(extract from 1995 Feile Oriel program)

The first Fiddler of Oriel Trophy, in 1969, went to Mrs Bourke of Louhrea. But the history of the organisation of traditional music in Monaghan can be traced back much further.

After the foundation of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE), a national body to promote Irish music, in 1951, the first Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann was held in Monaghan Town on 1st/2nd June 1952.

The Monaghan Branch of CCE at the time was spearheaded by Tommy Donnelly and Jimmy Cassidy and his family. Amongst the locals that were prominent in the organisation and success of this Fleadh, (in addition to CCE members) were Sean Mac Cionna N.T., Latlurcan and the late Eamonn Murray of Scotstown.

Another font of knowledge on matters pertaining to traditional music at this time was Eamonn O Currain of Monaghan. He, too, was a member of the local branch of CCE and involved in The Fiddler of Oriel from the start. Writing in the Eamonn Murray commemorative booklet in 1972 he had this to say of the early years of the Fiddler of Oriel:

"The branch, however, got a new lease of life in that year due to the courage of Jimmy Cassidy, the then secretary, who took on the onerous job of running the County Fleadh in Monaghan Town on an empty treasury. Undismayed, Jimmy enlisted to is aid such stalwart workers as Leo Hamill (R.I.P), Padraig O'Baoill, M.Markey, P.J. O'Donnell, Aine O Neill, Sean Murphy, N.T and our present Chairman, T. Cadden, and as a result was not only one of the best as regard to music, but also made little money to give encouragement to the branch for further activities.

The same team of workers, with a few others, also organised and ran two editions of the 'Fiddler of Oriel' competition, events which were welcomed and appreciated generally by the people of Monaghan and adjoining counties and attracted entries from all over the country so that the name of Monaghan is now close to the lips and hearts of lovers of traditional music the country over - as Eamonn Murray would have liked it to be.

The hardest task of any branch is to keep the torch alive in between fleadhanna and such occasions and here again unstinted tribute must be paid to Nuala Cassidy, our present Secretary, and both her parents who have put in trojan work to the job for no more recompense except for the cause of the association.

As a result, and under the active and enthusiastic guidance of our Chairman, T. Cadden, the holding of regular sessions each month became a standing practice. These sessions were much looked forward to, attracted the best talent not only locally, but also from places as far away as Newry, Dungannon, and Pomeroy, and generally provided a great night's entertainment for those lovers of traditional music who attended."

Festival Increases in Popularity

The subsequent growth of the "Fiddler of Oriel" was rapid. The number of contestants increased from six in 1969 to reach a peak in 1977 when twenty-four fiddlers underwent adjudication.

The "Fiddler of Oriel" sustained itself thereafter with Open Air Ceili Dancing competitions being the order of the day. These were generally held at The Courthose and attracted large audiences.

The Feile also featured other competitions in Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Accordion (Piano and Button Key), Celtic Cabaret, Bard of Oriel and Traditional Singing in Irish and English. These events were staged throughout the town and the sessions afterwards in the local hotels and public houses were very popular.

Amongst the noted fiddlers who won the coveted senior title in this period were Tommy Peoples, Gerry O'Connor, Antoin Mac Gabhann, Tony Linnane, Jim Mc Killop, and the late Jimmy Cormac of Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone. Local players who figure prominently were Peter and Pat Mc Kenna, Luke Farrelly R.I.P., Packie Holland, John Mc Keown, Jimmy Doherty, Robbie Haire, John Toal, Eddie Sweeney , Peter Mc Donald and Ned Curran.

Robbie Haire and Ned Curran
two local figures who featured prominently in the "Fiddler of Oriel" competitions.