Councils could collaborate to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Cork

Hosting the national Irish cultural event in 2028 or 2029 could provide the region with a €100m windfall

Irish dancers from the Reilly School of Irish Dancing, Belfast, performing at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast, which generated €61.7m. Picture: Oliver McVeigh/PA

Cork County Council is to seek a collaboration with the city council in the hope of winning a bid to host the annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which if successful could provide the region with a €100m windfall.

County council chief executive Moira Murrell said her staff will “100% work” with their counterparts in the city to put forward the strongest joint bid possible.

She made the vow after the move was proposed by Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury who called for a bid to be made for the 2028 or 2029 national competition.

“This should recognise the immense musical and cultural contribution of County Cork, particularly the many successful Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branches throughout the county, which play a vital role in nurturing musicians, dancers, and singers,” Ms Bambury said.

“The city’s working on a formal bid, but the vast majority of Comhaltas branches are in the county.”

“When Wexford held it in 2024 it generated €60m. Belfast held it recently and got £53m (€61.7m).

“We could get more at lots of different venues and generate €100m,” she added.

Fine Gael councillor Sinead Sheppard, who chairs the council’s arts committee and is a dance teacher, said it’s an excellent idea.

“I’m involved in Comhaltas in Cobh and the amount of young people being introduced to traditional Irish music and dance is fantastic,” Ms Sheppard said.

“Hosting the Fleadh would attract even more people to join these groups and the economic benefits would be incredible.” 

Fianna Fail councillor Frank O’Flynn said the county council should also write to the director general of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann Labhrás Ó Murchú expressing their interest in hosting the event.

County council assistant chief executive Niall Healy said it would be supportive of collaborative engagement with Cork City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Fáilte Ireland, Visit Cork, and other relevant stakeholders to explore opportunities for partnership and coordinated planning.

“Such cooperation would seek to maximise the benefits of the event for communities throughout Cork and ensure that the strengths, resources and cultural assets of the county contribute positively to the success of any hosting proposal,” Mr Healy added.