J 1 - Comhaltas Archive

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LEICESTER'S NEW BASE
Since it was formed less than two years
ago , the Leicester branch of Comhaltas
has had a constant problem - lack
of space to accommodate its evergrowing
membership and range of
activities, writes BRENDAN FARRELL.
But this is the sort of problem which
any organisation would welcome. It's
the stamp of success.
Now, however, the branch has a new
base - St. Patrick's Club, right in the
heart of Leicester. It's the perfect venue.
Weekly sessions take place every Monday
evening in the main concert room.
There are also all of the usual club
facilities .
In another room the branch has
tuition - provided by energetic Northampton-based
Fergus McTaggart. He has
no shortage of eager young pupils.
The branch has also attracted the
participation of the various Irish dancing
schools in the Leicester area and those
Monday evening sessions are something
to be experienced. I certainly recommend
them to anybody within driving range of
Leicester who wants an up-lifting real
Irish evening.
Let me add, too, that Fergus
McTaggart has an open door policy for
oilier children requiring tuition.
The branch hosted the Comhaltas
touring concert on February 14.
On June 25 , Leicester will host the
all-Britain fleadh - so it's quite a year
for the branch.
For more details on all Comhaltas
events in Leicester, telephone Rosaleen
Duddy at Leicester 359354.
24
Ainm:
Seoladh:
Amount enclosed:
To: Treoir, 32 Cearnog Belgrave, Baile
na Manach, Co. Atha Cliath.
AN OIGE IN MUILEANN
GHEARR
Im make no apology when I say that one
of the most important and beneficial
"sessions" took place in the Greville
Arm's Hotel recently. I refer of course,
to the Junior Ceili which was sponsored
and organised by the Mullingar Branch
of C.C.E.
Mullingar, though short of talent
in the senior section of Comhaltas, has
an abundance of talent in the Junior
Ranks and it stands as a model to the
rest of the county. The hard work done
by Mrs K. Mullally and Mrs Mullen with
their respective students in the past
years, came very much to the fore , with
the music and dancing at a very high
standard.
Martin Farrell (Castlepollard) gave an
exhibition of dancing as did the Cunningham
children, all were loudly applauded.
Mrs Nancy Mulligan, chairperson,
Mullingar Branch C.C.E. thanked all who
helped to make the gathering such a
successful and memorable event, especially
Mrs K Mullaly, Mrs Mullen, Mrs Nolan,
James Keane, Willie Byme, Michael
O'Reilly and all the ladies who prepared
sandwiches and helped with the tea and
refreshments. Music was supplied by the
Daly Family, Sean, Joe, Ann and Father
John.
I can recommend this band for any
Ceili, be it junior or senior, as their music
was magnificent and most pleasant to the
ear.
Pat Smith, chairman, Westmeath
County Board C.C.E. was also in attendance
and praised the Mullingar Branch
committee for having such a large attendance
of junior members and remarked
on the fact that the future of Irish culture
and folklore will be secure and flourishing
with so much enthusiasm among the
youth.
DEMAND FOR CLASSES
IN WESTMEATH
The Westmeath County Board Secretary
Mrs Katherine Mullally, in her annual
report advocated: Co-operation, increased
membership, regular sessions and classes
where possible. Ceilidhte and a genuine
expansion of the aims of Comhaltas
were detailed in the County Secretary's
Annual Report.
A heartening aspect is the increase in
junior membership. We had eight
branches, Moate, Mullingar, Delvin, Clonmellon,
Castletown-Geo., St Mary's
Athlone, Rathconrath and Walderstown:
Classes, weekly sessions and ceili practices
were well organised.
There is a great demand for classes
throughout the county. My knowledge of
other counties varies from ours. The
C.E.O. asks branches to recommend a
traditional teacher and that's it. Westmeath
has one teacher acceptable to the
C.E.O., and he takes classes under Offaly,
Roscommon Vocational Schools and the
limited ones in Westmeath, and does his
day's work - no human could cope.
There must be some redress to such procedure
The promotion of our culture
is more vital than ever before and the
dedicated are ensuring the continued
survival of our heritage.
I am genuinely happy with the present
state of Comhaltas in Westmeath and
hope for more branches. I would suggest
branches hold regular seminars anQ one
for officers would be beneficial.
The branches I was privileged to visit
for the A.G.M. revealed wonderful team
work and co-operation - programme
planning well in hand and meetings were
good and lively.
Congratulations to Mullingar for running
the 1977 elimination contests.
Thanks to the Westmeath Examiner for
good coverage of any data given, to the
Greville Arms for facilitating us with
venues for meetings and activities; to
branch secretaries anu children attending
classes, also their parents; to our vicechairperson,
Mrs Mulligan, who carried
on since the regrettable resignation of
Mrs C Byrne, chairman, Clonrnellon
C.C.E.; and to the Treasurer, Mr Seamus
Keane, Delvin C.C.E.