The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Feis Ceoil

FEIS CEOIL, fäsh'k-yōl' (Ir. feis, gathering, convention, ceoil, of music). In Ireland, an assembly at which competitions are held for bands, choirs, vocal and instrumental soloists, etc. The first assembly of the kind in modern times was held in Dublin in 1897 for the purpose of encouraging native performers and composers. Since that time many such assemblies are held in the provincial towns and even in rural districts. The movement has been most successful and is a result of the general Gaelicising program of the Gaelic League (q.v.).