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Im l 34 Ulmhlf 4 2002 I SS No 790 004X 

TRE 

, 

Iris Oifigiuil Chomhaltas Ceolt6irr Eireann 

The Book of Traditional Music, Song and Dance 

Ustowel's Cultural Extravaganza 2 

14 Irish Dancing 

2 Second City Musician 15 A Salute to 

takes 3 fi rsts 7 an Except:iolWa.ef 23 

3 Ennis joins the Elite in 16 The Spirit of the Past 25 

Ceili Bands 8 

17 Membership Fees 28 

4 Back to the Honeyed Meadow 12 

18 Anmiin Mac Naeidhe - 

5 Three Generations Fear Uasal 28 

of All-Ireland Winners 12 

19 Memorial to Ballynonty 

13 Musician Unvei led 29 

18 20 Dancing at the Crossroads 29 

18 2 1 Songs and Singers (Part 11) 31 

Is an Irish Town 19 22 Comhaltas on the Internet 33 

they Sailed Away from 23 Seanad Appointment 34 

Dublin Bay 21 

24 Seanad Presentation 34 

11 The Toast of Preston 21 

25 An Nollaig 3S 

12 An Fhuinneog is Gaelai 22 

26 Thanks 36 

13 The Real Ceili House 

in Camross 22 27 Paddy Fallon and 

Mullahoran Concert 36 

TREOIR (I ss 790 004X) IS pUblished qual te' Iy uy 28 Back to America 37 

CCE.. Belgrave Square, Monkstown. Co D .bllo. 

Ireland. Single copics t:3: S"f)w pwt! ReP. hi:: oand 

Europe € 12: Britain £9 Stg: USA 'Ild Cal UJ $20; 

29 Cape Breton 38 

Australia and New Zealand $20. Ondt:~ ,n the USA 

- , • 

to be forwa rded to MI M I Wht",n, Treolr 244 30 Ceardlann Earraigh 39 

Wardwell Road, Mineob,f'"cw'Y rk 11501 PeriodICals 

• Postage Paid at Mlncob PO lnd ' t Idd'l;cnal mailing 

offices, USPS 2 1 15. Ord(.'rs ,n C. "'Joa to be 31 King of the Singers 40 

forwarded to Maureen Mulvey.2040 Don Mdh Road. 

406, Toronto, Onta rio M3A 3R7 Car cb 

1

eadh Chairman Michael Dowling 

eets renowned singer Paddy Tunney 

An Ulsterman I'm proud to be! Two Ulstermen in (act - 

Tyrone singer Damien Mol/oy and Or Tomas 6 Canainn 

with Jack Roche, Director o( Sliabh Luachra's Bruach 

na Carraige (Rockchapel) and Helen 6 Canainn 

3 

Ace accordionists Joe Burke, Martin Connol/y, 

John Regan with Ann Conroy-Burke at the 

Fleadh in Listowel

TREOIR 

like the fiddle and flute, to the 

obscure. At the competition for lilting, 

a technique of singing nonsense 

syllables, similar to jazz scatting, a line 

of spectators stretched out the door. 

And plain old whistling sounded 

surprisingly graceful when applied to 

jigs and reels. 

The sound of the weekend, however, 

had to be the uilleann pipes 

(pronounced ILL-inn), a cousin of the 

bagpipes, which mix a light, reedy 

pitch for rollicking melodies with a 

bass drone for harmony. 

It was sometimes easy for the 

competitions to be overlooked. The 

exuberant traditional culture sprawled 

out in every direction and attracted 

220,000 people. Every hotel and bed 

and breakfast was full more than a week 

in advance; latecomers were advised to 

bring a tent and a sleeping bag. 

The town square, with colourful 

storefronts and two elegant stone 

church steeples, bustled for days. 

Clusters of musicians played impromptu 

sessions everywhere, and stalls sold 

compact discs, accordions, fiddles, 

garden gnomes, kitsch felt hats and, 

incongruously, household utensils like a 

'miracle' potato peeler. Police kept all 

traffic out, leaving the streets open for 

people to wander in the unexpected 

sunshine and incessant music. 

When the competitors finished their 

day's work - and many compete in 

more than one discipline - they took 

to the streets and the pubs. And while 

4,000 musicians take part in the 

recitals, 6,000 more arrive for no 

reason other than to play in 

spontaneous sessions. As a result 

Listowel's 3S bars - nearly one for 

every 100 residents - were bursting. 

The standard of music is high, even if 

the musical matchmaking sometimes 

goes awry. In the New Kingdom Bar 

on Sunday night, four accordion 

players found themselves crowded 

together with one bodhran player. The 

bodhran (pronounced BOW-rawn, as 

in 'taking a bow') is a one-sided goatskin 

drum beaten with a small twoheaded 

mallet in a flicking motion 

from the wrist. The bar's patrons 

didn't seem to mind that imbalance, 

and neither did the accordion players, 

turning out a flurry of jigs and reels. 

