Comhaltas Archive

The finale now over, everyone goneBut you'd look around and Paddy wasthe oneWho was eager to give a welcomehelping handDismantling the gear and conveying to avan.Nos, a Phadraig, you've left us withouta farewellBut you're kindness remains of this weknow well:Paddy, we have just one last thing tosay -That we hope we shall meet you againsome day.Sllin agat, a Phadraig.-MICHAEL BA YNES.FAMILY INVOLVEMENT"The lesson to be learned from themany thousands of young people involvedin the Irish traditional musicmovement has been largely ignored andaccordingly a great asset has beenneutralised." This was stated byLabhras () Murchu, ArdstiiIrth6ir anChornhaltais, at the 1985 Fleadh Nua inEnnis, Continuing he said:As we search for new ways to solvemany of the country's problems - wayswhich very often end in a cul-de-sac -we would do well to study thepatriotism, initiative and positive contributionof young people in every one ofthe 32 counties to the promotion ofnative music, song and dance. There is adistinct absence of cynicism and selfishnessamong these young men and womenwhich runs counter to much of thecriticism levelled against the younggeneration.The main strength of Cornhaltas hasbeen the involvement of the family unit.This is the natural and traditionalapproach of the Irish people and it hasserved us well in many crises. It is notfair to young people to isolate themthrough peer pressure or commercialpressure from the very agency whichmoulded them - the family - and thisat a time when the support and experienceof that agency is now needed. Itmay suit certain interests to drive awedge between youth and the familyinfluence but if so we must also sufferthe consequences of such action - confusion, lack of confidence, and thedenial of much needed support.The vacuum created by the lact offamily support for young people iseasily exploited by syndicates who donot have the welfare of the youngpeople at heart.A Song of Pride"If the saying that there are as manycustoms as countries then it is true alsoof music. There are many reasons whythe quality of our native heritage shouldbe contained in our music. Amongstthe reasons are ethnic variations, history,environment, economic condittions,religion and more. Their effectscan be perceived in the songs and musicof Ireland. It is as a result of such influencesthat we have our songs ofwork, of love , Extempore verse and allkinds of song which demonstrate thelifestyle of our people" This was statedby An Seanad6ir Seamus de Brun whenhe addressed --the 1985 Scoil an Phiarsaighat Scoil Eanna. "Thankfully," hecontinued, when the need was greatest,the power and the native character ofour music came to be understood. Itwas a morale raiser and a battle-cry forall the people of Ireland .when "TheNation" newspaper was published.People resorted to the music to instil aspirit of national pride in our race who,at the time were subdued and feeble andto banish the slave mentality resultingtherefrom."In the Introduction to "Songs ofthe Nation" we read the following:'The greatest achievement of theIrish is their music ..... Music is the firstfaculty of the Irish and scarcely anythinghas such power for good overthem. The use of this faculty, and ofthis power, publicly and constantly, tokeep up their spirits, refine their tastes,warm their courage, increase their unionand renew their zeal is the duty of everypatriot' ."From that philosophy was generatedthe spirit which gave courage to theIrish people to get up off their knees, toraise their heads high and to demandtheir rights for themselves. This effortwas strengthened by the songs and balladscomposed specifically for the purpose.The rest is history . But let it beremembered that the music was at theheart of the entire effort."In spite of that it must be admittedthat the native music of Ireland was allowedfall into decay for many longyears_ But a significant turn in its fortunescame about in the recent past. Wecan now say that traditional music hasbeen saved."It gives me particular pleasure tostate that the organisation with which ISEAM US DE BRUNam connected, Cornhaltas Ceolt6iriEireann, played the most significantpart and such has been widely recognised",Seamus concluded_A BOQUET FROM HOLLANDGroote Peel 18DiemenHollandYesterday we visited the Amsterdamvenue of your 1985 European ConcertTour. It went down very well with usand the rest of the audience so we triedto cheer for as many "encores" as wecould get. Your dancers and Mr. Kelly'ssubtle fiddling were our favourites,which doesn't mean we didn't like therest. It was amazing to fmd such joyand liveliness in your company, evenafter 2 weeks travelling and playing. Itmust be the music that keeps themgoing. May it continue in the future .M. Kaal27