'Volunteers vital to success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann'
Fleadh committee to host information day and launch car draw
Volunteers for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are vital to its success, and around 1200 are required for the 2022 event, taking place in Mullingar this summer.
The fleadh committee have been working on this event for several years now, as it was originally to take place in 2020, but was postponed because of pandemic public health restrictions.
The fleadh has the green light now, and the pace of preparation work in picking up rapidly. With that in mind the committee are hosting a public information event at the Market Square in Mullingar this Saturday, February 19.
There will be information on all aspects of the fleadh, and on volunteering in particular.
A spokesperson for the committee said: “Volunteers have and always will be at the heart of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and their involvement is absolutely crucial to the events success.
“With 500,000 visitors expected in Mullingar between July 31 and August 7, we will need the help of 1,200 volunteers to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
“By volunteering at the fleadh you will be a part of ‘The Homecoming’, welcoming the fleadh home to Mullingar, where it all started many years ago. “Participating as a volunteer will enable you to build new friendships, develop new skills and play an integral role in the success of the biggest festival of Irish culture in the world.”
Volunteers will be asked to fill a number of roles, from street stewards and assisting at competitions, to being part of the ‘Green Fleadh’ by helping to keep the streets clean, being ‘fleadh ambassadors’, volunteering at concerts, and helping with social media and photography – and there are many other roles.
The minimum commitment asked for is four hours and shifts vary from four hours to eight hours, depending on the role; hours will lbe throughout the day and night, meaning there is a role and shift time to suit everyone.
“You can volunteer to just do one shift or as many as you like, it’s up to you – we will be grateful for whatever time you can spare to help,” said the fleadh spokesperon.
Volunteers have to be aged over 15, and if under 18, parental consent will be required.
All volunteers will be asked to attend a mandatory training session in advance of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will be from April on.
Applications now open at fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteering.
Information day
The information day runs from noon to 3pm, and as well as a chance to sign up for the volunteer programme, there will be information about renting your house or a room; getting involved with fundraisers; sponsoring the event; general information; and the launch of the car draw will also take place.