Fleadh Cheoil could make a return to Ballina in 2028 after a 30-year hiatus
Ballina could be set to welcome Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Mayo in 2028, marking 30 years since the festival last filled the town with music, dancing, and visitors from across the globe.
A delegation from Mayo County Council recently travelled to Wexford on a fact-finding mission to explore the logistics and requirements needed to bring the Fleadh back to the county. The festival was previously held in Ballina in 1997 and 1998, with Swinford hosting the event in 1961.
If the bid is successful, the event would be a golden opportunity to showcase Mayo’s rich musical heritage while also delivering a significant boost to the local economy. In Wexford this year, the “Fleadh Effect” is estimated to have injected €60 million into the economy, with around 800,000 people attending over eight days.
Cllr Marie Thérèse Duffy believes Mayo citizens, both at home and abroad, would love the chance to host the Fleadh again: “Mayo people have a great sense of pride of place and goodwill, the Fleadh would be the perfect opportunity to showcase County Mayo on the world stage. We would invite Mayo people at home and abroad to come out and proudly support the festival.”
The proposed bid aims to spread the event beyond Ballina, with “Fringe Fleadhanna” events taking place in each district in the months leading up to the main festival. This would ensure every area of the county can celebrate and benefit from the tourism and business boost.
The delegation, including Cllr Duffy, Cllr John O’Hara, Head of the Ballina Municipal District Declan Turnbull, and Director of Services Catherine McConnell, spent two days in Wexford experiencing the festival first-hand.
“The Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford was a fantastic festival. The Fleadh Committee have outdone themselves in terms of preparation, organisation and cohesion,” said Cllr Duffy, “We were spoiled for choice by musical talent on the streets and on the stages.”
During their visit, the delegation toured performance venues, visited the Fleadh Volunteer Centre, met with Wexford County Council officials and members of the Oireachtas, and spoke with members of the Wexford Comhaltas branches about the heart of the Fleadh: the music, traditions, performers, and competitions.
“We were warmly welcomed by Wexford County Council officials and members of the Oireachtas, including Directors of Services Elizabeth Hore and Carolyne Godkin, Deputy George Lawlor, Senator Cathal Byrne, and Councillor Robbie Staples, all extremely supportive and generous with their time,” said Cllr Duffy, “We were also delighted to attend the Comhaltas Awards Gala Dinner, thanks to Dr. Labhras Ó Murchú and Mr. Eamonn Walsh.”
The trip highlighted the scale of the logistical challenge involved in hosting the festival. Cllr Duffy explained: “The Fleadh would require significant funding, and buy-in from all stakeholders including, Mayo County Council, local and international businesses, Gardaí and volunteers,
“It must be established whether our infrastructure can support the Fleadh, if we can facilitate road closures, diversions and limited access for 8-10 days. We would also need to identify a potential location in Ballina for the centre stage Gig Rig to cater for 2000+ spectators, as well as a location suitable for the huge Céilí Band competition. These are some of the many key requirements that must be investigated before we do anything else.”
Following the Wexford trip, the Mayo delegation will present their findings to elected members for further discussion before any formal decision on a bid is made.
“Certainly, the Fleadh 2028 bid would be a historic opportunity for Mayo to celebrate 30 years since our previous hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann,” said Cllr Duffy, “Following Ed Sheeran’s surprise performance at the Fleadh, we wonder which famous musicians with Mayo roots are due a visit home.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.