Fleadh Committee Profile: Julia Dalton
As part of our on-going coverage in the lead-up to this year's Fleadh, we are profiling members of the Fleadh executive committee who have dedicated a lot of their time over the past few years to the event.
What is your role on the executive committee?
Chairperson of the Volunteers Committee.
Why did you sign up for the committee?
I got involved due to my background in event management. I am the director of operations for St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin and have been involved in large scale events for over 15 years, so I was delighted to get involved in the biggest event ever to come to Mullingar. I also have a long history volunteering with the Order of Malta (22 years) so getting involved with the volunteers for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann seemed like the perfect match. I had no knowledge of Comhaltas or what actually happens at a Fleadh so it has been a very steep learning curve.
Can people still get involved?
We are still looking for lots of people to get involved. Anyone aged 15 or over can volunteer and there is a role to suit everyone including event stewards, assisting with competitions, street ambassadors and our green fleadh team. The minimum commitment is 4 hours and shifts vary from 4 to 8 hours depending on the role. You can volunteer to just do one shift or as many as you like, we will be grateful for whatever time you can spare. We need help for the whole week of the Fleadh from Sunday 6th to Monday 14th August and we will need the biggest number of volunteers on the days of the competitions which take place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th August. If you would like to volunteer you can register your details through the website: fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteering
What was your stand out moment of the 2022 Fleadh?
My favourite memory from last years Fleadh was gathering at the Gig Rig on the final Sunday evening and finishing the week on a high with loads of the volunteers who had helped out during the event. It was a real celebration of what we had achieved during the week and I felt so proud to be part of such an amazing team.
What are you most looking forward to for Fleadh 2023?
I can’t wait to work with all the volunteers again, they really made it such an enjoyable experience, and I am really looking forward to being able to welcome so many people to Mullingar during Fleadh 2023.
What Legacy would you like to see Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Mullingar 2022/23 leave on the town?
The Fleadh gives us an opportunity to showcase what a brilliant town Mullingar is, the wide-ranging musical talent we have and how much there is to do here and in the surrounding areas. I really hope it encourages people to come back, visit and explore all the treasures in the Hidden Heartlands.