A DECISION by the Ulster Council of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann rejecting Derry’s application to hold the all-Ireland fleadh next year has sent out the wrong message and caused surprise and disappointment within the wider organisation, according to the head of Comhaltas Labhrás Ó Murchú.
The central executive of Comhaltas is to meet in Dublin on Saturday to consider an appeal from the Derry branch of the organisation against the decision by the Ulster Council rejecting the Derry application.
Three towns – Ennis, Sligo and Derry – have applied to hold the all-Ireland fleadh next year, with Derry, which will be UK City of Culture in 2013, viewed as favourite.
The all-Ireland fleadh, which runs over 10 days beginning at the end of August, attracts 250,000 to 300,000 visitors and is worth some €40 million to the host town or city. It has never been held in the North over its 60-year history.
Recent weeks have seen some disagreement within Comhaltas in Derry, but more strongly among some Ulster Council members who did not want the fleadh associated with a year-long cultural festival that has “UK” in its title.
On Sunday executive members of the Ulster Council met after which they issued a statement saying it “would be impossible to support or recommend the Derry 2013 fleadh bid due to the recent dissident threats”.
While dissident republicans carried out two bomb attacks in Derry last week, the Ulster Council decision caused shock and consternation among Derry supporters of the application, who complained they were advised there was no need to attend the Ulster Council meeting as the decision to support Derry was a mere “formality”.
Local Sinn Féin and SDLP representatives expressed astonishment and dismay at the decision.
Fianna Fáil Senator and head of Comhaltas Mr Ó Murchú said opposition to Derry hosting the event appeared to “see-saw” over the “UK City of Culture” title and the dissidents. However the central executive of Comhaltas had met the police, Derry City Council and business and community leaders last year and was satisfied Derry was well-placed to host the fleadh.
He was surprised at Sunday’s decision as “the Ulster Council of Comhaltas made a unanimous decision back last year to support an application from Derry”.
“We feel the statement that was put out had political undertones, and we want to clarify that we are non-political and non-sectarian, and have always been like that.”
The Comhaltas central executive will consider the appeal on Saturday. It is also due to decide which venue should host the fleadh next year.
If the Derry appeal is successful, that decision may be postponed.
