More people will attend the Fleadh Cheoil in Clonmel than will be at Slane.
More than one hundred thousand people are in Clonmel, County Tipperary for the Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann. Traditional music, set dancing and busking are all on offer and free of charge.
The Tinndølan Folk Music Group from Norway performing on the streets of Clonmel are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the audience. As group member Torgeir Straand says,
This is the biggest folk music festival I've ever seen.
Musicians Niamh Dundas and Emmas Smith from Fermanagh chose being in Clonmel over going to Croke Park to see their county take on Mayo in the All Ireland Football semi-final.
The Fleadh Cheoil has now established itself as one of the largest music festivals of its kind in Europe.
A development plan has also been announced for the festival. Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann says the new investment will amount to €27 million over five years.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 August 2004. The reporter is Damien Tiernan.
