Community rallies to give warm welcome

DROGHEDA’S true sense of community spirit has come to the fore since the first attempt to attract the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann six years ago.

From local celebrities learning to sean nos sing and Irish dance, to street parties and showcases, the enthusiasm and can-do attitude has never been more evident than when it was announced that the Fleadh would finally be coming to Ireland’s biggest town this August. The many community and voluntary groups of Louth were not found wanting when asked to help with the mammoth task of organising the biggest celebration of Irish culture in the world.

The Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Lolo Robinson said she is delighted at the level of interest shown by the community who have come forward in large numbers expressing an interest in getting involved in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

“The people of County Louth are no strangers to opening up their homes to visitors and giving them a céad mile fáilte to remember,” she said.

In addition to the army of volunteers, who are instrumental in the planning and staging of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the local community are also being encouraged to get involved in this year’s festivities. With hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend this summer’s event, residents in Drogheda and the surrounding region are being urged to rent out their homes or spare rooms to people searching for accommodation.