n ill . 1 - Comhaltas Archive

The 25th of April 2002 saw one of
the most enjoyable and entertaining
nights of recent years at Culturlann
na hEireann, when a gathering
conceived and organised by the
committee of the Piper's Club
Craobh Leo Rowsome CCE took
place to honour one of of the
branch's most distinguished members.
The occasion was a celebration of the
life and times of Vincent Broderick,
musician, composer and teacher.
In the presence of the Ardstiurth6ir
and a host of distinguished musicians,
the gathering was reminded of
Vincent's outstanding contribution in
all areas of Irish traditional music. To
honour the occasion, a special edition
of Ceili House was recorded and all
of the music on the programme was
composed by Vincent.
The musical part of the evening,
including the recording of Ceili House,
involved both Vincent and his family
and many long standing associates,
colleagues, and friends who have shared
many great memories with Vincent.
Ant6in Mac Gabhann gave a glowing
account of Vincent's achievements as a
composer, musician and teacher, and
Vincent himself displayed his other
talent as wit and raconteur when
recounting experiences, origins of
tunes and many interesting experiences
and events in his life.
Among the guests with Vincent, PhyIlis
and family, were Labhras 6 Murchu,
Ciaran Mac Mathuna, Sean Potts,
Michael Tubridy, Des Geraghty,
Seamus Mac Mathuna. liam de
Bruineir, Muireann Deignan,
Mairead Farrell, Padraig 6 Ceallaigh
(Iar-Uachtaran CCE), Mairead
6 Cearnaigh and also Mick O 'Connor
who spoke fondly of Vincent and the
Piper's club and has promised that his
long awaited History of the Piper's
Club will soon the published.
One of Vincent's principal comments
was to remark on the young
members of the Pipers club who
played so well on the night and the
evening was enhanced by his
granddaughter, who sang The Sally
Gardens.'
The presentation and recording of
Ceili House was preceded by a buffet
with wine and refreshments. After the
recording, the event continued with
tunes, stories, and conversation into
the night.
A special and unique presentation
piece of Bog Oak engraved with a flute
and mounted on a granite base was
presented to Vincent by Brid Brody on
behalf of t he branch and Vincent was
obviously moved by the gesture.
One of the most impressive features
of the evening was the great rapport
which Vincent had with the younger
members, his favourable comments
about their playing, and the realisation
on the part of the young people t hat
they were in the presence of a major
figure in Irish traditional music.
Among the many messages received
on the night was one from two of his
former pupils and now of
the highly successful
Tom
and Eamonn Doorley, WfIO:J"'''''.
unable to attend due to
associated with the pnasenQl1l
The entire evening was an ~1dJ.l:i;
and satisfying experience for
concerned and gave due rec:OIlrifdlii1
to an outstanding individual and
fitting celebration of a lifetime of
achievement.
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