RONAN FAGAN
A Fleadh day confirmed to take place in Athlone, on August 8, has received full support from elected and executive members of Athlone Moate Municipal District (AMMD ).
Addressing the recent AMMD meeting, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, who liaised with the Mullingar Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to ensure that Athlone featured in this year's programme of events, noted that the Fleadh day would be a notable occasion within Feile na Sionainne, a celebration of Irish music, dance and culture, set to grace the streets of the town from August 6-8 inclusive.
"Fleadh Ceoil na h'Eireann 2022 was a phenomenal success. Close to 500,000 visited Mullingar during last year's event and it was widely acclaimed as the best Fleadh ever. Mullingar will host the event again this year and we are looking forward to an even bigger occasion in August.
"It has been my great pleasure as Cathaoirleach this year to work with and get to know the Mullingar Fleadh committee. The work and organisation required to run a successful Fleadh is immense, the committee deserve huge credit.
"Some weeks ago, I made a proposal to the committee that Athlone should feature in the Fleadh programme of events this year. I made this proposal on the basis that in 1953, exactly 70 years ago this year, Athlone hosted the Fleadh. I was delighted when the committee notified me to say that they would include Athlone and that a special event will take place in our town on Tuesday, August 8.
"Following this good news and together with the Mullingar Fleadh Committee, I hosted a meeting in St Kieran's Community Centre at which 40 individuals with immense interest in Irish dance, music and culture attended.
"Arising from this meeting we agreed a local leadership group to drive our plans for a festival of music, song and dance, Feile na Sionainne, from August 6-8 inclusive
"Tuesday, August 8, is the official Comhaltas 'Fleadh' day. Éamonn Ó hArgáin Uachtarán Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will be in Athlone on that day to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Fleadh and to acknowledge Athlone's strong ties to the arts, music and traditional music in particular.
"While August 8 is the 'official' Fleadh day, our objective is to fill Athlone with Irish music for the three days, commencing on August 6. Our plan is to have a festival of music, song and dance that celebrates and demonstrates our wealth of talent in Athlone," Cllr O'Rourke asserted.
Support from Local Community
An all community event, Cllr O'Rourke, stated that an active and determined committee had been established to ensure the smooth and successful running of Feile na Sionainne.
"We hope that this festival may become an annual event and I am seeking the full support of our Municipal District prior to and during the occasion. Let us plan for this festival as if President Joe Biden was visiting our town. Our local businesses must be willing to engage and promote Feile na Sionainne.
"We just have to put our 'best foot forward' so I am calling on our business community to have their premises in pristine condition prior to the start of this festival. There have never been so many grants on offer to local businesses to enhance their properties and appearing in resplendent condition. Yes, there are a number of businesses who refuse to engage, but conversations are happening and I hope that this situation will soon be rectified.
"We need Athlone to be looking its vibrant best during these three days. I am certain that there will be a wealth of visitors to Athlone during Feile na Sionainne so this is a prime opportunity for us to have our town looking its absolute best," Cllr O'Rourke asserted.
Concurring, District Mayor, Cllr Vinny McCormack, stated that the AMMD had not been "found wanting" when it came to its support of community events, referencing the recent hosting of the Croí na hÉireann Festival and All-Ireland Drama Festival.
Affording his support, Cllr Frankie Keena noted that that Athlone should have an annual showcase of festivals which would further enhance the town as a prime tourist destination.
Echoing his thoughts, Independent Deputy, Cllr Paul Hogan, stated that those visiting the town for the three day festival would need to "eat, drink and sleep" so it was vital that the local business community afforded full support to Feile na Sionainne.