A mustachioed member of the bar 

staff took a break from serving drinks 

to enter the musicians' circle and sing 

three ballads. As he crouched on one 

knee, eyes closed and the veins on his 

neck bulging, people shushed their 

neighbours and the bar fell into a 

respectful silence. 

At times the dignity of the 

competitions was threatened by the 

pace and inebriation of the festivities, 

and families watching the last setdancing 

performances in the square 

occasionally had to negotiate through 

crowds spilling out of the pubs. 

But that contrast is essential to the 

nature of the Fleadh, said Labhrcis 6 

Murchu, Director of Comhaltas 

Ceolt6irf Eireann (pronounced COALtuhs 

kyohl-TOR-ee AIR-in), the 

governing body for traditional Irish 

music. The conviviality and accessibility 

of the Fleadh, while unintentional, 

ensured that the event and the musical 

tradition behind it would not be seen 

as elitist. 'They find their own level, and 

they respect each other: he said of the 

revellers and the competitors. 'It's an 

organic thing, really. If we had tried to 

influence the views of young people on 

how to enjoy themselves, we would 

have lost our way: 

Fleadh Cheoil dates to 1951, when 

musicians founded Comhaltas 

Ceolt6iri Eireann, which now has 

35,000 members in 400 branches 

worldwide. In addition to maintaining 

high musical standards through the 

competition, the Fleadh is an essential 

gathering point. Irish music evolved 

several regional styles before mass 

communication and transportation, 

said Brian Prior, Comhaltas's head 

organiser for the Fleadh. 

The Clare and West Clare styles, 

which focus on the jig and reel, are 

best known because of the popular 

success of local fiddle players like 

Martin Hayes. But especially at a 

Fleadh in County Kerry, the Clare 

5 

style faces its Southern rival, the 

Sliabh Luachra (pronounced sleev 

LUA-krra) style, a reference to the 

poor quality of the land in Kerry, 

Cork and Limerick. Its adherents play 

more polkas and slides: songs in a 

different time signature and having a 

more lively feel. Because of their 

proximity to Scotland, musicians in 

Northwestern Donegal evolved the 

Highland style, which is 'fast and 

furious', Mr Prior said. 'An East Clare 

man wouldn't like it: 

And the Fleadh brings together more 

than just different styles of music. On 

Saturday afternoon an Englishman and 

a man with a heavy sing-song Kerry 

accent leaned against a car and 

argued about violin fingerings. Every 

type of Irish accent could be heard: 

North Dublin, South Dublin, Cork, 

Kerry, Donegal, as well as Belfast and 

other parts of Northern Ireland. 'The 

music belongs to all political 

traditions on this Island,' said Mr 6 

Murchu, who is also a senator in the 

Irish Parliament. That point could be 

made quite clear next year since 

Comhaltas is considering a location in 

Northern Ireland for the Fleadh.

TREOIR 

His beleaguered Chicago Cubs haven't 

enjoyed success in a World Series 

since 1908. But 19-year-old Isaac 

Alderson, whose family lives a block 

north ofWrigley Field, enjoyed 

spectacular success this year in Irish 

traditional music's competitive 

equivalent of the World Series: Fleadh 

Cheoil na hEireann. During the 

weekend of August 23-25 in listowel, 

Co. Kerry, he became the first US-born 

musician to capture three All-Ireland 

senior solo titles in the same year at 

the festival, which was founded in 1951 

by Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann. 

There have been other, Irish-born 

competitors to win three All-Ireland 

senior solo championships in the 

same year, such as Sligo's Deirdre 

Col lis, on button accordion, whistle, 

and flute; Galway's Fr Charlie Coen, 

on concertina, whistle, and flute (slow 

airs), and Limerick's Louise Mulcahy, 

who actually took four senior titles 

last year, on uilleann pipes, flute, 

whistle, and pipes (slow airs). 

What makes Alderson's senior-level 

'hat-trick' on uilleann pipes, tin 

whistle, and flute all the more 

remarkable is that he started 

relatively late in traditional music, at 

age 13, and comes from a family that 

isn't Irish or Irish American. 'Alderson' 

is probably English, he says, and 'Isaac' 

is Jewish, reflecting his mother's side. 'I 

think my parents were less than 

thrilled when I took up the Highland 

pipes in the beginning: Alderson said 

from his dorm room at Sarah 

Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, 

where he's a sophomore, 'and I think 

they were very thrilled when I 

ditched the Highland pipes for the 

uilleann pipes. Bit quieter.' 

