A delegation from Mayo County Council is in Wexford at present for the All-Ireland Fleadh. They are on a fact-finding mission as Ballina attempts to secure the 2028 Fleadh.
The mammoth event was officially opened on Sunday by President Michael D Higgins and will run until next Monday, Aug 11th.
Over 600,000 Fleadh-goers will converge on Wexford town generating and estimated €60 million to the local economy.
Over 6,500 competitors are competing for All-Ireland laurels.
The Fleadh will move to Belfast in 2026 and Ballina is earmarking the 2028 event.
Fleadh campaigner Eamonn Walsh who is among the Mayo delegation has paid tribute to Kevin Kelly CEO of Mayo County Council who he said has moved the campaign forward by facilitating a meeting between Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann officials and County Council members in the Council Chamber last February and then moved to send a delegation to Wexford. Ballina last staged the event in 1997 and 1998.
The All-Ireland Fleadh has in recent years been run by the various County Councils since 2010 including Cavan, Sligo, Weford, whiler Belfast City Council will head the 2026 event.
Mr Walsh insists that its imperative that Mayo County Council is at the helm otherwise the Mayo application application will fail.
The cost of running the event is estimated at €1.9 million.
There are a number of Government grants available for the Fleadh.
