Vintners sponsor Fleadh to the tune of €130k

TRADITIONAL Irish music and a pint of plain go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that the pubs in town will play a massive part in this year’s Fleadh festival in Drogheda.

What may be surprising is how deep the publicans delved into their pockets to sponsor the week-long event, and at an event in the Westcourt Hotel last Tuesday, Members of the Drogheda & District Vintners & Hoteliers presented organisers with a cheque for a whopping €130,000!

Colette Nugent Chairperson of Louth VFI addressed the capacity crowd – no doubt also tempted by the complimentary bar – and said they were all witnessing a little bit of history in the Wee County.

“Drogheda and its environs is about to witness the greatest cultural event in its history, and we are all very proud to be part of it,” she said.

“I am even more proud to be representing all of you as I hand over this substantial cheque to the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, and I would once again like to thank them for awarding the honour of hosting the Fleadh 2018 and 2019 to Drogheda, and of course commend the hard work and determination of the team headed up by Lolo Robinson and Rory Scott.”

She looked back to six months previous when the publicans were asked to make a significant contribution to the Fleadh, and said it sounded like a big ask, and indeed mission impossible by times.

“However, we came together, we worked hard, and we made this happen, and to each and every one who has contributed, and our sponsors, we say go raibh mile maith agat.”

The Three Amigios of Collete, Valerie Sherlock and Catherine Moore were singled out by MC Brian Browning – owner of Clarke’s bar - for thanks, as well as the huge contribution from the suppliers.

He added that the town and businesses owe a debt of gratitude to Lolo and her team for never giving up and finally bringing the event to the town for two years.

CEO of Louth County Council Joan Martin said they are all fully behind the Fleadh, and it didn’t take long for the enormity of what lay ahead to hit home.

“Running the Fleadh is going to cost well over €1m and there is a lot of sponsorship to be raised, so it is really exciting to be here tonight and receive this amount of money,” she said.