Alderson's initial brush with an Irish 

traditional session of top-tier players 

came not in Chicago but in St Louis 

at the Mississippi River Celtic Music 

Festival. He was a freshman in high 

school then. 'I didn't know any of the 

tunes they played, and all I had with 

me was a tin whistle and a loaner set 

of pipes: he recalls. 'But I met Larry 

Nugent there, and he became my 

first teacher.' 

Born in Lack, Co. Fermanagh, and a 

resident of Chicago since 1992, 

Nugent taught Alderson on flute and 

whistle for about four years. Though 

he was largely self-taught on the 

uilleann pipes,Alderson took some 

lessons from AI Purcell, a Dublin-born 

piper who learned from Leo 

Rowsome, and Kieran O'Hare, a native 

Kansas piper who lives and performs 

in Chicago. Other influences on Isaac 

include Gavin Whelan and Altan's 

Frankie Kennedy for whistle and flute, 

and Robble Hannan, Brian McNamara, 

Mick O'Brien,5eamus Ennis, and Jerry 

O'Sullivan for uilleann pipes. 

One of the biggest influences on 

Alderson today is Oisin Mac 

Diarmada, a Clare-raised fiddler living 

in Sligo who won the senior title in 

1999 and now performs in the band 

Teada. 'One thing Oisin does that is 

really cool is play in different keys: 

Alderson said. 'He'll take a tune and 

find the right key for it instead of just 

playing it in the same key that 

everybody else plays it in, which may 

or may not be right.' 

Alderson himself experimented with 

an unusual key in his All-Ireland senior 

flute competition. 'I played the 'Cul 

Aodh Jig' in E-major instead of G, 

which is what it's usually played in: he 

said. 'I wasn 't going to compete on 

the whistle at all because I didn't feel 

very confident on it the night before. 

But a friend convinced me to try.' The 

night before, he also found himself 

broke. 'I had about 26 cents left: he 

said, 'and I sold a bamboo flute to get 

money to last me the rest of my trip.' 

Two years ago, Alderson entered his 

first Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, 'I 

didn't win anything: he said. Last year, 

in the 15-18 age category, he was 

placed second on pipes (slow airs) 

and on flute (slow airs). This year, he 

won for the first time, taking home 

the top medal along with the 

perpetual trophy in three coveted 

categories. 'It was all very strange to 

me: admitted Alderson, who 

represented Chicago's Francis O'Neill 

branch of CCE at the fleadh. 'I was 

interviewed by RTE and New York 

Times. That's more attention than I 

ever got before as a musician. Besides, 

I hadn't been playing all that 10ng.A lot 

of the musicians over there had 

started out much younger.' 

Strange or not, winning three senior 

titles, an unprecedented feat for a 

proverbial Yank in Ireland, is 

encouraging for Alderson in another 

way. 'I really love teaching music: he 

said, 'and I hope I can help people the 

way I've been helped. I want to show 

students that you don't have to be 

Irish or Irish American to play Irish 

music. For me, it's more about heart 

than heritage.' 

7

HATS OFF TO 

A GREAT FLEADH! 

9

TREOIR 

FLEADH RESULTS 

2002 

VEIOHLlN: Faoi 12: 1st Tara Breen. 

CCE Doora Barefield. An Clar; 2nd 

Ao i f~ Ni Bhriain. CCE. Beaumont. Ath 

Cliath; 3rd Lillian Harris. CCE. Fred Finn. 

Sligeach; 12 - 15: I st Mairead Furlong. 

CCE. Mount Mellick. Laois; 2nd 

Catherine Carey. CCE. Carrigdhoun. 

Corcaigh; 3rd Ronan 6 hUaithne. CCE 

Baile an Daighin. Gaillimh; 15 - 18: 1st 

Michael Harrison. CCE. Baile Ui 

Choimin. Tiobrad Arann; 2nd Aodhan 

O·Neill. CCE. Dromore.Tir Eoghain; 3rd 

Conor McEvoy. CCE. Sean Treacy. At~ 

Cliath; Over 18: 1st Fergal Scahill. CCE. 

Corofin. Gaillimh; 2nd Diarmuid 

O·Brien. CCE. An Gleann. Luimneach; 

3rd Padraig O'Neill. CCE. Cluain Tarbh. 

Ath Cliath 

The Master's Hand: Martin Connolly with his 

star pupil Daire Mulhem who won the 15- 

18 accordion championship 

BOSCA CHEOIL: Faoi 12: I st 

Shane Furlong. CCE. Mount Mellick. 

Laois; 2nd Martin Linnane. CCE. Michael 

Rafferty. USA; 3rd Dara 6 hEalai. CCE. 

Caisleain a' Bharraigh. Muigh Eo; 12 - 

15: I st Criona Ni Mhaolchroin. CCE. 

