Fleadh master plan revealed at public meeting

With exactly 144 days until the kick-off of the All-Ireland Fleadh, a public meeting in the Hotel Kilmore last Monday evening garnered interest from a couple of hundred people. The location of indoor venues (Dun Ui Neill barracks, Cavan Crystal hotel, St. Clare's NS, Cavan Leisure Centre, Breifne College, St. Patrick's College, Cavan Institute, Cavan Town Hall, the Scout Den and The Anglo-Celt offices), outdoor venues (Breffni Park), camp sites (Cavan Equestrian Centre, Terry Coyle Park and Cavan Rugby Club) and the gig-rig (the Egg Market) were revealed, and plans for roads and traffic management, transport and other logistics were discussed. "Be prepared to have the best times of your lives in a good atmosphere," said Attracta Brady from the FEC (Fleadh Executive Committee) in Tullamore where the event was held for the past three years. "What we saw in Tullamore was beyond our wildest expectations in terms of good, clean fun." Assuring people that Fleadh-goers are well-behaved, she pointed out that A&E admissions during the Fleadh were less than on a normal Saturday night in Tullamore. Ms. Brady told how the most serious incident involved a man who had a heart attack because he danced so much, but recovered and was back to enjoy the event the following year. Speaking of showcasing all things good about Cavan and warning against "pumping up prices", she summed up August 16-22 in a word - "opportunity". "Nobody believes how big this is. There will be 200,000 people on the streets of Cavan, 10,000 beds are required and there will be a €16m spend by visitors over the week," said Eamonn McDwyer from the FEC, who appealed to businesses to ensure that Cavan is remembered as "good value". Speaking about Cavan's FEC, chaired by county manager Jack Keyes, and sponsors, including main sponsor the Quinn Group, PRO Martin Gaffney urged "confidence that it's in safe hands", but also called for volunteers and accommodation providers. Also from the FEC, Don Crotty, called for people with spare rooms or vacant houses to rent (at €35-40 per person per night or €700-900 per three/four-bedroom house per week) to contact accommodation officer, Bernie O'Dowd, in the office at the Johnston Central Library and Farnham Centre. "We want people to come to us from within a 20-mile radius," said Mr. Crotty. Details of traffic management, parking and road closures have not yet been pinned down but members of the council gave assurance that they are under discussion. The event also has provisions for catering for Irish language and youth and will be eco-aware. Bernard O'Sullivan, CCE (Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann) urged everyone to get involved. "You'll be able to say to your children and grandchildren that you played your part when the Fleadh came to Cavan in 2010," said Mr. O'Sullivan. "It'd be a shame not to be involved," agreed Martin Donohoe, FEC, while his colleague Eoin Doyle described it as "an opportunity to rise above the negativity and do something for the county". Among the questions and suggestions from the floor were enquiries about setting up stalls for casual trading during the event and the possibility of a 'countdown clock' in a prominent location for the local launch, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 28. • fleadh2010.ie; 049-4378543 general enquiries; 049-4378541 accommodation enquiries.