By Dan Walsh
Over 1,000 volunteers who signed up and were assigned to various duties during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann were honoured with a Civic Reception held at Whites of Wexford last Saturday night, as a small token of appreciation to amazing volunteers.
Each volunteer was presented with a certificate and a special photograph of the iconic harp, now a permanent feature and reminder of those two special years for Wexford.
The guests gathered round tables, sharing stories of their experiences, reminiscing over photographs on display from the Volunteer Photographers and listening to praise from the dignitaries including Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Garry Laffan, Chief Executive and Chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC), Eddie Taaffe, Comhaltas representatives and FEC Vice-Chair, Barbara Walsh, the Volunteer Coordinator, Ronan Griffin and a volunteer representative, Volunteer Photographer, Bobby Devereux.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan welcomed the crowd and offered his sincere thanks on behalf of the people of Wexford. He said “Wexford had never seen the likes of it before when the Fleadh Cheoil arrived in 2024 and who would have thought it would be even bigger and better the following year. That was all down to the people in this room, all the volunteers from the various agencies including the 1,000 yellow tee-shirt volunteers working at the venues and out and about on the streets.”
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Gary Laffan noted; “I am one of the luckiest Mayors of Wexford to have worn these chains of office during this magical time for our town. Volunteering is good for those who benefit from the action, but also great for those who give of their time so selflessly. It gives people a sense of belonging, a sense of community, a sense of achievement and contributes to a person’s overall wellness.”
Council Chief Executive and Chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, commended all those who had given their time selflessly to make the Fleadh the huge success that it was. He also thanked the wider team including the Wexford County Council staff and all the voluntary agencies involved.
FEC Vice-Chair, Barbara Walsh spoke of her pride in her county and her love of Irish music and culture and how being part of the organising committee for the past two years was both challenging and extremely rewarding.
Volunteer Coordinator Ronan Griffin, from Wexford County Council said that coordinating and scheduling almost 1,000 volunteers was both the most challenging and most rewarding project of his career to date.
Volunteer Photographer Bobby Deverux regaled the crowd with some tales from the various venues he had visited while capturing many special moments.
Master of ceremonies was Deputy George Lawlor TD. The volunteers were entertained with music by Derek Cunningham, Bride Street Folk Group and Irish musicians and dancers from “Celtic Roots”.
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