Bid to bring major music event to Ballina 'doomed' without local support
The Connacht Fleadh took place in Ballina last year. Picture: John O'Grady
A campaigner hoping to see the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil come to Ballina in 2028 has called on Mayo County Council to send a delegation to this year’s Fleadh in Wexford as part of a ‘fact-finding’ mission.
Eamonn Walsh, a champion Uileann Piper and native of Ballina, has called on the council to send a delegation to Wexford next week to see ‘first-hand’ the benefits of hosting the All-Ireland Fleadh.
“It is imperative that Mayo County Council see at first hand the benefits the mammoth event brings to the whole county," Mr Walsh said.
“The All-Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar attracted 600,000 people and generated in the region of €120 million to the local economy over the two years.”
Mr Walsh said the blunt truth is that without the support of the council, a bid for the 2028 Fleadh in Ballina will fail.
“The local Comhaltas is a voluntary organisation and cannot be expected to raise the €1.9 million required to stage the mammoth event. Without the support of Mayo County Council, the bid for the 2028 All-Ireland Fleadh in Ballina is doomed.”
Ballina last hosted the All-Ireland Fleadh in 1997 and 1998.
Mr Walsh said the last Fleadh attracted over 100,000 people and generated £7 million for the local economy. He is also calling on all Mayo business people at home and abroad to back the Fleadh and provide sponsorship as it would benefit the entire county.
The All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil takes place this year in Wexford town from August 4th to 11th.
