Best year yet for Film Fleadh with increase in ticket sales

The organisers of the Galway Film Fleadh were yesterday reviewing the most successful event in their 25 year history as not even the spectacular sunshine throughout the six days could deter them from smashing previous box office records.

In the end, ticket sales for the festival were 10% up on the 2012 figure, a remarkable achievement considering that the sun shone throughout event which finished on Sunday night.

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and international stars Saoirse Ronan, Zachary Quinto, Fionnuala Flanagan, and Will Forte were all present at the Town Hall Theatre for the annual awards ceremony on Sunday.

President Higgins, who has been associated with the Fleadh since its early years, even sprung a surprise by making a special presentation to Co-Founder and Managing Director Miriam Allen ahead of the awards ceremony.

It was the second award in a matter of three days for Ms Allen, who had flown to the UK to be presented with an honorary degree at Staffordshire University on Friday afternoon.

“I nearly died when President Higgins presented me with a replica Galway hooker!” said Ms Allen yesterday.

“It’s going to take a while for it all to sink in. I couldn’t believe it when I got to Staffordshire on Friday to discover there were 2,000 people at the awards ceremony. It really was a fantastic Fleadh this year and it was so brilliant to have President Higgins here for the awards.”

The wonderful weather had no negative impact on ticket sales, as people took advantage of the air conditioned theatres in the midst of the heatwave while organisers found that enthusiasts were more likely to stay around to discuss the films or enjoy a drink afterwards.

They even put on an outdoor barbecue at the Galway Rowing Club, following the world premier of Tasting Menu starring Fionnula Flanagan and Stephen Rea on the opening night.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.