It is now just one week since the 2019 Feis concluded. It is hard to believe that an event that took over two years to plan is over already. When we started out on the adventure on the 31st January last the Feis looked endless and yet we now, so quickly, have completed the programme.

It has been a very successful Feis on so many levels. There was a great sense of joy and excitement every day at the Father Mathew Hall before classes started and at the completion of the performances. The “How did it go board?” gave so many insights but above all the constant message was Good Luck to fellow performers. This is just what we would like to see – the support and encouragement of everyone. Messages also mentioned how nervous students were but also how glad and proud they were for completing the exercise. That is a life learning lesson.

The Feis is all about the Performing Arts; engaging in the Arts as a means of learning to communicate and express thoughts and ideas. This is a very necessary life skill and one of the greatest gifts a parent, guardian or teacher can give.

An event such as our would not happen without the help and support of so many people. Below, in a random order, is a list of all who should be acknowledged and thanked. (I hope I have included everyone!)

Performers and their families
Teachers
Stewards
Adjudicators
Accompanists
Sponsors
Patrons
Offers of Bursary Prizes and Trophies
Advisory Board
Executive Board
Capuchin Order
The Echo and their staff at the Feis
All those who help in the Father Mathew Hall
All who have helped in any way

Thanks very much to all. Thanks for the kind message of support and for the suggestions put forward. Thanks for supporting our event and for keeping this very long Cork tradition going. It is so interesting to hear from parents and grandparents their memories of the Feis. It is also lovely to hear their delight that something that was such a part of their own childhood and growing up, they can share with their own children. As one visitor mentioned – it has never changed. Well it has in many ways, but then why change a good thing and surely it would be a shame to change the fundamental principals of what the Feis is about.

Plans are well underway for the 2020 Feis. We will be finalising the Syllabus in the next few weeks and during the course of the summer months will release information and details. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and Twitter account for updates.

That’s all folks and thank you!