Gort na mBo. Muigh Eo; 2nd Florina Ni 

Dhughaill. CCE. Caisleain a' Bhar r aig~ , 

Maigh Eo; 3rd Aisling Lonergan, CCE, 

Cluain Tarbh. Ath Cliath; 15 - 18: I st 

Daire Mulhern, CCE, Doora Barefield, 

An Clar; 2nd Niamh Brett, CCE, Ath 

Luain, Ros Comain; 3rd Edward Breen, 

CCE, Doora Barefield, An Clar; Over 

18: 1st Fiachra 6 Mongain, CCE, 

Christoir Ui Chearnaigh. Maigh Eo; 2nd 

Michael Collins, CCE. Ballylongfordl 

Tarbert, Ciarrai; 3rd Padraig 6 Foghlu, 

CCE.An Gleann. Luimneach 

FEAOOG MHOR: Faoi 12: 1st Brian 

O'Loughlin. CCE, Corofin. An Clar; 2nd 

Tara Breen, CCE, Doora Barefield, An 

Clar; 3rd Sheila Friel, CCE, Irish 

Minstrels, Glasgow; 12 - 15: 1st Nicola 

Gillen, CCE. Loughbeg, Aontroma; 2nd 

Gerda Ni Mhuiri, CCE. Chaisleain Ui 

Chonaill/Ahane/B. lorbairt. Luimneach; 

3rd Robert Harvey, CCE. Camross, 

Laois; 15 - 18: 1st Micheal Mac an Ri, 

CCE Tuar na Fola, Luimneach; 2nd 

Sea~us MacMathuna, CCE, Cualann, Ath 

Cliath; 3rd Edward Looney, CCE. Cill 

Orglain, Ciarrai; Over 18: 1st Issac 

Alderson, CCE. 2nd Francis O'Neill, 

USA; 3rd Liam MacPiarais, CCE. Tuar na 

Fola. Luimneach; Fionnbarra Mac 

Riabhaigh, CCtAill Finn, Ros Comain 

F AOOG TA . Faoi 12: 1st 

Louise McKinny, cct Seamus Mhic 

Giolla Bhride, Dun na nGall; 2nd Fergus 

McGorman, CCE. Cill Dheaglain,An Mhi; 

3rd Sheila Friel, CCE, Irish Minstrels, 

Glasgow; 12 - 15: 1st Kevin O'Farrell, 

cct Cr. na Cumaraigh, Port Lairge; 2nd 

Christina Ni Dhoilfin, cct Piobairi 

Uilleann, Ath Cliath; 3rd Cathal Mac an 

Ri, cct Tradraighe, An Clar; 15 - 18: 

1st Edward Looney, cct Cill Orglain. 

Ciarrai; 2nd Aodhan O 'Neill, CCE, 

Dromore, Tir Eoghain; 3rd Micheal Mac 

an Ri, cct Tuar na Fola, Luimneac~ ; 

Over 18: 1st Issac Alderson, CCE, 

Francis 0 Neill, USA; 2nd Thomas 

Johnston, cct Eamon 6 MUir,i, 

Muineachain; 3rd Adele Farrell, CCE, 

O'Carolan, UK 

CAIROIN PIANO: Faoi 12: 1st 

Grainne Ni Ealai. CCE. Caislean a' 

Bharraigh, Maigh Eo; 2nd Aine Varley. 

CCE, Milltown. Gaillimh; 3rd Sandra 

Breathnach, CCE. An Cabhan; 12 - 15: 

1st Aindriu 6 Niallain, CCE. Baile Locha 

Riach, Gaillimh; 2nd Sinead Ni Ealai. 

CCE Caislean a' Bharraigh, Maigh Eo; 

3rd' Aine Ni Dhea, CCE, Ma 

RualCeapach Mhor, Luimneach; 15 - 18: 

1st Shane 6 hUaithne, CCE, Baile an 

Daighin, Gaillimh; 2nd Hilary Price, CCE. 

Mota, Co. na hlar Mhi; 3rd Catriona 

Coli ins, cct Ath a Caoire, Co~caigh ; 

Over 18: 1st Colin McGill. CCE, Cuil 

an tSudaire, Laois; 2nd Dean Warner, 

cct Clanbrassil,Ard Mhacha; 3rd Aine 

NicLochlainn, CCE. Seamus Mac Giolla 

Bhride, Dun na nGall 

C A Faoi 12: 1st Laura 

Langan, cct Corofin. ~aillimh ; 2nd 

AnnMarie Fitzgerald. CCE Tuar na Fola, 

Luimneach; 3rd Brid Ni Shionnain, CCE 

Aill Finn. Ros Comain; I 2 - I~: 1st 

Caitlin Brid Nic Gabhann, CCE, Cill 

Dheaglain, An Mhi; 2nd Teresa O'Dea, 

cct Doora Barefield, An Clar; 3rd 

Mairead Ni Chorradain. CCE, Teampaill 

an Ghleannciin, Luimneach; 15 - 18: 1st 

Ruth Ni Bhaoighealain, CCE,Allenwood, 

Cill Dara; 2nd Edel Fox, CCE. Doora 

Barefield. An Clar; 3rd Aidan Rynne, 

CCE. Inis Diomain, An Clar ; Over 18: 

1st Hugh Healy, CCE, Corofin.An Clar; 

2nd Triona Ni Aodha. CCE. Tra Li. 

