One year on, FEC chair Connaire reflects on 'greatest ever' fleadhs

Mullingar’s staging of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2022 and 2023 was such a success that the chair of its organising committee is now advising other towns and cities with ambitions to host the largest traditional music event in the world.

A record breaking 600,000 people travelled to Mullingar over eight memorable days last August to attend the fleadh, while over half a million music fans attended the previous year.

Widely regarded as two of the best fleadhs in the event's long history, they were organised by the volunteer Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC) and funded through donations, sponsors, and fundraising events.

Joe Connaire, the former FEC chair, believes that the 2022 and 2023 instalments were the “greatest ever” fleadhs and have left a lasting legacy across the town and the region as a whole.

“We have had astronomical interest in membership to Comhaltas branches across the county,” Mr Connaire told the Westmeath Examiner.

“There’s a new branch in Killucan, and the numbers in Moate, Ballymore, Clann Lir, and Mullingar have grown significantly.

“The branch I’m involved in, Ballynacargy, has nearly 500 members now, which is huge for a village outside Mullingar, and probably puts us as one of the largest branches in the world.

“That’s down to teamwork, volunteerism, pure passion, and dedication; if you don’t put in the work, nothing will happen.”

Mr Connaire said there’s been a “big weight” off his shoulders since the event moved on from Mullingar.

“I put an awful lot of effort, time, and passion into making sure the fleadh, when it came to the town, was going to be the best ever,” he said.

“We left no stone unturned, and it put a lot of stress on me, but thankfully we delivered, and I’m much more relaxed now coming into this August.

“I’m proud to have been involved in the fleadh and I achieved everything I wanted to achieve.

“It’s been the talk of the town since last year, and I’ve met people all over the country since who have praised it as the best ever.”

The former FEC chair wished his best to Wexford as they take on the challenge of welcoming over half a million visitors from August 4-11.

“Wexford is a totally different town to Mullingar; where we have big wide streets, they have little narrow streets,” he said.

“I would be a little bit concerned for the community down there with such large crowds on narrow streets, but the event controller and security team will look after that job to the best of their ability.

“They have the council running things for them, we did things differently, but as I said to them on the final night in Mullingar, ‘Put your own twist on it and I’ve no doubt you’ll do a great job’.”

Mr Connaire said he’s been approached for advice by other towns and cities looking for hosting advice.

“Belfast City Council contacted me to see if I would be an adviser for them, and I’ve been up a few times to help out there, gladly,” he said.

“I’ve also been to Ballina and have done presentations to Mayo County Council in relation to cost, venues, and setup, which is all off the back of how good a job we did in Mullingar.”

He wished to thank all members of the FEC, volunteers, Westmeath County Council, sponsors, and everyone else involved in the fleadh’s return to Mullingar for making it such a success.

Competing at this year’s fleadh in Wexford are three of Joe’s students, Aoife Dunleavy, Anna Dunleavy, and Emily Evans.