Published: Wednesday, 25th August, 2010 5:00pm

Cavan on the international map!

"A week of music, colour and warm hospitality" was how one visitor described Fleach Cheoil na hEireann 2010. Others said it was "the best Fleadh ever". It was a time when the people of Cavan shone.

They showed their generosity, work ethic, community spirit and willingness to input into the current and future good of their county. The slogan CAVAN 2010 fills us all with pride.

There were many events taking place, sometimes simultaneously. The Scoil Eigse where the skills of the experts are passed on to the next generation exceeded all expectations.

High standards were in evidence at the weekend competitions. Ceilithe, concerts, lectures, gig rig performances, busking, plays, street seisiúns, CD launches, recitals, Cissy's Kitchen, Youth events, PEACE III initiatives made it a fleadh for everyone.

An excellent Seachtain na Gaeilge will leave a lasting and positive legacy for our native language. Casting Light by John Byrne on the Ulster Bank drew favourable comment both on the streets and worldwide through the internet. The dignified Church services culminated in the beautiful ceremony in the Cathedral of Ss. Patrick and Felim on Sunday morning.

Thanks are due to all who made this possible. They are too many to mention but include businesses, Comhaltas members, local authority staff, volunteers and participants. Those who inputted will have memories that will last forever.

The future is bright. The first task is to gain approval for our application to host the event in 2011 - this will be announced on September 11. Local businesses have indicated they will provide much needed sponsorship and this needs to be agreed before we can proceed.

A new Fleadh Executive Committee will then take on the planning through the winter months. This will be informed by feedback received during and after the Fleadh (see www.fleadh2010.ie for details). In particular, new innovative ideas and projects will emerge for 2011.

Cavan has been exposed nationally and internationally as seldom if ever before. There is now a unique opportunity to capitalise on this positive image. Cavan County Council will facilitate this process. However, the drive and energy to make things happen must emerge from local businesses and communities. Let us continue to project Cavan as a unique place to work in or visit.

Now is the time for Cavan people to feel proud of what they are and to re-affirm all of the qualities in evidence over the last week. Above all, they must dip into the well of confidence created by CAVAN 2010 to proactively face current and future challenges and to create a county with a quality of life second to none - a county that will continue to surprise.