It's official - Mullingar awarded Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for 2021
Photo - Joe Connaire, chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC), showing visitors a map of what is planned for this year's fleadh at the recent information day.
In a massive vote of confidence for the local voluntary committee in their organisation of the 2020 event, the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has ratified Mullingar as the host town for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann again next year.
The 2021 event will mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, in Mullingar in 1951, and so is a milestone event for the organisation as a whole.
Joe Connaire, chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC), said it was an extremely proud day for him personally, for Westmeath Comhaltas, for the Mullingar branch and the other six branches, and for the traditional Irish music community in Westmeath.
In his acceptance speech, Joe expressed his sincere thanks to the local committee of volunteers who have put in a mammoth effort over a number of years, initially in the bid process for 2020, and since then in organising this year’s event.
He thanked the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas for putting their trust in Mullingar for another year.
He said this is a Comhaltas-led fleadh, being hosted by Mullingar Branch of Comhaltas, assisted by the Comhaltas Westmeath County Board, and in association with Westmeath County Council.
The FEC are indebted to all the venue owners, patrons, managers, principals and boards of management for hosting Competitions and Scoil Éigse during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Joe acknowledged the generosity of sponsors who have pledged their support for this year’s event and looked forward to their support in the coming year.
This will be a massive boost to the local economy as in excess of 500,000 people are expected to visit the town over the week of the fleadh.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2020 takes place from Sunday August 2 to Sunday August 9 and will feature traditional Irish music workshops, competitions, concerts, céilithe, free street entertainment and fun for all the family.