Ciarrai; 3rd Cait Ni Shuilleabhain. CCE. 

Ma Rua/Ceapach Mhor. Luimneach 

13

TREOIR 

Eamonn Rooney, CCE, Rinn Mhic Giolla 

Rua, An Dun; 3rd Fintan Donnellan, 

CCE, Gort na mBc, Maigh Eo; 12 - 15: 

1st Dermot Hurley, CCE, Ballymote, 

Sligeach; 2nd Colm Phelan, cct 

Camross, Laois; 3rd David Griffen, cct 

St. Albans, UK; 15 - 18: 1st Eamon 

Murray, CCE, Lough Beg,Aontroma; 2nd 

Sean 6 Neill, CCE, Newcastle, An Dun; 

3rd Conor Lyons, CCE, Cluain Tarbh, 

Ath Cliath; Over 18: I st Martin 

O 'Neill, CCE, Johnny Doherty, UK; 2nd 

Paul Phillips, cct Newcastle, An Dun; 

3rd Christopher McGlone, CCE, 

Loughbeg, Aontroma 

PiOB MHOR: 12 - 15: 1st Sean 0 

Maoldomhnaigh, CCE, Caislean Ui 

Chonaill I Ahane I Baile lorbairt, 

Luimneach; 2nd Michelle Smyth, 

Kildress, Tir Eoghain; 3rd Charlotte 

Kenchington, cct Caislean a Bharraigh, 

Maigh Eo; 15 - 18: I st Daniel McCann, 

CCE, Irvinestown, Fearmanach; 2nd 

Arthur Bass, cct CarraigTeabhra, Loch 

Garman; 3rd Orla Ni Chuillinn, cct 

Anne Devlin, Cill Mhantain; Over 18: 

1st Danny Houlihan, CCE, 

Ballydonoghuel Lisselton, Ciarrai; 2nd 

Matty 0 Breachain, CCE ,Carraig 

Teabhra, Loch Garman 

ROGHA GHLEAS: Faoi 12: 1st 

Karen Ni Bhroin, CCE, Carraig Teabhra, 

Loch Garman; 2nd John Selby, cct 

Tyneside, UK; 3rd Triona Casey, cct 

Causeway, Ciarrai; 12 - 15: 1st Donna 

McGee, CCE, Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua, An 

Dun; 2nd Ronan Donnellan, cct Gort 

na mBc, Maigh Eo; 3rd Ciara Ni 

Chonduin, CCE, Baile Ui Choimin, 

Tiobraid Arann; 15 - 18: 1st Risteard 0 

Nialain CCE, Baile Locha Riach, Gaillimh; 

2nd Rachelle Ni Mhiochain, cct Leim a 

Bhradain, Cill Dara; 3rd Paula McGlone, 

CCE, Loughbeg, Aontroma; Over 18: 

1st David James, CCE, Crotty Doran, 

USA; 2nd Serena Murray, cct West 

London, UK; 3rd Charlene Ni 

Ghreachain, Dun Dealgain,An Lu 

ORUMAi: Faoi 12: 1st Stephen Ward, 

CCE, Aughnamullen, Muineachain; 2nd 

Dcnal McCague, CCE, Eamon 6 Muiri, 

Muineachain; 3rd Fintan Donnellan, 

CCE, Gort na mBc, Muigh Ec; 12 - 15: 

1st Colm Phelan, CCE, Camross, Laois; 

2nd Charline Brady, CCE, Lisnaskea, 

Fearmanach; 3rd Dermot Hurley, CCE, 

Fred Finn, Sligeach; 15 - 18: 1st Colm 

Canning, CCE, Irish Minstrels, Glasgow; 

2nd Danny Boyle, CCE, Irish Minstrels, 

Glasgow; 3rd John Bridge, cct Na 

Coradh, An Clar; Over 18: 1st Kevin 

O'Neill, cct Irish Minstrels, Glasgow; 

2nd Aidan Flood, cct Mostrim, 

Longfort; 3rd Martin Hunter, CCE, Irish 

Minstrels, Glasgow 

TIONLACAN: Faoi 12: 1st Declan 

McGee, cct Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua, An 

Dun; 2nd Sheena Geraghty, CCE, Baile 

an Daighin, Maigh Eo; 3rd Conor 

McGuirk, cct Michael Coleman, USA; 

