Clare County Council has welcomed the announcement by the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of its decision to name Ennis as the host venue for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2016.

 

Having narrowly missed out on winning the right to host the annual event in the past four years, Ennis has been named ahead of Sligo and Drogheda as the host venue for the event at a ceremony in Dublin.

 

It is anticipated that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will attract an estimated 300,000 visitors to the Clare County Capital next year.

 

“The Working Group established to bring the event to Clare has been working tirelessly over the past number of years and put together a very strong argument as to why Ennis, arguably one of the best known traditional Irish music centres in the world, would be a worthy host location. Everybody concerned is thrilled by this decision," commented Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

 The Cathaoirleach said potential economic spin-offs for Ennis and County Clare as a result of hosting the event are "considerable, hence the substantial time and effort that has been invested by many organisations and individuals across Clare to bring the event here.

 

  Clare County Council Chief Executive, Tom Coughlan said the Council, which was centrally involved in the submission process, "shared the delight felt by all members of the Working Group and the people of County Clare."

 

“I want to acknowledge the members of the Working Group for their efforts and commitment to securing this event for Ennis. Clare is the home of Traditional Irish Music and Ennis is a thoroughly deserving host location for an event of this scale and prestige. Clare Local Authorities looks forward to working with all local interests and agencies to deliver a successful and memorable Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2016."