Half marathon and St Patrick's parade among events to benefit from council funding

More than €50,000 in funding has been approved for festivals and community events across the Mullingar Kilbeggan Municipal District for 2026.

Members were asked to approve round one of Westmeath County Council’s Festival and Events Scheme by Anne Myler of the council’s community section, who said the scheme aims to support events that boost economic activity, attract visitors from outside the county and rely heavily on voluntary input.

Ms Myler told councillors that 48 applications were received by the January 16 closing date. Six were deemed ineligible, while 12 applications relating to events later in the year were deferred for consideration in June. Approval was sought for 30 applications, and there is a total allocation of €50,450.

Among the largest allocations was €10,000 for the Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Parade, matching last year’s funding. The Mullingar Agricultural Show received €5,500, and Mullingar Pride was allocated €4,000.

Funding of €3,500 was approved for the Kilbeggan Races Belvedere House and Gardens Opportunity Handicap Hurdle and Beginners Steeplechase. The County Fleadh received €3,000.

Grants of €2,000 were approved for the Delvin Book Festival, the Street Vintage Show, and the Delvin St Patrick’s Day Parade.

A number of sporting events were supported, including €1,750 each for the Mullingar Half Marathon in association with Temporary Emergency Accommodation in the Midlands, the North Westmeath St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and the Mullingar Half Marathon.

Leinster Cyclocross 2026 and the Mullingar Grand Prix Cycling Ireland Premier Racing Week event, both organised by the Lakeside Wheelers, each received €1,000, while the Tour of the Lakes Sportive received €600. The Castlepollard 5k Run was allocated €500, as were the Mullingar Harbour canoe polo events, including the 10 Days of Canoe Polo Overload and the Irish Open.

Cultural and community events supported included €1,500 for the Castlepollard May Festival and €1,500 for the Mullingar Blues and Jazz Festival, which is entering its second year. The World Irish Dance Association Westmeath Mullingar Open received €1,500, as did the Frank Gavigan Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann October weekend of events.

Grants of €600 were approved for the Famine Graveyard Commemoration and €500 for the Mullingar Charity Variety Group adult choir concert, the Mullingar Junior Open organised by Mullingar Tennis and Badminton Club, the Clonmellon Food Festival, the Streete Holistic Fair, and the ninth annual conference of the Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society.

Several first-time applicants received €500 each, including the Baltic Sports and Heritage Weekend organised by the Mullingar Lithuanian Community, a Mullingar Pride event from the Westmeath Traveller Project, the Ladies Classic Car Festival, the Mullingar Choral Society spring concert, and the Castlepollard Dementia Inclusive Plan launch.

Cllr Denis Leonard welcomed the allocations, highlighting the significant level of voluntary work involved. He queried whether the €500 allocation for first-time applicants limited future funding and asked about remaining funds for events later in the year.

Ms Myler said applications remain open, and a further assessment panel is due to convene in June. She added that groups planning later events, such as Christmas fairs, were encouraged to apply and would be notified if decisions were deferred.