This article is from page 8 of the 2011-04-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A BID to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Ennis for the first time since 1977 officially got underway on Saturday.
Members of the Fleadh Working Group presented the case for Ennis to host Ireland’s largest festival of traditional music, dance and song in 2012 to the standing committee of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann (CCE).
Speaking at the presentation, Labhras Ó Murchú, Director General of CCE, hailed the Ennis bid, describing it as an “exceptional and impressive presentation”.
The presentation, which took place at the offices of Clare County Council in Ennis, was backed by a network of organisations including local authorities, Shannon Development, the Vintner’s Federation of Ireland, local business groups, the GAA, the Gardaí and the emergency services.
The working group’s proposal document states that 200,000 people would visit Ennis during the event, which is estimated to be worth up to € 20 million to the Clare economy.
The document has identified 25 venues where events could be held while the working group say that Ennis town centre will be pedestrianised during the course of the weeklong festival.
The bid to bring the Fleadh to Ennis was initiated by the local Abbey branch of CCE.
Branch chairman Risteard Ó’Conail said, “We understand the dedication and hard work required to stage Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann but we are confident that, with the assistance of all 18 branches of Comhaltas in Clare together with the support and goodwill of many other organisations and individuals throughout the town and county, we can make it a huge success.”
The hour-long presentation heard video testimonials from well-known musicians and singers including Maura O’Connell and Martin Hayes, while members of the working group outlined the details of the Ennis bid.
Mayor of Clare Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) told the meeting that the rich tradition of traditional music that exists in the county made Clare the ideal venue for the Fleadh. “We own it, we love it and we cherish it,” he added.
County Manager and working group vice chairman Tom Coughlan said no effort would be spared to make the 2012 Fleadh a success.
Working group chairman Mícheal Ó Riabhaigh said, “We would be honoured to have the opportunity again to host Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and to share our cultural and natural treasures with the 200,000 music lovers that make the Fleadh the greatest tradtional arts festival in the world. Our goal will be to build on the benchmarks set by Tullamore and Cavan and to have it said of Ennis, It was the greatest Fleadh ever.”
Gerard Lynch of the finance subgroup told the meeting that the cost of running the event was likely to be € 700,000. He said that the group are aiming to secure € 250,000 through corporate sponsorship. Mr Lynch said this process would have to be completed by mid-June. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was first held in Ennis in 1956. Ennis faces competition from Sligo, Mullingar and Kilkenny.