12 - 15: 1st Lisa Canny, cct Baile an 

Daighin, Maigh Eo; 2nd Seoaine Ni 

Fhlannagain, CCE, Atha Cinn, Gaillimh; 

3rd Caitlin Ensor, cct Michael Raferty, 

USA; 15 - 18: 1st Steven Markham, 

CCE, Doora Barefield, An Clar; 2nd 

Marese Ni Ora, CCE, Caisleain a' 

Bharraigh, Maigh Eo; 3rd Ryan Graham, 

cct Portglenone, Aontroma; Over 18: 

1st Michael O'Rourke, cct Tulla, An 

Clar; 2nd David Bowen, CCE, Crotty 

Doran, USA; 3rd Ita Cunningham, cct 

Ath Cinn, Gaillimh 

VEIOHLiN FOINN MHALLA: Faoi 

12: 1st Aoife Ni Bhriain, CCE. 

Beaumont, Ath Cliath; 2nd Niall Murphy, 

CCE, Camlough, Ard Mhaca; 3rd Tara 

Breen, CCE, Doora Barfield,An Clar; 12 

- 15: 1st Daibheid 0 Dubhasa, cct 

Beal Atha na Muice, Maigh Eo; 2nd Jacob 

Willis, CCE, North London, UK; 3rd 

Athena Corcoran, CCE, Sciobairin, 

Corcaigh; 15 - 18: I st Karen Ni lci, 

CCE, Caislean a Bharraigh, Maigh Eo; 

2nd Niamh Nic Dhuinn, CCE, Ma 

Rua/Ceapach Mhcr, Luimneach; 3rd 

Grainne Gillan, CCE, Loughbeg, 

Aontroma; Over 18: 1st Eleanor 

15 

Keane, CCE, Irish Minstrels, Glasgow; 

2nd Marian Collins, CCE, Ath a Caoire, 

Corcaigh; 3rd Denise Ni Cheilleachair, 

cct Naomh Mhichil, Luimneach 

PiOB UILLEANN FOINN 

MHALLA: Faoi 12: 1st Riain 6 

Murchu, CCE, Fearmhui, Corcaigh; 2nd 

Elvin 0 Muinigh, CCE, Piobairi Uilleann, 

Ath Cliath; 3rd Shane Keating, CCE, 

Fearmhui, Corcaigh; 12 - 15: I st Marc 

Mac Reamonn, CCE, Carraig Teabhra, 

Loch Garman; 2nd Sean McCarthy, 

cct Baile Mhisteala, Corcaigh; 3rd 

Kevin O'Farrell, CCE Na Comaraigh, 

Port Lairge; 15 - 18: 1st Sean McKeon, 

CCE, Sean Treacy, Ath Cliath; 2nd 

Risteard 0 Niallain, cct Baile Locha 

Riach, Gaillimh; 3rd. Ciaran 0 

Maoldomhnaigh, cct Magh Cuilinn, 

Gaillimh; Over 18: I st Thomas 

Johnson, cct Eamon 0 Muiri, 

Muineachain; 3rd Tom Rota, Castletroy, 

Luimneach 

FEAOOG MHOR FOINN 

MHALLA: Faoi 12: 1st Sheila Friel, 

CCE, Irish Minstrels, Glasgow; 2nd 

Catherine O'Grady, West London, UK; 

3rd Sean 0 Maicin, cct Inis Corthaidh, 

Loch Garman; 12 - 15: 1st Cathal Mac 

an Ri, cct Tradraighe, An Clar; 2nd 

Eoghan Conway, cct Hanafin Cooley, 

USA; 3rd Ciara Ni Chonduin, CCE Baile 

Ui Choimin,Tiobraid Arann; 15 - 18: 1st 

Aodhan O'Neill, cct Dromore, Tir 

Eoghain; 2nd Risteard 6 Niallain, CCE, 

Baile Locha Riach, Gaillimh; 3rd Sinead 

Fahy, cct Dun Garbhain, Port Lairge; 

Over 18: 1st Seacailin Ni Ealaithe, 

CCE, Teampall a Ghleanntain, 

Luimneach; 2nd Deirdre Ni Deorain, 

cct Ferns, Loch Garman; 3rd Tom 

O 'Connor, cct Milltown/Listry, Ciarrai 

FEAOOG STAIN FOINN 

MHALLA: Faoi 12: 1st Al ison 

O 'Regan, cct Ath a Caoire, Corcaigh; 

