Fleadh campaigner Eamonn Walsh.

Mayo town's All-Ireland Fleadh campaign gathers momentum

As Ballina earmarks the 2028 All-Ireland Fleadh, there has been a huge positive response locally to the news that Hollister have pledged to support the town's application for the competition.

Director of site operations at Hollister Ballina, Paul O’Malley, expressed the company's excitement in supporting the event, stating that it would be a valuable addition to the vibrant north Mayo town.

The local Comhaltas organisation also welcomed Hollister's pledge, viewing it as a significant advancement towards bringing the Fleadh to Ballina in 2028.

Fleadh campaigner Eamonn Walsh is calling on Mayo Associations and business people to emulate Hollister's support for the event, which requires €1.9 million for its organisation.

The All-Ireland Fleadh will benefit the whole of Co. Mayo and further afield, particularly Knock airport which will see thousands of visitors come through its gates from overseas to attend the event.

Mr. Walsh paid tribute to the former CEO of Moy Valley Resources, Billy Lewis, as well as Oliver Rouse and Paddy O’Hora, who worked tirelessly alongside Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann and said that without their support, the 1997 and 1998 All-Ireland Fleadh in Ballina would have faced huge challenges.

Based on Fáilte Ireland data, the All-Ireland Fleadh generates €60 million each year to the local economy and attracts 500,000 visitors over 10 days, with 30% of visitors coming from overseas.

The Fleadh is a community festival, with 1,500 volunteers required to organise it. There are 182 competitions, with 6,000 competitors competing for All-Ireland titles. RTÉ records six television programmes, reaching an audience of 400,000, to promote the vibrance of the festival and attract national and international audiences.

The costs of €1.9 million associated with Fleadh include the following: hire of a number of domes, including a 2,000-seater; security services; event management services; medical cover; barriers; portable toilets; traffic management; signage; lighting; and waste management.

Catering for over 500,000 visitors to the town requires meticulous planning and the implementation of infrastructure and services, while funds are required for general marketing and public relations, accommodation for adjudicators and tutors, etc, food and other supplies for competition venues, hospitality and paid events, sound equipment rental and sound engineering services, and advertising on local and national media.

With the massive reach of social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, the Fleadh is shared with audiences worldwide. The All-Ireland Fleadh in Ballina could showcase Mayo and the west of Ireland to the entire world.