Mayo Fleadh a huge boost for Westport tourism
THE hosting of the 2023 Mayo Fleadh Cheoil in Westport next May will be a massive boost for the local economy and a great start to the tourism season next summer, according to Scoil Acla PRO Tommy English.
English was guest speaker at the Westport Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) AGM at Knockranny House Hotel where he told the well-attended meeting that all the hard work and effort in hosting this important cultural festival would be worthwhile and that the Mayo Fleadh would leave a lasting musical legacy in the town.
“Hosting the Mayo Fleadh is a big challenge for the local Comhaltas branch but the benefits are enormous,” he said. “We hosted the Mayo Fleadh on Achill Island in 2022 and people are still talking about it.
“There were great crowds, the local businesses all benefitted and above all else it inspired the next generation of young musicians to keep going,” commented English.
He also stated that since Covid people are returning to music in their droves and that young people in particular are benefiting.
“Playing music requires dedication, discipline and commitment but it also brings people together to have fun and enjoyment and I think everyone missed that social interaction over the past few years.
“It is brilliant that music classes, dance classes and all our cultural activities are thriving again and the Mayo Fleadh in Westport will be a showcase of all that is good about our music, song, dance and language,” he said.
Westport were announced as hosts of the 2023 Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo in October and have hit the ground running. The Westport CCÉ branch has established a specific sub-committee to plan and coordinate the entire programme of events that will run from May 10 to 14 next year.
Speaking at the meeting, cathaoirleach of the local Comhaltas branch Olivia Thornton said it would take a massive community meitheal to host the Mayo Fleadh but she and the committee were confident the time was right to bring the Fleadh back to Westport.
“It is almost 20 years since we last hosted the Mayo Fleadh back in 2007 and we all felt the time was right to showcase all the wonderful musicians, singers and dancers we have in the town and in the region.
“I know it will take a lot of work but we have an excellent dedicated and committed CCÉ committee in Westport and everyone is willing to put their shoulder to the wheel to make it a success,” she said.
Thornton also thanked all those in attendance for their unwavering support and commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage in the town and in the region.
“We have a lot to be proud of in Westport and our music, song, dance and language is certainly high up there on that list.
“Westport is a quality cultural destination and I know that people will enjoy attending the Mayo Fleadh and I am sure they will get a massive céad míle fáilte also from the people of Westport,” she said.
The 2023 Mayo Fleadh Cheoil with a full programme of cultural events, competitions, recitals, concerts and workshops over the five-day festival.
The following officers were elected at the Westport CCÉ AGM: president Marie Ruane, cathaoirleach Olivia Thornton, vice-chairperson Ann Knowles, secretary Olga Kennedy, treasurer Philip Cawley, PRO Aoife Schofield, auditor Una Ruane, county board delegates Francis and Cormac Ó Cionnaith, youth officer Síofra Kennedy, treoraí na Gaeilge Piaras Ó Raghallaigh.