The countdown is on! Tuesday evening in the market square, Irish musicians, dancers, members of the Fleadh organisation committee, local Councillors, County Manager Jack Keyes, Caithaoirleach Sean McKiernan Jnr and Cavan Mayor Paddy Reilly gathered in the market square to celebrate that there is on

Diageo to 'refocus' Fleadh sponsorship by supporting pubs

Published: Wed 2 May 2012, 1:30 PM

Last updated: Wed 2 May 2012, 3:46 PM

Confusion remains over the level of sponsorship Diageo are to provide to Fleadh Cheoil festivities in Cavan this year. The drinks giants say they plan to "refocus" their usual investment towards supporting the publicans of Cavan. Fears mounted over the weekend that the company behind main drinks brands such as Guinness, Smithwick's, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan and Bushmills was to remove its support from the annual festival, now in its last year in Cavan. Meetings with Diageo representatives, the County Council and Friends of the Fleadh - an organisation backed by local businesses was held today (Tuesday, May 2). Diageo have confirmed it is to continue its "involvement". A spokesperson for the company told The Anglo-Celt: "Guinness are still involved in the All Ireland Fleadh. "In these challenging times we have refocused our investment and are supporting our customers , the publicans of Cavan who in turn are supporting the All Ireland Fleadh committee. We have a long association with the All Ireland Fleadh and are delighted to continue with our involvement this year. "Just to clarify, as well as supporting the local publicans Guinness are still committed to directly supporting the All Ireland Fleadh 2012 despite difficult trading conditions", she said. Negotiations between local vintners and Diageo were described as "ongoing". Meanwhile County Manager Jack Keyes was pleased to announce to The Anglo-Celt that Liberty Mutual had come on board and have agreed to act as the principal sponsor once again.