Fleadh Cheoil 2020 Postponed

Friday, 20 March 2020 17:18

The event was due to take place in Westmeath in August.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2020 is being called off.

It was hoped the event would attract 750,000 people to Mullingar this summer, with last year's Fleadh in Drogheda generating €50 million for the local economy.

Comhaltas says it behoves us all to do the maximum necessary, as flagged by the Government, to ensure the health and wellbeing of people in this emergency.

It hopes that cultural and artistic activities in the future could prove to be a positive antidote in helping people who have suffered so much during the crisis.

Joe Connaire, Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee in Mullingar, said: ‘We welcome this decision by Comhaltas. The people of Mullingar will take all necessary steps in support of Government efforts to bring this present coronavirus crisis to an end. We look forward to hosting this major cultural event in 2021 which will be a huge boost to the local economy in these difficult times.’

Comhaltas are examining the possibility, depending on the status of the crisis at that time, of holding elements of the Fleadh at a later date in the year, at a venue to be decided. This would be with a view to making a contribution to morale and economic regeneration.