U - Comhaltas Archive

Ireland have lost oneof their greatestadvocates. The deathof Billy Boylan hasnumbed the culturalmovement and leftan unfillable void.Billy was a 'doer' in the besttradition of volunteerism. Whenasked to undertake any task hisresponse would never be 'why'but 'when'.This proud Dublin man wascentral to many of the Comhaltasachievements of the last 40years. He was a member of thefirst Coiste Ceili of Comhaltas inthe 1970S together with Donncha6 Muineachain, Conchubhar6 Riain and Tomas MacEoin.As Cathaoirleach of the CoisteRince up to the time of his death,Billy spearheaded many of thedancing projects throughout themovement. For many years heorganised and acted as Fear an Tiat the Friday night ceili at theCulrurlann. He taught ceili andset dances at pre-ceili classes. Asan observer from the CoisteRince, Billy sat on theArdchomhairle of Comhaltas formany years where his wisdomwas appreciated and hisenthusiasm infectious.Billy Boylan was widelyacknowledged at home andabroad as a master craftsman.He erected many of the altars inIrish churches, also in Britainand the Southern States of NorthAmerica. Coincidentally, the altarof Clonaskeagh Church - whereBilly's funeral Mass wascelebrated - is also a testimonyto his artistic craftsmanship andwill, as the Parish Priestreminded the congregation, serveas a monument to this modestand inspiring Irishman.Billy's craftsmanship is alsoevident in Comhaltas. Hedesigned and crafted the plaquesfor the 50 th anniversary ofComhaltas which are to be seenon 14 Thomas Street, Dublin,and in Mullingar, significant sitesrelating to Comhaltas.One of Billy's last works wasthe plaque in memory of JohnKeenan, Comhaltas and AITMSecretary, which was unveiledat the Culturlann by Billy andUachtaran an Chomhaltais,Seamus 6 Teimheain lastDecember.Huge crowds attended Billy'sfuneral - a testimony to the highregard and respect in which hewas held near and far. Music wasprovided by members of theF6dhla Ceili Band and songsprovided by Seamus MacMathuna, N6ra Butler andLarry Mason.Speaking at Billy's funeral Mass,the Ardstiurth6ir of ComhaltasSenator Labhras 6 M urchu saidthat Billy had inspired us all byhis sincerity and example. Hewas motivated by a spiritualmission which found expressionin his many acts of kindness,service and charity.Comhaltas has expressedprofound sympathy to Murieland to Billy's brothers andsisters. Ar dheis De go raibha anam uasal.6