'A spirit of volunteerism and community has been evident throughout the week'

This year's Fleadh represents all that is good abourt volunteerism and the town of Mullingar.

That's according to local Minister of State Robert Troy, who was reflecting on what has been a successful and vibrant fleadh after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

"I would like to congratulate Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Joe, Willy and Collette and the entire Fleadh Executive Committee for their tireless efforts over the last week. I would also like to thank Westmeath County Council for supporting this event in the town.

"A spirit of volunteerism and community was evident throughout the week and it’s clear that the Fleadh Committee made this year’s festival one to remember. I was glad to be one of the 100s of volunteers at this year’s festival under the chairperson of Julia Dalton and Colin Watters. I saw the very best in all the volunteers this week who worked tirelessly from day to night to ensure the smooth running of the festival.

"This event is the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. Visitors far and wide have visited Mullingar and experienced the town’s warmth and hospitality while enjoying the traditional Irish music, song and dance.

"It was an important milestone for the town as this year’s Fleadh made its way home to where it all began in 1951. The festival title “The Homecoming” seems all the more fitting.

"I would also like to acknowledge the shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and every worker and local that helped kept our town going over the past week. The businesses of the town showcased Mullingar as a thriving town where employment, enterprise and opportunity is plentiful," he said.