President Pays Tribute To Offaly's Ashling Murphy

The event runs until next Sunday.

President Michael D. Higgins is in the midlands today to officially open Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

He paid tribute to Offaly's Ashling Murphy in his speech, the young musician and teacher who died tragically earlier this year.

Fleadh Executive Committee chairperson Joe Connaire says that she'll be in their thoughts this week:

He says musicians from near and afar are likely to shed a tear for the school teacher this week.

Both her parents were in attendance at the opening day of the festival in Mullingar.

The talented musician and school teacher from County Offaly died tragically earlier this year.

The event begins today and runs until next Sunday.

Half a million people are expected in Mullingar as the traditional music festival returns after a two-year break.

Parts of the town will be closed to traffic while the week-long celebrations are underway, with designated car parks and a shuttle bus service set up to facilitate the crowds.

Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Joe Connaire says he understands it may be inconvenient for some, but is asking people to enjoy the experience.

The following street closures and restrictions will apply:

·       Dominick Street

·       Mount Street

·       Oliver Plunkett Street

·       Pearse Street

·       Austin Friar Street Lower

·       Spout Well Lane

·       Castle Street

·       Southern end of Harbour Street

·       Church Avenue

·       Church Lane

·       Blackhall Street

·       Blackhall Place to Town Band Hall

·       Blackhall

·       Mount Street Gardens

·       Gaol Hill

·       Auburn Road

·       Sunday’s Well Road

·       Mary Street

·       The Green Bridge to Railway Station

·       The Green Bridge

·       Railway Row

·       Grove Street

·       Dominick Place

·       Martins Lane

·       Bishopsgate Street

·       College Street

·       Eastern end of Patrick Street

·       Southern end of Green Road

·       Western end of Friars Mill Road

Period of Closure

All these roads will be closed to vehicular traffic from 10.00am on Sunday 31st July, 2022 until 4am on Tuesday 9th August 2022.

Parking will not be permitted on these streets during this time.  

Barriers will be placed preventing vehicles from entering these streets, supervised as required.  

Servicing of premises will be permitted each morning between the hours of 4am and 10am during which time premises can organise deliveries, maintenance etc.  

Vehicular access to the pedestrianised areas (streets listed above) will be fully restricted and enforced.

Vehicles remaining in these zones after 10am will be towed away by a nominated tow-truck operator.

Alternative Routes

During the Fleadh, motorists will be required to traverse the Outer Orbital Route (N52 Bypass, Joe Dolan Bridge, Western Bypass and N4 etc.) or via the Robinstown Link Road.  

Parking will not be permitted on any of these streets during the dates and times above. 

Signs will be placed at the major junction around the town informing motorists of the above closures