More information is needed on the Fleadh

Dear Sir,

LAST year we all celebrated the fantastic news that Drogheda had been awarded one of the biggest festivals in Europe in The Fleadh. It was due to the brilliant work of a team of dedicated people over many years who brought this incredible event to the town. It made myself and so many likeminded proud citizens excited and energised to get involved and make this a success to showcase our fantastic town and the surrounding area. It is indeed the biggest think to hit the area possibly ever, it will bring possibly 500,000 over the course of the week.

The purpose of my letter is that with 6 months to go to this massive event I would be concerned that we are behind already based on the information out there.

I attended a kick off meeting in The Highlands last September. I went in bursting with enthusiasm and wanting to help in any way I could, but a great crowd that attended left that evening mostly scratching it’s head. I have read that the executive is in place, a councillor was put full time on it this week, and the event manager has been selected. The only real prep work I have seen is the excellent clean up of read in the town by volunteers (which they should not have to do), and the music at gate and session in pubs in town - both of which are outside of the event organisers.

I walked over West Street last Monday night and only I knew myself it was coming, you would never know. The Thonsel which is the tourist information centre doesn’t even have a sign up saying we are hosting The Fleadh! Many people have said a drop in office with information would address most of people’s questions, yet this still I not in place and there is no commitment on same. There has been an office set up in Fair Street, but not to the public.

Have sports clubs been contacted about campsites on pitches, etc. Have venues been contacted, etc. But I cannot understand how the most basic of things like a sign on each entry to the area with the event name and date is not in place.

The only signs I have seen are on Clarkes and Gleesons. If you did a snap poll of people on West Street asking when the Fleadh is, I wonder how many would know? I know this is a massive event to put together but the word in the street is it is there is a lot to do and people are concerned.

I ask the people who are involved, who are the best of people, please bring us up to speed, get the message out there and let people know how they can help. Everyone wants this to be the best Fleadh Cheoil ever, help us to help you.

Yours, Declan Garry, Drogheda.