Fleadh committee: ‘we need everyone to put their shoulders to the wheel’

Everybody must help host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar next year and possibly the year after by volunteering and/or providing accommodation, not only the townspeople but those in other towns and villages around the county.

The fleadh will attract an estimated 500,000 visitors and will bring in the region of €50 million to the local economy. The chairman of the organising committee, Joe Connaire, says that they need “everyone to put their shoulder to the wheel”.

He was addressing the October meeting of Westmeath County Council, where it was suggested by members that the council’s allocation of €300,000 towards the running costs should be upped to €400,000 in light of the increased outgoings, particularly Covid related costs.

Covid stopped the fleadh going ahead in 2020 and 2021 and if it is still around next summer, it will affect operations in that there may be limited capacity at concerts. For instance, Mr Connaire pointed out that the Cathedral of Christ the King could hold 1,800 patrons, but if only 50pc capacity is permitted, that will cut their takings there and at other ticketed events. Clean-up costs will be higher too.

Mr Connaire said that the organisers are planning a full fleadh between July 31 and August 7 and will down-size if necessary.

It will attract 500,000 visitors, maybe more, as many enthusiasts who have been denied a fleadh for two years may make it their annual holiday. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest traditional Irish music, song and dance event and a quarter of the visitors will be from overseas.

The first ever Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was in Mullingar in 1951 and the fleadh committee had to fight hard to get it back, Mr Connaire told the meeting. They have worked free of charge for five years and now they want the public to “buy in”, to give up their houses and to volunteer.

Mr Connaire said that there has been a 70pc uptake on giving up houses. They need 1,200 plus, probably 1,400 because of Covid, to run the event.

We are upholding the tradition of the Moynihan, Seery and Reynold families who were the founder members and, as fleadhs have gone non-traditional in recent years, we want to bring it back to its roots, he said. They intend that this will be a “green” fleadh and will embrace the wider community of Mullingar, Moate, Athlone and north Westmeath.

It will cost in the region of €1.5 million to host the fleadh and the committee are determined to spend only what they have. He thanked the sponsors who have continued to support the cause and announced that a car draw is going to be held to raise funds. They will be applying for Leader funding and a Fáilte Ireland grant and the concerts staged will bring in revenue.

The main gig rig in Blackhall, Mullingar, can accommodate up to 10,000. The fleadh will be televised live four of the nights and events will be streamed on social media.

Cllr Denis Leonard suggested that the council should up its allocation to the fleadh to at least €400,000, and asked what they could do to deal with the waste that will be generated by 500,000 people.

Mr Connaire confirmed that there will be extra costs of between €100,000 and €150,000 because of Covid. He said the committee would welcome any extra funding from the council and they would come up with a figure “that is fair and within reason”. Mr Connaire said the fleadh would be going nowhere without the support of the council.

Anne-Marie Corroon, senior executive engineer with the council, has been appointed co-ordinator of the fleadh. She said that there will be an events controller and planned sizes of events. The organisers will be working with the council’s environment department regarding waste management.

Cllr John Dolan said that it was coming up to budget time and “we will do our best for ye”.

An open day is to be held for those interested in helping, and people don’t have to be member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to volunteer.

Cllr Dolan suggested that an open day be held in Athlone too because the fleadh is “going to bring in a massive amount of money” to the town. He suggested that events could be held in different parts of the county.

Mr Connaire agreed to hold open days in Athlone and confirmed that they envisage running tours to Athlone and to make sure the south of the county is “looked after”.

Cllr Hazel Smyth of the Green party was “very interested” in steps to make this an eco-festival and suggested a “green award” for anyone who embraces the ‘leave no trace’ theme.

She welcomed the pilot bike sharing scheme that is to be rolled out in Mullingar in time for the fleadh. She suggested an events map and schedule app and an app for volunteers. She asked that the council co-ordinate the fleadh effort with their heritage team to ensure that this opportunity is used to commemorate the fabulous heritage and cultural sites around the county.

Ms Corroon assured Cllr Smyth that the committee was liaising with the environment department of the council to make the fleadh eco-friendly and with the heritage and tourism departments to promote attractions.

Mr Connaire said that apps were being considered and there would be huge screens around the town to make people aware of what was on where. In reply to Cllr Johnnie Penrose, Mr Connaire said the fleadh is too big an event to host for just one year and they are hoping to make it two years. Mr Connaire paid tribute to Cllr Penrose’s brother, Willie, and Willie’s daughter, Niamh, who is treasurer of the organising committee, for their roles.

Cllr Tom Farrell stressed the importance of bringing the fleadh to rural parishes and said it would be “a great way to get people to do bed and breakfast”. Mr Connaire assured him that every parish will be involved and pointed out that the GAA is tied in too.

Although a “true blue Mullingar man”, Cllr Ken Glynn accepted that the four corners of the county must benefit. He applauded the commitment of men like Joe Connaire and Noel Battle to traditional Irish music. He asked if there was a contingency plan if Covid is still around.

Mr Connaire pointed out that Cllr Glynn’s father, former senator, Camillus Glynn, was involved in the fleadh. He said that they were planning a full event and if necessary, would down-size – which is easier than up-sizing.

Cllr Frank McDermott remarked that Fore Heritage and Amenity Group will be trying to attract “a few loads to take around” the local attractions. Mr Connaire agreed that north Westmeath has “great heritage sites” and there will be daily tours to such sites.

“It’s great to see the fleadh coming back to Mullingar,” remarked Cllr Bill Collentine. He said it will be a great boost to the local economy and tourism and will advertise Mullingar all over the world. He stressed that everyone needs to play their part in what must be a community effort.