Volunteering at the fleadh: 'For what I put in, I got way more out of it'

Colin Watters says that he memories and friendships that will last a lifetime when volunteering at last year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The well-known Mullingar native was one of over 1,000 volunteers who gave freely of their time last summer to help make sure that the largest traditional music festival in the world ran smooth.

Their efforts certainly weren't in vain, with the 2022 fleadh widely regarded to have been one of the finest in decades.

With this year's instalment only weeks away, the organising committee are still on the lookout for volunteers. Colin says that if you sign up, you most certainly won't regret it.

“I was determined, in my own small way, to make the Mullingar Fleadh a successful venture. “I participated in the Float to the Fleadh, the week before it on the Royal Canal and that set me up perfectly for the week.

“I ended up as a deputy to the volunteer chief Julia Dalton and while the hours were long, for what I put in, I got way more out of it

“I gave a few people, a tour of St Mary's Hall on Bishopgate's Street, to show them the room where the Fleadh Cheoil was first held. And to see a 80 year man shed some tears in front of you, you knew exactly what the fleadh meant.

“I think I can safely say, that I made a few lifelong friends, on the back of working behind the scenes of the greatest show to hit Mullingar.”

Colin's fellow volunteer Debbie Ennis says that she really enjoyed volunteering at last year's event that attracted over half a million people to Mullingar.

“It was an amazing experience from making new friends, to greeting many people on the streets and at the venue doors. The volunteer co-ordinator team were always on hand for any issue that arose. I would definitely recommend everyone to get involved.”

Aisling King, who volunteered alongside her son Shane, says that “if there's one thing you do this summer, volunteer at the fleadh”.

“Volunteering at last year's All Ireland Fleadh was honestly one of the best experiences.  Every day was different and it was so much fun to be involved in.

I met people from every corner of Ireland & beyond. New friendships were formed for life within the volunteer group. It's one team I want to be part of again. Roll on August '23.”

Shane, who at the age of 15 was one of the youngest volunteers last summer, echoed his mother's sentiments.

“I really enjoyed volunteering at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last year. As someone with a big interest in trad music, I got front row access to the many concerts, competitions, street performances and gig-rig acts whilst also assisting in the smooth running of these events. As a young person volunteering has helped me grow in confidence and gain great experience in being part of a fantastic team of volunteers.”

For more information on volunteering at the fleadh, go to fleadhcheoil.ie