Derry’s Fleadh bid back on as Ulster Council backs down

The has been another twists in Derry’s efforts the host the All Ireland Fleadh next year.
Last night the Ulster Council of Comhaltas reversed its decision not to endorse Derry’s bid to host the All Ireland Fleadh.
The threat posed by dissident republicans was given as the reason by the Ulster Comhaltas to turn down Derry’s bid to host the All-Ireland Fleadh next year following two bombs in the City last week.
There was uproar at the decision with the PSNI also entering the debate stating that security and safety concerns should not prevent the Fleadh taking place in Derry.
The UK City of Culture organisers had been pushing to bring the Fleadh to Northern Ireland for the first time ever in 2013.
But the UK link to the traditional Irish event had already proved a stumbling block with some members.
Today the National Director general of Comhaltas  Labhras O Murchu said there was a meeting last night with the same body who met last Saturday.
He confirmed they have reconsidered the decision which was made and an application is set to arrive with the national body today.
Derry will now face competition from Ennis and Sligo to host the event  – that decision will be made at the weekend.