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Fleadhbulous - Derry rocks to the
reels
19.08.13
DERRY has staged the
largest Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in its 62-year
history with almost half a million people joining in
the week-long celebrations.
From the official opening by President Michael D.
Higgins to the spectacular closing ceremony at
Ebrington Square last night, record-breaking crowds
packed the city to enjoy an eclectic programme of
events. |
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Some of the huge crowds that packed
Shipquay Street over the finale weekend. |
More than 430,000
people attended Fleadh workshops, concerts and the
impromptu busking sessions while sampling the fare
at the many foodstalls over the course of the week.
And Fleadh-goers enjoyed the festivities in a safe
and friendly environment across the city with no
major incidents reported, organisers confirmed. |
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Young musicians busking in Derry
during the All-Ireland Fleadh. |
Fleadh chairperson
Eibhlin Ni Dhochartaigh said the Fleadh has been a
phenomenal success.
“We were confident that Derry could deliver a good
Fleadh but it is clear that we have delivered a
great Fleadh. It has exceeded everyone’s
expectations. |
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Set dancers from home and abroad
enjoy the surroundings of the newly-refurbished
Guildhall to the lively tunes of the Long Note Ceili
Band. |
Mayor of Derry,
Councillor Martin Reilly said: "The City has a
renewed sense of civic pride and can boast hosting a
safe and enjoyable event one which has been embraced
with community and business support. I want to
extend an open welcome to those who were first time
visitors to Derry to return with family and friends
and experience all of what this great city has to
offer.”
Meanwhile, PSNI district commander Chief
Superintendent Stephen Martin said Derry had
demonstrated its ability to host major events.
"As a police service we are delighted to have played
a part in that success," he said. |
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All-Ireland Fleadh revellers in
Waterloo Street poke a little political fun during
Sunday's finale of the cultural extravaganza in
Derry. |
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