Wexford’s Fleadh bid is commended by council
WEXFORD’S BID to host the 2019 Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann was praised by councillors at the recent county council meeting.
Cllr Ger Carthy, who is a member of the bid committee, drew attention to the document, copies of which were circulated among members, saying that it was an excellent bid and commending Director of Services John Carley and all those who had worked on it.
Hosting the Fleadh, he said, would be a great boost to the economy and he hoped the county would be celebrating a successful bid.
Cllr Lisa McDonald remarked that Wexford, as part of the Norman Way, had a unique heritage and commended Cllr Carthy for his involvement, saying that his late father Leo would have been very proud of him.
Cllr George Lawlor remarked that this was one of the most important bids the council would ever put forward, saying it would be a wonderful boost to the economy.
‘Over 400,000 people attend the Fleadh, which is many multiples of Wexford Festival Opera. It’s also a great way to foster culture and community and I look forward to welcoming the Fleadh to the Wexford Borough District.’
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh was quick to remind the Labour councillor that Enniscorthy had hosted two Fleadhs and would be happy to show Wexford how it was done!
Cllr Anthony O’Donoghue drew Mr Carley up on a different point, saying that the report stated that Wexford had the longest coastline in the county but this, he said, was inaccurate, pointing out that Mayo had that distinction.
‘It’s called poetic licence!’ Mr Carley replied.
Council CEO Tom Enright remarked that one of the biggest impacts hosting the Fleadh would have would be the potential for repeat visitors. He also pointed out that it would increase, five-fold, the number of kids taking part in traditional Irish music.
Wexford’s two major road schemes, the New Ross and Enniscorthy by-passes would also be complete by then, he pointed out.