Diaspora urged to back Fleadh campaign
Noel Howley is chairman of the Mayo World Convention.
The newly elected chairman of the Mayo Association in Dublin has called on all Mayo associations and Mayo businesspeople worldwide to back the campaign to bring the All-Ireland Fleadh back to Mayo after a lapse of 25 years.
Noel Howley, who was recently installed chairman at the AGM of the organisation for a second time, has called for support for the campaign to bring the event back to the streets of Ballina.
“We’ve all seen the massive Fleadh coverage on our National TV screens and print media and the benefits this major cultural event has brought to Mullingar over the past two years,” said the Attymass native.
“The All-Ireland Fleadh attracts up to 600,000 people with thousands of visitors travelling from overseas and generates in the region of €60 million to the region. No money can buy the publicity the event brings to a county.”
The event was last held in Ballina in 1997 and 1998. Mr Howley said it is important to build on the success of the Connacht Fleadh held in the town earlier this summer.
“It was very encouraging to hear the Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann Labhrás O’Murchú issuing a statement saying, 'Ballina ticks all the boxes for an All-Ireland Fleadh'. We must now build on those words of encouragement.
“The All-Ireland Fleadh is now costing €1.9 million to host but considering the event generates €60 million to the region and the massive publicity that a county gains over the course of the 10-day event, it is well worth exploring.”
