Fleadh work is taking place behind the scenes - so please just let them get on with it

Dear Sir,

IT is perhaps ironic that the poem CRUMBS by Edward Eso Okobi which speaks of starvation and lack of opportunity should be found along side Colr. Godfrey’s missals regarding the Ceoltas Fleadh Cheoil 2018 and The Buttress Gate in your recent letters page.

I have previously written on both these subjects and while the artist in me recognises the ever so slight imperfections in my literary output like my fellow scribes, Chaucer, Conrad, and unlike Jane Austen I am of the opinion that the scene of the crime should not be revisited.

The following is a section of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004. In my humble opinion Colr. Godfrey and his helpers, are clearly in breach of subsection B. I do not wish they should be hauled before the Courts however I would request they consider their actions. I am surprised the guardians of our local heritage The Old Drogheda Society have stayed silent on this matter, are they are in favour of this breach of the Act ? perhaps they have no interest! National Monuments(Amendment)Act 2004 Prohibition of injury to National Monuments 14.—(1) In respect of a national monument of which the Minister or a local authority are the owners or the guardians or in respect of which a preservation order is in force, it shall not be lawful for any person to do any of the following things in relation to such national monument:

(a) to demolish or remove it wholly or in part or to disfigure, deface, alter, or in any manner injure or interfere with it, or

(b) to excavate, dig, plough or otherwise disturb the ground within, around, or in proximity to it,or

(c) to renovate or restore it, or

(d) to sell it or any part of it for exportation or to export it or any part of it.

With regard to the good Councillors remarks about the CEO of Louth Co. Council presenting monthly reports to Councillors she has answered this question with a firm no. I am sure when the time is right she will inform you.

The Fleadh work is ongoing it is being done quietly efficiently without fuss. As I have stated previously they are not politicians, they know what they are doing. If Colr. Godfrey feels that an “Event Manager” should by appointed then maybe he should apply for the position. Send in your C.V. containing the usual details, Name, Age (not an issue) Work Experience, Wages required. I’m sure the committee will consider his application and treat it in the appropriate manner.

Back in the mists of time, like the good Councillor, I was on nodding terms with Labhras !O Murchu . We spoke in Irish of course. Many’s the time in the Culturlann or in Club Conradh (members only) we conversed, many’ the time he asked me who I was and would I please go away or words to that effect.

Unlike our soon to be be seeking re-election Councillor I never asked about Drogheda hosting the Fleadh. Perhaps if I had the years of planning undertaken by the hard working committee would not have been necessary.