Fleadh success is reward for city's team effort

Culture Company 2013 Chief Executive, Shona McCarthy, has highlighted the success of Derry-Londonderry's bid to host the All-Ireland Fleadh in 2013 as evidence of what can be achieved when the city harnesses its collective energy.

Speaking after the announcement on Saturday that Comhaltas had awarded Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 to the city, she said:

"It's an understatement to say that we are delighted by the news that the city has been selected to host the All-Ireland Fleadh in 2013. It will be one of the most dazzling jewels in the crown of our year of celebration. We would like to thank Comhaltas for entrusting our city with the honour of hosting the biggest celebration of Irish Culture anywhere in the world.

"That the Ard Comhairle has recognised the merits of our bid is testament to the efforts of the many agencies and individuals who contributed to it; from the local Comhaltas branch in Derry, Derry City Council, Ilex, OFMDFM and all the many stakeholders who lent their weight to the campaign. The success of this bid is evidence of what we can achieve as a city when we harness our energies for the collective good.

"Our joy at winning the right to host the Fleadh in 2013 as part of our City of Culture celebrations is only enhanced by the fact that we did so in competition against two fantastic bids from Ennis and Sligo. Having seen the excellent plans that they have put in place we are sure it will not be long before both of these locations play host to the Fleadh.

"Comhaltas' decision to award the Fleadh to Derry signals their belief in our ability to host an event of truly global stature. We will now make sure that we reward that belief by building on the excellent work that has been done by Cavan in recent years and deliver the most spectacular Fleadh to date."