By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Buildings
Fleadh Cheoil 2024 hit the headlines last night (Monday) with a very well attended public information event in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council buildings, Carricklawn, Wexford, The purpose was to provide information and outlined the huge planning and logistics necessary to bring the event to a successful weekend of music and culture.
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty said “it is a really exciting time in Wexford to have the leading Irish traditional and cultural event taking place in Wexford in 2024, and hopefully again in 2025, and it is important to hear your views and make it the most successful Fleadh ever.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr John Fleming was thrilled at the news that the Fleadh is coming, and he commended Comhaltas and Wexford County Council who made it happen. “The Fleadh is by far the single biggest attraction Irish cultural event. We expect over 500,000 visitors to Wexford between 4-11th August. The county stands to benefit from a €50 million boost – that’s an awful lot of money – it is wonderful, and it is coming,” he concluded.
Josh O’Connor from Wexford Credit Union also addressed the large attendance. “Music is not just a collection of music and melodies. It represents our culture and heritage, our history along with the essence of our community. Sponsoring this festival is not just a financial commitment for Wexford Credit Union, it’s an investment in our identity and the preservation of our traditions.”
Inspector Graham Rowley from An Garda Siochana said he attended Mullingar this year and promised “what is coming to Wexford is phenomenal. It is definitely going to be fun. It is a family event and a really magic event to showcase what Wexford is all about.”
Inspector Rowley said meetings had already taken place with the fleadh committee and a lot of planning is required. “We (An Garda Siochana) plan for all kind of events but we haven’t planned for anything as big as this and we are really looking forward to the challenge. We want the event to be safe, secure and enjoyable. Safety is a priority,” he concluded.
Chairperson Eddie Taaffe outlined the many aspects of planning for the Fleadh and commended the volunteers, however, the public information event was important for distribution of information and answering any queries that businesses and the community may have. Regular public information updates and progress reports will be published in the coming months.
Anthony Bailey acted as master of ceremonies.
Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2024 Team; President, Paddy Berry; Chairperson, Eddie Taaffe, Vice-Chairperson, Barbara Walsh; Treasurer, Paudie Berry; PRO/Branding/Marketing, Cllr George Lawlor; Accommodation, Cllr Maura Bell; Voluntary Emergency Services, Cllr Ger Carthy; Venues, Brian Byrne and John Roche; Gig Rig, Senan Lillis; Sponsorship, Madeleine Quirke; Secretary FEC, Fiona Bennett; Seachtain na Gaeilge, Darren O’Callaghan; Comhaltas, Sinead Tobin-Broughan; Street Sessions, Jennifer Byrne and Church Services, William Considine.
A new website will go online in the next two weeks. It is info@fleadhcheoil.ie for general enquiries or accommodation@fleadhcheoil.ie
WexfordLocal.com 