Debate contribution: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026

Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on 21 September 2026.

MLA: Ms Michelle O'Neill
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 21 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5742135

Text

I am not going to take away from the success of the fleadh. It was excellent in Derry, and it was excellent in Belfast. Let us bid for it to come to the North again. The learning from hosting the fleadh this year will be applied to next year's event. Today, as we speak, the Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister for the Economy are meeting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Lord Mayor of Belfast to actively plan for next year. We should bid for the year after that, because we have a lot to celebrate with the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Despite the challenges, there is a lot to celebrate because our society has been transformed, and the fleadh is a wonderful way to celebrate that.

131 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification