Campaigners urge Council to give backing to Ballina project
Pictured at the Official Opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford Town are musicians from local Comhaltas groups, Ciara Banville, Eve Maloney, Catherine Roache and Aoife Banville
Ballina is preparing to submit an application to bring the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to the town in 2028, 30 years since it last hosted the iconic traditional music festival.
Campaigners from local Comhaltas groups seeking to bring the Fleadh back to Ballina said based on Fáilte Ireland data, the event would generate around €60 million to the local economy, attracting 500,000 visitors over nine days. They have said the event would also greatly benefit Knock Airport with thousands of visitors expected from overseas.
The event would also receive national and international media coverage.
However, there are costs of around €1.9 million associated with organizing the Fleadh which includes the provision of performance domes, security services, medical cover, event management services, waste management, sound equipment, advertising and more.
As the local Comhaltas group is a voluntary group with no major funding available, a successful bid would require major backing from Mayo County Council, funding from Government grants such as LEADER and sponsorship from local companies.
Hollister are among the local businesses to have given a commitment to sponsoring the Fleadh in the event of a successful bid. It is understood campaigners are in discussion with two local companies with a view towards sponsoring a performance dome.
Campaigners are also seeking the appointment of both a Chairperson of the All-Ireland Fleadh coming from within Mayo County Council and a Treasurer with full control over income and expenditure, both to be assisted by the members of Comhaltas.
They would also require the appointment of a small number of dedicated staff in the Ballina Municipal District office to work in conjunction with local Comhaltas groups and Comhaltas HQ in Dublin.
Last year’s Fleadh in Wexford received backing of €2 million from Wexford County Council, achieved by raising commercial rates, and Eamonn Walsh, who is playing a leading role to bring the Fleadh to Ballina, said he would like to see Mayo County Council show similar ambition.
“Bringing the All-Ireland Fleadh to Mayo would be the equivalent of bringing The Sam Maguire back to Mayo,” he said.
“Every traditional musician in the county would love to see the All-Ireland Fleadh back in Mayo.”
Ballina hosted the All-Ireland Fleadh in 1997 and 1998 and was only the second Mayo town to do so, with Swinford previously hosting the event in 1961.
