Call to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Kilkenny

Almost 40 years since the jigs and reels of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann filled the streets of Kilkenny City, the first steps have been taken to bring back the Fleadh!

Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin has started the ball rolling for a bid to secure a return of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Kilkenny City after his motion to begin the process was unanimously passed by Kilkenny City Municipal District, at its monthly meeting last Friday.

Click here to see a video of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Kilkenny in 1984! Scroll down to keep reading.

Cllr Ó hArgáin said that the return of Ireland’s premier traditional music festival would be worth millions of euro to the city as well as showcasing the marble city all over the world.

“One of my first experiences of Kilkenny City was as a visitor during the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the city in 1983 and 1984. I grew up in a family steeped in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Fleadh was our annual holiday for much of our youth. Kilkenny was, and still remains, one of the favourite ever venues for musicians, singers and dancers, which they rate up there with Listowel and Ennis in the shortlist of best venues.

It is hard to believe that 40 years has passed since those great days and I believe that it is past time that the city entered the fray once again to host one of Ireland’s biggest events.

“The city and surrounding areas are even better equipped now than they were then, with new hotels, camping and caravanning facilities and eateries open since the 80s. The return of the Fleadh would encourage even more investment,” he said.

Cllr Ó hArgáin said he has spoken to George Lawlor, Mayor of Wexford until his recent election as TD for the county, who led the process of securing the Fleadh for Wexford.

“The Fleadh welcomed over 600,000 visitors to Wexford this year and is estimated to have generated €60 million for the local economy. We simply cannot walk away from this kind of opportunity for our city in the coming years,” the Kilkenny councillor said.

Cllr Ó hArgáin has called for the setting up of a working group including the local Craobh Osraí of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and local tourism and business interests, to examine the feasibility of launching a bid in the coming years.
The motion was adopted by the local municipal district councillors and will now be submitted to a full meeting of Kilkenny County Council, given the size of the project involved.