Listowel in Co Kerry is to host the 2001 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, it was decided at the weekend. Listowel tied with Warrenpoint, Co Down, each gaining 14 nominations, at the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri headquarters in Dublin on Saturday. It emerged as winner only after being drawn from a hat.
"We are extremely thrilled. We have been lobbying for the fleadh for some time", said Mr Paul Stack, Listowel town engineer. "Warrenpoint put in an incredible effort to try to take the fleadh. We hope it goes to them in the near future. And we hope there will be a strong presence from Warrenpoint in Listowel next year."
Listowel will be hosting the fleadh for the 13th time next year.