Fleadh fact file...

The Police said it was delighted at the success of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Londonderry and ‘fully supports’ a bid to have the event return to the city.
The large crowd which enjoyed live music at Shipquay Street during Fleadh Cheoil. INLS3413-181KMThe large crowd which enjoyed live music at Shipquay Street during Fleadh Cheoil. INLS3413-181KM
The large crowd which enjoyed live music at Shipquay Street during Fleadh Cheoil. INLS3413-181KM

District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin, said: “It is fantastic to be able to say that after eight days of musical performances and competitions and upwards of 400,000 visitors on the streets this has been one of the most successful events this city has seen.

“I would like to thank every officer and staff member involved in the planning and delivery of the policing operation. This has been a significant and resource intensive week and not without challenge, however, I am delighted with the many compliments we have received around our friendly and reassuring policing style. I would like to extend my thanks to the Fleadh organisers, local businesses and publicans, our partners in Derry City Council, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and Foyle Search & Rescue for their efforts and support.

“This week has allowed us to engage with a huge number of people, many of them first time visitors to the city and to Northern Ireland.”

Facebook saw numerous pictures posted of visitors posing with members of the PSNI .

And efforts made to ensure officers could engage with Irish speakers also went well.

“I know that our Irish speaking officers attracted a lot of attention and for them it was a great opportunity to brush up on their language skills and open up yet another channel of engagement,” said Chief Superintendent Martin.

“The PSNI pipe band played on Thursday afternoon and went down a storm, receiving a wonderful and enthusiastic welcome. I am confident that the vast majority of people have left with positive memories of the service we provided and the welcome they received,” the District Commander said.

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