2nd Fiona Barron, cct Leitir Ceanainn, 

Dun na nGall; 3rd Deirdre Ni Bhriain,

TREOIR 

CCE, Min na Croise, Dun na nGall; 3rd 

~oghan 6 Ceannabhain, CCE, Naithi, 

Ath Cliath; 12 - 15: 1st Shane 

MacDonncha, Moy Cullen, Gaillimh; 2nd 

Prionsias 6 Gallach6ir, CCE, Min na 

Croise, Dun , na nGall; 3rd Tadhg 6 

Donnchu. CCE, Gleann Fleisce, Ciarrai; 15 

- 18: 1st Cathal Lynch, CCE. Omagh. Tir 

Eoghain; 2nd Aodh Breathnach, CCE, Min 

na Croise. D9n na nGall; 3rd Tadhg 6 

Meachair. CCE. Ros Cre. Tiobrad Arann; 

Over 18: 1st Eoghan Warner, CCE, Cr. an 

Aghasaigh. Ciarrai; 2nd Lorcan 

MacMathuna. CCE. Craobh Naithi, Ath 

Cliath; 3rd Ciaran 6 Concheanainn. CCE, 

Magh Cuilinn. Gaillimh 

EN~LlSH 

SINGING (LADIES): 

Faol 12: 1st Sorcha Ni Chorcorain 

CCE. Beal Atha na Sluaighe. Ro~ 

Comain; 2nd Amy Ni Dhubhslaine 

CCE. Ballyboy. Uibh FhaiH; 3rd Siobha~ 

Ni Mhuimhneachain, CCE, Laichtin 

Naofa, Corcaigh: 12 - 15: 1st Nollaig 

Nic Aindriu, CCE, Caislean a' Bharraigh, 

Maigh Eo; 2nd Nikita Bujivid. CCE. 

Balli,nascreena. Doire; 3rd Jane Rooney, 

CCE. Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua.An Dun; IS 

- 18: 1st Kathryn McKiernan CCE 

Rathcoole. Ath Cliath; 2nd Ann' Marie 

O'Neill. CCE. Sailbheaster Mac 

Conmhuigh. Tiobrad Arann; 3rd Katie 

Crean, CCE, West London; Over 18: 

1st Sharon Buckley. CCE. Moyvanel 

Knockanure. Ciarrai; 2nd Cristin Ni 

Phiaras, CCE, Ros Comain; 3rd Maire 

Hanley, CCE, Naithi, Ath Cliath 

ENGLISH SINGING (MEN): Faoi 

12: 1st Tomas Russell. CCE. Clonaslee. 

Laois; 2nd Dean 6 Liostuin. CCE. 

Ardacha/Carraig Chiarrai. Luimneach; 

3rd Sean 6 Corcorain. CCE. Beal Atha 

na Sluaighe. R6s Comain; 12 - 15: 1st 

Owen O·Donnell. CCE South Sligo. 

Sligeach; 2nd John Cleary. CCE. 

Ballinascreen. Doire; 3rd Michael 

O'Brien, CCE, Castlemaine, Ciarrai; 15 - 

18: 1st Tadhg 6 Meachair, CCE, Ros 

cre: Tiobrad Arann; 2nd Cathal Lynch. 

CCE, Omagh, Tir Eoghain; 3rd Ronan 

Berry, CCE, Forth & Bargy, Loch 

Garman; Over 18: 1st Brian 6 hAirt 

CCE. Francis O'Neill, USA; 2nd 

Desmond Neylon, CCE, Baile Locha 

Riach, Gaillimh; 3rd Peadar Sherry, CCE, 

Emyvale, Muineachain 

FEADAiL: FAOI 12: 1st Niamh Ni 

Choisdealbha, CCE, Caislean Ui 

Chonaill/Ahane/B. lorbairt, Luimneach; 

2nd R6isin Lawton. CCE, Cathair Phort 

Lairge; 3rd Davina Ni Ghliasain, CCE, 

Bannow. Loch Garman; 12 - I S: 1st 

Robaird Harvey. CCE. Camross. Laois; 

2nd Mairead Ni Chorradain, CCE, 

Teampall an Ghleanntciin. Luimneach; 

3rd Denis Moynihan. CCE. Gleann 

Fleisce. Ciarrai; 15 - 18: 1st Oisin de 

Buith~ir. CCE. Leim an Bhradain. CiII 

Dara; 2nd Tadhg Maher, CCE. Ros Cre. 

Tiobraid Arann; Over 18: 1st Sean 

Seosamh Mac Domhnaill. CCE. Cathair 

na Mart. Maigh Eo; 2nd Ainide Ui 

Bheinneis. CCE. Teampall an 

Ghleanntciin, Luimneach; 3rd Padraig 6 

h6rgain. CCE. Ballybunion. Ciarrai 

PORTAIREACHT: Faoi 12: 1st 

Rachael Loughran. CCE. Middlesborough. 

UK; 2nd Feenagh Davey. CCE. 

