At Fleadh na Mumhan 1997 in Abbeyfeale, the Munster Slide and Polka playing workshops were initiated and have proved invaluable over the years to ensure the promotion of the playing of polkas and slides in the province.

This workshop is always tutored by a well-known Sliabh Luachra musician and takes places each year in conjunction with Scoil Fonn agus Amhráin.

Polkas and Slides are an integral part of the musical heritage in Munster and these annual workshops will help to ensure the continuation of this aspect of our musical heritage into the future.

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We are delighted to announce that renowned West Waterford musician Seamus Hyland will lead this year’s Munster Fleadh Slide and Polka Workshop at Blackwater Community School on Thursday, 17th July, from 11am–4pm.

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During the workshop, Seamus will teach a selection of traditional Waterford slides and polkas.

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This workshop is open to all ages and instruments however the class is not suited to beginners and a good standard of playing experience is required to benefit from this four-hour workshop. 

Seamas Hyland is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who focuses on both traditional and experimental music. He enjoys exploring the varied sonic capabilities of the button accordion and creating tonal landscapes using field recordings he collects. Seamas recently released his debut solo album ‘Maidin Domhnaigh’ and was nominated for an RTÉ Folk award for best emerging artist in 2025.

​This workshop is open to all instruments but is not suitable for beginners.