Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has visited Ulster University's Belfast campus to see first-hand the University's role in supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, meeting the volunteers delivering medical care throughout the festival and enjoying a musical welcome from young performers taking part in Scoil Éigse.
Welcomed by University Provost, Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, the Minister was joined by Professor Mark Taylor, Ulster University Visiting Professor and Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI), before being introduced to Brian Allen, Regional Commander of St John Ambulance Northern Ireland, who led a tour of the central medical hub based on the University's Belfast campus.
Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Provost at Ulster University, said:
"It was a pleasure to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to Ulster University and to showcase the many ways in which our Belfast campus is supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
"As a core host venue and educational partner, we are delighted to be playing our part in helping deliver this landmark event for Belfast. From hosting the central medical hub with St John Ambulance Northern Ireland and welcoming hundreds of young musicians through Scoil Éigse to staging All-Ireland competitions on our Belfast campus, the University is making a significant contribution to the success of the festival."
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:
"This is Belfast at its very best. Behind the music and celebration is a major operation keeping people safe.
"The teamwork between St John Ambulance Northern Ireland, Ulster University, clinicians, ambulance crews and volunteers is exceptional, enabling people to enjoy the Fleadh with confidence.
"It is a strong example of care closer to home, treating people on site where appropriate and helping ease pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments."
During the visit, the Minister toured the operational response centre before visiting the triage, treatment and resuscitation areas established within the University's Birley Building.
Brian Allen, Regional Commander, St John Ambulance Northern Ireland, said:
"We were delighted to welcome the Health Minister to our central medical hub to meet our volunteers and to show him the scale of the operation supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
"We are also extremely grateful to Ulster University for providing an excellent base for our operation. From this purpose-built medical hub, we are coordinating medical support across Belfast throughout the festival, providing first aid, assessment and treatment while supporting the wider emergency response. The partnership has enabled us to establish a modern, fully equipped facility at the heart of the festival, ensuring we can provide timely care when it is needed most."
The Minister also met Chloe, a third-year Ulster University Paramedic Science student, who said:
"It was a privilege to meet the Health Minister and to talk about my experience studying Paramedic Science at Ulster University.
"Seeing how healthcare is planned and delivered for an event as large as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has been an incredible learning opportunity. Watching experienced clinicians, ambulance crews and volunteers working together in a real operational environment has given me a much greater understanding of emergency event medicine.
"Experiences like this reinforce why I chose to study Paramedic Science and highlight the value of learning alongside professionals who are making such a difference in the community."
The visit concluded with a performance by pupils attending Scoil Éigse, led by Director Kieran Hanrahan, offering a fitting reminder of the University's dual role in supporting both the health response and educational programme at the heart of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
