March 15th to 26th at the RDS, St. Mary’s Church, Donnybrook, and St. Bartholomew’s Church, Clyde Road, Ballsbridge. Competitions comprised all musical disciplines from Piano to Strings, Vocal to Brass, Choral to Chamber music. Thirty-two choirs competed for the title of ‘ESB Feis Ceoil School Choir of the Year’.
