All-Ireland Fleadh for Derry 2013

ULSTER COUNCIL GIVES GO-AHEAD | SINN FÉIN CREDITS CAMPAIGNERS ACROSS THE BOARD

THE 2013 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be going to Derry, the first time it has been held in the Six Counties. The cultural festival will bring an estimated 300,000 visitors to the Maiden City in an event worth around €40million to the region.

The Ulster Council of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann reversed an earlier decision not to back Derry’s application to hold the all-Ireland fleadh next year.

Derry Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said:

“When you consider the largest cultural festival anywhere in the world is going to take place in Derry, it is a great honour for all of us.

“There has been a lot of tremendous work done by many dedicated people to bring this successful bid and they deserve all the credit. Special thanks also goes to the timely intervention of Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson in resolving any concerns that Comhaltas had concerning the Fleadh coming to Derry.”

Martin McGuinness said: “I commend Comhaltas for this leap of faith in the city. It was no doubt a difficult decision but Derry had a compelling bid.”

Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Sandra McLellan TD said:

“The news that the 2013 Fleadh will be held in Derry is fantastic. I’m sure the decision will provide a welcome boost not only to Derry, as our fourth biggest city, but to the whole north-west area.”