Mayo council delegation attending All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford

A delegation from Mayo County Council is in Wexford for the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil which is currently being staged in the county.

The delegation are on a fact-finding mission as Ballina hopes to host the 2028 competition.

The All-Ireland Fleadh event was officially opened on Sunday last by President Michael D. Higgins, and will run until Monday, August 11.

Over 600,000 people will converge on Wexford town for the ever-popular event, generating a massive €60 million to the local economy, with over 6,500 competitors competing for All-Ireland laurels.

The Fleadh will move to Belfast in 2026, and Ballina is hoping to host the 2028 event.

Fleadh campaigner Eamonn Walsh, who is among the Mayo County Council delegation, has paid tribute to Kevin Kelly, CEO of Mayo County Council, who he said has moved the campaign forward by facilitating a meeting between Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann officials and county council officials in Castlebar last February.

Ballina last staged the prestigious All-Ireland Fleadh in 1997 and 1998.

A spokesperson said: “The whole of Mayo would benefit, as the accommodation would be spread throughout the county. Knock Airport in particular would benefit from thousands of overseas tourists to the Fleadh.

"The mammoth event has in recent years been run by the various local authorities since 2010 including Cavan, Sligo, Wexford.

“It is imperative that Mayo County Council are at the helm otherwise our application will fail.

"The cost of running the mammoth event is €1.9 million. No voluntary committee can take on such a major event and it requires professional manpower.

"I’m calling on all multi-national companies in the county and Mayo business people worldwide to get behind the Fleadh with offers of sponsorship."

There are government grants available to support the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann preparations and running.