Ballybunion off to a flyer with Fleadh preparations
BALLYBUNION’S preparations to host the 2012 Fleadh Cheoil Chiarrai this summer began in earnest at the weekend with the launch of its fundraising campaign at the Railway Bar.
The north Kerry seaside town will host the prestigious cultural event from June 18 to 25 – exactly 50 years after it last hosted the event.
Regarded as the most distinguished musical and cultural gatherings in the county each year, Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí will offer a huge economic boost to the town during the summer, attracting some of the county’s finest musicians, as well as friends, families and Comhaltas officials .
While the cost of staging the event is set to reach €40,000, the economic benefit far outweighs the initial outlay, according to PRO of the organising committee, Denise Wren.
She told The Kerryman that the staging of the event is a major coup for Ballybunion, which will benefit hugely from the influx of visitors for the weekend.
“This is a major, major event for the town which will be of huge benefit to the local hotels and other businesses,” she said.
In order to meet the cost of staging the event, a range of fundraising activities have been organised for the coming months, the first of which — an Irish night — took place on Friday night.
“It was a brilliant night with musicians, story tellers and dancers taking part to help raise funds. We have another Irish night planned for February 10 at the Exchange Bar, and a few other things up and coming for the next few months,” she said. ´
“We want this event to have something for all the family, so we’re determined to make it enjoyable for families and children as well as those who are taking part in the competitions.”
Events will begin in Ballybunion on June 18, with the main competitions taking place between June 21 and 24.