Fleadh campaigner opposes ‘negative’ remarks by CEO

The man who hopes to bring the 2027 All-Ireland Fleadh to Ballina has hit out at “negative comments” made by Mayo Co Council chief executive Kevin Kelly.

A motion seeking support for Ballina’s Fleadh bid was brought before the council by Cllr John O’Hara recently. At the meeting, Mr Kelly told councillors there would be a significant financial cost commitment over two years to host the event, and more information was required before a commitment could be made.

Eamonn Walsh, who is campaigning to bring the Fleadh to Ballina in 2027 said he was disappointed by the CEO’s comments.

“It would be helpful if the Council contacted counterparts in Sligo, Mullingar, and Wexford and got an insight into the massive benefits the All-Ireland Fleadh brings to a county before expressing negative comments,” he said.

Mr Walsh said Ballina is a serious contender for the event but stressed that a feasibility study must be carried out over the coming months to gauge if the level of support from Mayo Co Council is similar to the support given by local authorities in Cavan, Sligo, Westmeath and Wexford.

“The cost of staging the All-Ireland Fleadh is now €1.9 million and no voluntary organisation can undertake a fundraising campaign for a mammoth event like this without the financial support of the County Council.”