Fleadh seeking 1200 volunteers to help during event week

A vast team of volunteers is going to be needed for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann when it takes place in Mullingar later this summer, and recruitment has just begun in earnest, according to Julia Dalton and Peter Ormond of the Westmeath Volunteer Centre.

“Approximately 1,200 volunteers will be needed over the duration of the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly,” Julia said this week.

“Volunteers will be asked to fill a number of roles, from street stewards, competition assistants, venue assistants, being part of the Green Fleadh, Fleadh \mbassadors, volunteering at concerts, helping with social media, photography and many other roles.”

It is nearly two years since the 2020 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it's now full-steam ahead with plans for this year and traditional musicians of all ages, along with friends, families and spectators are invited to gather in Mullingar from July 31 to August 7 for “The Homecoming” as this year's Fleadh is being termed.

“This event is the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance,” says Julia.

“It attracts in the region of 500,000 visitors to the host and with this large influx of visitors to Mullingar, a lot of help is going to be needed to ensure the event’s success.”

Peter Ormond adds that volunteers “have been and always will be” at the heart of the Fleadh.

“The involvement of volunteers is absolutely crucial,” he says, adding that the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Volunteer Programme 2022 is being managed by a partnership between Fleadh Volunteer Committee members, Westmeath Volunteer Centre and Westmeath Community Development.

“By volunteering you will be a part of ‘The Homecoming’ welcoming the Fleadh home to Mullingar where it all started many years ago,” says Julia, adding that becoming involved will enable volunteers to build new friendships, develop new skills and play an integral role in the success of the biggest festival of Irish culture in the world.

The minimum commitment is 4 hours and shifts vary from 4 to 8 hours depending on the role, with shift hours throughout the day and night meaning there is a role and shift time to suit everyone. Volunteers can sign up to just do one shift or as many as they like.

Volunteers must be over 15. If a volunteer is under 18, parental consent will be required.

All volunteers will be asked to attend a training session in advance of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which will be delivered from April onwards. If would like to sign up as a volunteer go to the website www.fleadhcheoil.ie or www.volunteerwestmeath.ie

Another way to get involved is to help provide accommodation for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann guests.

“Fleadh goers this summer will need the people of Mullingar and the surrounding areas to accommodate them so if you have a room, rooms or property to rent, complete the online form in the Accommodation Registration section on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Mullingar website,” says Julia adding that anyone who has previously registered accommodation can call the Fleadh office on 044 9338954 to have their details updated.