Hanafin to give Feis €44,000 grant

IT was full steam ahead last night for organisers of Cork’s historic Feis Maitiú after news that an axed €44,000 Government grant is to be reinstated.

A spokesperson for Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin confirmed yesterday that following his talks with Education Minister Mary Hanafin, she had agreed to provide funding for next year’s festival.

Her department confirmed the announcement last night. A statement on the details is expected today.

Feis administrator Timothy McCarthy said he has yet to hear the news officially.

Mr Martin is expected to make an official announcement when he opens the Feis, which has been running in Cork since 1927, on Friday night.

Mr McCarthy said he was holding out hope the minister may even announce an increase in the grant.

“The news has changed morale considerably. The whole dynamic has changed. There is a lot more excitement here now. It’s nice to get back to normal.

“The issue has been hanging over us for the last year and a half. And obviously it’s been in the public domain for the last three days.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with support from people over the last few days.”

He said the renewed funding will allow him plan ahead for next year’s Feis.