Thousands packed into Derry’s Shipquay Street during the Fleadh in 2013
THE Chief Executive of the new Derry City and Strabane District Council has given his support to a bold bid to bring the Fleadh Cheoil back to the North West.
This time Strabane will benefit – with events being hosted there as well as in Derry.
MLA Gearóid O hEara said :”We had a good meeting with John Kelpie and his team. All are supportive of a 2017 Fleadh Cheoil bid. Have to get endorsement from the councillors now.”
More than 430,000 people visited Derry in 2013 for what even the organisers said was it most successful Fleadh ever.
It also poured tens of millions of pounds into the local economy; putting the city on the map and opening it up to thousands of people particularly from the Republic who had never visited Derry before.
Sligo hosted the Fleadh last year and will do so again this year.
A decision on a formal bid can’t be made until the new super council meets after its inauguration in April.
Councillors are expected to endorse the bid.
Mr O’hEara led the coordination of the 2013 Fleadh.
Ebrington hosted the closing event; and there were dozens of gigs and competitions throughout the city.
The widening out of the next Fleadh to Strabane will be a boost for the town too.
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