Fleadh fever has temperatures rising in Cavan

Take one town over ten days, add a 60-year tradition, 1,000 volunteers, 228 official events and 290,000 visitors, and what do you have? Fleadh 2011 in Cavan - and the craic agus ceol starts this Saturday. Met Eireann might not record a rise in temperature but things are definitely heating up here. "We must be the only town in Ireland that is not thinking recession for the next two weeks," Martin Donohoe, chair of Cavan Town Comhaltas who secured for the town the honour and economic boost of hosting the All-Ireland Fleadh for the second year running, told The Anglo-Celt on Monday. Martin's iphone is beeping with about 80 Fleadh-related emails a day, he's seen trucks delivering pallets and crates full of stock to establishments in the town centre, the programme is all teed up to kick off, and the signs are everywhere. Yes, to borrow the title of Gonzo Theatre's play, welcome to Fleadh Town! "This is our chance to shine. Our job isn't to put the Fleadh into Cavan, it's to put Cavan into the Fleadh - and that's regardless of the size of the town and whatever the weather. We had the largest ever attendance last year and I prophesise that it will be more this year. It's a real dream come true for me. It's something I've wanted since I first went to a Fleadh in 1979," says Martin. "If it goes well, we're looking at three in a row," he adds, pointing out that the application would face competition from two others. As well as all the unofficial events and entertainment, there are at least 45 more official events than in 2010 - "and this is being done with less money than last year, which is very creative," says Martin. €35m boost for economy The cost of putting on the Fleadh is €750,000 covered through sponsorship, sponsorship-in-kind and fundraising. Organisers, from Fleadh Executive Committee chair Jack Keyes right through to part-time helpers, are all volunteers. The benefit to the town and county is enormous. Last year's event generated over €34.9m in direct expenditure to the local economy, according to a report compiled by Fitzpatrick Associates economic consultants on behalf of Fáilte Ireland. Events including a pre-Fleadh virtual session from the Farnham Arms Hotel Saturday night to reach people all over the world on livetrad.com, this weekend will warm up the town in advance of throngs of Fleadh-goers descending for the big weekend next weekend. Street closures in the town centre will not take effect until that second weekend, which is when the majority of visitors are expected. One of the final events will be a world record attempt for brush dancers on the Peace III gig rig on the afternoon of Monday, August 22. "We have 500 brushes ready and waiting; we need 1,000 feet and we don't care if they're left or right. You don't have to be a dancer, it's a bit of fun." Support the Fleadh by becoming a 'Friend of the Fleadh'. Donate €50 and play your part in supporting the biggest traditional music event in the world. All 'friends' receive an official 'Friend of the Fleadh' sticker'. Contact 049-4378543 or email info@fleadh2011cavan.ie. • See inside for our free 32-page guide to the Cavan Fleadh 2011