Could Fleadh Cheoil na h'Éireann be on its way to Waterford?

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Deputy David Cullinane has called for Waterford City to consider making a bid to host a future Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann following the success of this year’s event in Belfast.

He said recent Fleadh events in Belfast and Wexford showed the cultural, community, tourism and economic benefits that hosting the festival can bring.

Deputy Cullinane said: “The scenes from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast have been fantastic. It was a tremendous celebration of Irish music, song, dance and culture and a huge success for the city.

“We also saw the enormous success of the Fleadh when it was previously hosted in Wexford. These events brought communities together, attracted large numbers of visitors and provided a major boost to local businesses and tourism."

Referring to the fact bringing the Fleadh to Waterford was something previously raised by his Sinn Féin party colleague, Cllr Joanne Bailey, he said: "I believe it is an idea that deserves to be properly considered and progressed.” 

Pointing to Waterford’s cultural strengths and experience of hosting major events, he said the city and county had the foundations to explore such a bid.

“Waterford has a proud tradition of Irish music, song and dance," he said.

"We have talented musicians, dedicated Comhaltas branches, excellent venues and a strong track record of successfully hosting major festivals and events," he added, before continuing: “The successful hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Lismore also demonstrated the experience, commitment and organisational ability that exists across the county."

He added that hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann would require significant planning and cooperation between local and national stakeholders.

“Hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann would require significant planning, investment and cooperation between Comhaltas, Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, local businesses, community organisations and volunteers," he said.

“I will be writing to the Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council asking that the possibility of Waterford hosting a future Fleadh be formally considered and that the council engage with Comhaltas and other relevant stakeholders," he added.

He finished by saying it would be an incredible way to showcase the city and county: “This is not something that could happen overnight, but the work has to begin somewhere. Waterford should be ambitious about the major cultural and national events that we seek to host.

“A Fleadh in Waterford would be an incredible opportunity to showcase our city and county, celebrate our proud cultural heritage and deliver significant benefits for communities and businesses across the Déise.”