A new book of exquisite photography by Noel McIntyre
RIRA MULLINGAR
RíRá Mullingar, a Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle
A beautifully produced collection of images from the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2022 - 2023, which took place in the author’s home town of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
€49.50 & P&P
COLLECTOR’S EDITION
RíRá Mullingar, a Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle
A beautifully produced collection of images from the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2022 - 2023, which took place in the author’s home town of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
€250 incl. P&P
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Selected Images from RíRá Mulllingar, a Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle
The return of the Fleadh Cheoil to Mullingar in 2022 was publicised and billed as ‘The Homecoming’, and it was expected to be the biggest event in the town’s history. In the end, Fleadh Cheoil 2022 - 2023 was the biggest cultural event the country has ever seen. Music and the arts brought more than one million people together in Mulingar, to sing, play, dance or listen to traditional Irish seisiúns in the streets. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Homecoming was an unprecedented and unforgettable experience.
Inspiration for the new book from Mullingar-based filmmaker, photographer and story-teller, Noel McIntyre.
A native of Mulllingar, Noel found himself alongside one of the biggest stories of the century in 2022. He set out to chronicle the event, show people the sights and sounds of those two weeks, and tell the Fleadh Cheoil story his way. The result is RíRá Mulllingar, a Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle, an exquisite new book of original photography, which showcases the town, the music, and the human spirit in all its glory.
RíRá Mulllingar, a Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle
A new book of exquisite photography by Noel McIntyre
The Making of RíRá Mullingar
From the Author
When Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann returned to Mullingar, I found myself alongside one of the biggest stories of the century.
As a filmmaker and photographer, I am first and foremost a storyteller and I was compelled to document the event, show people the sights and sounds, and tell the Fleadh Cheoil story my way.
With my camera and my eye, I took to the streets of Mullingar.
I set out to capture moments of intimate and beautiful detail amidst the raucous cacophony of Fleadh Cheoil, as I walked the streets each day in all weathers. I took notes of my thoughts and impressions which are shared here as a narrative for the images in the book. My aim was to bring the reader back to the moment and into the scene, so that they can almost hear the music that rang through the town, and experience the same magical energy which I felt in person.
You will see images of a single guitar string,
the quick side eye of a young musician,
a sliver of light on the burnished curve of a fiddle,
glasses of water dancing in the flickering light of a bar snug.
This is the chronicle of Fleadh Cheoil, as seen through my eyes. Through these fleeting, transient, images, I hope I have shared its magic for others to enjoy.
RíRa Mullingar Launch Night - 8th November 2023
Here's what people are saying...
“As my eyes pass from one image to the next I can almost hear the music and feel the energy of the town. Noel is allowing us an inside view to his town and to a gathering of our people that goes back to our free beginnings.”
Liam Ó’Maonlaí - Hot House Flowers
“This book summons up the sights, sounds, and memories of those amazing days in Mullingar. In the tradition of our great local artists, Noel McIntyre has skillfully chronicled the feeling and the fellowship of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and our people at their very best.”
Bressie - Musician, Author, Cofounder A Lust For Life
“This is a stunning collection of pictorial portraits that freeze in time some magic moments from a unique Irish cultural event.
Eddie Rowley - Sunday World
“Beautifully atmospheric photographs capturing the flavour and fun of the Fleadh family.. ”
John McColgan - Award-winning Producer and Director of Riverdance
“Noel’s sharp and artistic eye captures the true magic of the Fleadh in his hometown of Mullingar. The People, the music, and the craic are all brilliantly reflected through Noel’s camera and imagination.”
Bobby Kerr - Broadcaster, Entrepreneur and Businessman
“The Fleadh was woven into the fabric of my life growing up in Ireland and even more so when I left and it became an annual pilgrimage. Noel brilliantly captures moments of the magic and grace of the musicians and dance performers, split seconds of intimacy that evoke a sense of the unique atmosphere of a trad session and the community coming together. He dances with the camera, playing with light and angles and shutter speed to convey the fluidity of motion and the smallest of details. It is truly a book of art capturing art.”
Norah Casey - Broadcaster & Entrepreneur