A chairde,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Castlebar, on behalf of Castlebar Lions Club and Castlebar 1798 Festival Committee - to the 1798 Festival of Music and History.
We are delighted to team up with Mayo County Council and bring a festival back to the county town.
It promises to be a great three days for Castlebar.
Castlebar played a pivotal role in the second phase of the 1798 rebellion and the Races of Castlebar was a battle that defied the odds and gave the people of the time the belief and hunger to achieve an Irish Republic.
Shortly after the Races of Castlebar, John Moore was appointed the first President of the new Republic.
As a Committee, we recognise the importance of acknowledging the unique historical significance Castlebar holds in terms of the 1798 rebellion.
To commemorate the 225th anniversary of the rebellion, we have a fun-filled, action-packed weekend in store that caters for people of all ages.
We hope that you can enjoy all of the events on offer.
For more information visit www.1798castlebar.ie
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the committee that have made this festival a reality.
Without their hard work and effort this would never have happened.
Without finance, this event could not happen.
I would like to thank our main sponsor - Thea Pharma - and all of the local businesses who have so generously offered sponsorship. A list of sponsors are available on our website and we encourage you to support those who have supported us.
I would also like to thank Mayo County Council and, in alphabetical order, Councillors Al McDonnell, Blackie Gavin, Cyril Burke, Donna Sheridan, Ger Deere, Martin McLoughlin and Michael Kilcoyne, for allocating funds to make this festival happen.
Also, a big thank you to all our volunteers, the Castlebar District staff of Mayo County Council, Mayo Civil Defence, an Garda Síochana, Mayo Fire Brigade, Castlebar Community Clean Up, Castlebar Tidy Towns and to the community and all who have helped out.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Enjoy the festivities.
Is mise le meas,
Ronan Moran
Chairman Castlebar 1798 Festival Committee/ President Castlebar Lions Club.
