Fleadh committee appeals for GAA clubs to supply volunteers

Delegates at last Wednesday night’s meeting of Westmeath GAA’s county committee were addressed by members of the organising committee Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Joe Connaire, Willie Penrose and Declan Leonard, who appealed to the delegates to supply volunteers for the Fleadh that takes place from July 31 to August 7.

Speaking in the Mullingar Park Hotel, the chairman of the committee, Joe Connaire, explained the massive undertaking involved in staging the Fleadh.

“It will be the biggest event Mullingar will ever see,” Mr Connaire explained. “Up to 500,000 visitors will attend, 25 per cent of them from overseas. As volunteers we had to raise €1.7 million. We have 17 committees with 17 great chairpersons leading them.

“Close to 7,000 competitors will compete in 27 venues and 120 volunteers will be needed every day for each venue. Fleadh Cheoil is a family orientated event and it is an ideal opportunity for the people of Westmeath to show their friendliness.”

The Fleadh will be covered by RTE, Virgin Media, TG4 and several other media organisations and “will showcase Mullingar and County Westmeath and we want the GAA to be part of it.” Volunteers would be required for 4 hour shifts and the organisers needed ‘buy-in’ from the GAA. Mr Connaire concluded with a message for the delegates and the public: “If renting out please don’t rip the people off. The Fleadh is going to input at least €50 million to the area. Is this not enough?”, the chairman concluded.

Willie Penrose confirmed the views of Mr Connaire. “The equivalent of up to seven Croke Parks on All-Ireland final day will attend the events of the Fleadh.”

Continuing with the GAA theme, Mr Penrose outlined the close links between the GAA and Comhaltas. Eamon Moynihan was a founding member and a former Chairman of the Westmeath County Board. The Marching Bands competition would be staged in Cusack Park and Hubert Magee was a champion at the first Fleadh Ceoil held in Mullingar in 1951.

“GAA people have lots of experience at stewarding,” Mr Penrose added, “and we look forward to co-operation for without it we won’t make the required 1,400 volunteers needed.”

The presentation concluded with Declan Leonard reminding delegates that the committee’s main fundraising venture was the car draw with tickets available for €20 each or three for €50 and they were also on sale online.

The delegation received a very warm welcome with each speaker generously applauded following his contribution.