New mayor sets his eyes on Fleadh bid

The new Mayor of Mullingar Municipal District (MMD) says that he will do all he can to help the campaign to bring the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Mullingar.

Speaking at the AGM of Mullingar Municipal District held in Áras an Chontae yesterday, Monday, Cllr Bill Collentine said that it was a “great privilege” to be selected as mayor.

“I will work and do my best for the local community,” the Fianna Fáil man said.

Cllr Collentine, who paid tribute to his predecessor, Cllr Andrew Duncan, said that he and his FF colleagues are “committed” to doing everything they can to bring the fleadh back to Mullingar in the coming years. The €40m that the event generates each year would be a “very big boost” to the economy, he said.

Cllr Collentine also thanked his wife Teresa and family for their support.

Cllr Mick Dollard was one of a number of councillors who welcomed Cllr Collentine’s appointment. He also paid tribute to Cllr Collentine for his long-term work with Mullingar Tidy Towns.

Cllr Liam McDaniel also referenced Cllr Collentine’s voluntary work with the Tidy Towns committee over the years. “He’s a great advocate for rural areas as well,” Cllr McDaniel added.
Director of services for MMD, Martin Murray, thanked outgoing mayor Cllr Andrew Duncan for his work over the last year and congratulated Cllr Collentine on his appointment.

Cllr Emily Wallace (FG) was elected as the deputy mayor of MMD. Speaking at the AGM, she said she was looking forward to working with Cllr Collentine for the betterment of the district.

A committee was recently formed to prepare a bid to bring the Fleadh to Mullingar. It is estimated that the event would attract almost 500,000 visitors to the town and generate €40m (see below).