Ennis ‘entitled’ to host 2014 Fleadh

Clare is entitled to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2014, one local representative claimed this week.
Former mayor, Christy Curtin, told a meeting of the local authority on Monday that “we are entitled to it as a right”. He was speaking after Councillor Pat Daly called on the local authority to co-ordinate with Clare Comhaltas, Clare GAA and other local organisations seeking to achieve Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for Ennis in 2014.
Councillor Daly said 2014 would be particularly appropriate, as it will be the centenary year for Clare winning their first senior All-Ireland hurling title in 1914. “I believe this is a huge tourism project and I believe we should fight all the way,” councillor Daly continued.
Councillor Daly said he believed the centenary of the hurling win would be “a great occasion to celebrate” and noted that it was also “1,000 years since the death of Brian Boru at the Battle of Clontarf”.
Ruan councillor Joe Arkins said he was “as disappointed as anyone that the Fleadh is not coming to Ennis next year” but added that “the withdrawals of the proposal was a gracious move and will be seen as such and I think there will be a quid pro quo in relation to this”.
Councillor Joe Cooney said he believed Ennis had put in a strong proposal to host the Fleadh in 2013, this bid was withdrawn by the Abbey branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann earlier this year and he urged those involved to “keep at it and I am confident we will get it in 2014”.
Councillor Michael Kelly stated the fleadh would be “a good money spinner” and “a major benefit to the town of Ennis”.
Mayor Pat Hayes expressed his disappointment that “we were put in a bidding war with other areas” to get the Fleadh.