Praise for "welcome level of cooperation" between Athlone festival groups
The chair of Athlone Festival and Events Committee has praised the “very welcome level of cooperation” between all festival groups in the town this year which has provided great entertainment to thousands of spectators.
Reflecting on this year's festivals, John Henson said the main focus of the Festival and Events Committee was the creation of a model where all festival groups and committees work together “in a coordinated and cooperative manner, sharing experience, expertise and manpower.”
He said the numerous festivals which had taken place in Athlone – from the five day Croí na hÉireann St Patrick's Festival to Athlone Agricultural Show to the re-formed Athlone River Festival, had taken place against a backdrop of a remarkable level of cooperation between all the various festival groups.
Mr Henson's remarks were also echoed by Secretary of the Festival and Events Committee and Athlone Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena, who said the key to the continued success is to sustain the many festivals which have been established in Athlone so that the town will have “an annual calendar of festivals”.
Cllr Keena added that the objective is to “market Athlone as a recognised lively hub of activities that will attract visitors all year round” and the said umbrella committee has now developed “a pool of knowledge, expertise and experience” and above all “a spirit of cooperation and mutual support” from the various festival committees in the town.
While he said the past six months has been “a massive learning curve” for the overall Festival and Events Committee, Cllr Keena said the group is close to “finalising a Festival template” for use by all of the festival committees going forward. The template has been formulated with the assistance of the Department of Defence; Fire Services; HSE; Gardai and Westmeath County Council senior officials.
Athlone Chamber of Commerce has received funding from Westmeath County Council to employ a full-time Festival Coordinator, which Cllr Keena says will allow the committee to “explore new funding streams, tourism contacts and create exposure to national and international media outlets”.
The Athlone Festival and Events Committee chair, John Henson, extended the thanks of the committee to those who had given so much of their “time and efforts as volunteers” to ensure the success of the various festivals in the town this year.
He also encouraged anyone who is interested in getting involved and helping out with any of the festivals in Athlone in 2025 to make contact with any member of the committee.