Bannow. Loch Garman; 3rd Caoimhe 

Kearins. Ballymote. Sligeach; 12 - I S: 1st 

Cian Kearins. Ballymote. Sligeach; 2nd 

E~in O·Donnell. CCE. South Sligo. 

SlIgeach; 3rd Ciara Renhill. CCE 

Lisnaskea. Fearmanach; I 5 - 18: I st 

Ciara Brennan. CCE, Piobairi Uilleann, 

Ath Cliath; 2nd Tadhg Maher, CCE Ros 

Cre. Tiobrad Arann; 3rd Siobhan 

O·Donnell. CCE. Sligeach Theas, 

Sligeach; Over 18: 1st Sean 6 

Cathalain, CCE. An Gleann. Luimneach; 

2nd P61 6 Monain. CCE. Corofin. 

Gaillimh; 3rd Liam 6 Caoimh. CCE. 

Anne Devlin, Cill Mhantciin 

AMHRAN NUA-CHEAPTHA: 1st 

Brenda Ni Shuilleabhain CCE 

Rathcoole, Ath Cliath; 2nd R6isin Ni 

Mhuiris, CCE, Aill Finn, Gaillimh; 3rd 

Sarah Stone. CCE, Rahan, Uibh Fhaili 

NEWLY COMPOSED BALLAD - 

ENGLISH: 1st Niall Wall, CCE, Inis 

Corthaidh, Loch Garman; 2nd Dan 

Keane , CCE, Moyvane/Knockanure, 

Ciarrai; 3rd Col m O'Donnell, CCE, 

Sligeach Theas, Sligeach 

COMHRA GAEILGE: Faoi 9: 1st 

Proinnsias 6 Gallach6ir, CCE, Min na 

Croise, Dun na nGall; 2nd Caitlin Ni 

Mheal6id, CCE Rath Cairn,An Mhi; 3rd 

Caoimhe Nic Giolla Bhride, CCE, Min na 

Croise, Dun na nGall; 9-1 I: 1st Eimear 

Ni Earcain. CCE. Cora Finne, An Clar; 

2nd Aisling Ni Chonghaile, CCE, Magh 

Cuilinn. Gaillimh; 3rd Bridin Ni 

Mhaoldomhnaigh, CCE, Min na Croise, 

Dun na nGall; I 1-13: 1st Mairtin 6 

Rabhartaigh. CCE. Min na Croise, Dun 

na nGall; 2nd Sile Ni Ghallch6ir, CCE, 

Min na Croise. Dun na nGall; 3rd Eanna 

6 Siadil. CCE. An Uaimh, An Mi; 13-15: 

1st Ciaran Lawless, CCE.JJ Gardiner,An 

Lu; 2nd Aisling Nic an Riogh. CCE, Dun 

Dealgan. An Lu; 3rd Sinead Breathnach 

CCE. Min na Croise. Dun na nGall; IS~ 

18: 1st Aodh Breathnach. CCE. Min na 

Croise. Dun na nGall; 2nd Aine Ni 

Raifeartaigh. CCE. Caislean Ui Chonailll 

Ahane/Baile lorbairt. Luimneach; 3rd 

Muireann Ni Dhonnabhain, CCE 

Duglaise. Corcaigh 

RINCE SEIT: Faoi 12: IstSt.Gerards 

Set, An Clar; 2nd Ballydonoghuel 

Lisselton Ciarrai; 12 - I S: I st The 

Mullagh Set. An Clar; 2nd CCE, 

Galbally/Ballyhogue, Loch Garman; 3rd 

Kilcummin. Ciarrai; 15 - 18: 1st 

Shamrock Set, Lonfort; 2nd Bunbrosna. 

lar Mhi; 3rd Rahan Set, Uibh Fhaili 

SET DANCE, WOMEN, SENIOR: 

1st Elphin Set, Ros Comain; 2nd CCE, 

Galbally/Ballyhogue, Loch Garman; 

3rdKilcummin, Ciarrai 

SET DANCE, MIXED, SENIOR: 

1st Abbeyknockmoy, An Ghaillimh; 2nd 

Gleneagle Set, Ciarrai; 3rd Kilcummin, 

Ciarrai 

17

TREOIR 

• .-- 

• 

-. 

• ••

TREOIR 

Songs submitted by Seamus Mac Mathuna 

The Brosna Slide Set 

These slides are associated with the Brosna Ceilf Band of North Kerry, having been 

learnt from local Brosna musician, Jack Cahill. Winners of the 1972 All-Ireland Title, 

the Brosna Band can be heard playing this set on the Comhaltas Ceilf Bands 

Reunion CD or on the Video of the event recorded at Fleadh Nua 200 I in Ennis. 

,j 

Brosna Slide No. I 

")i 1 J)i J jl ffl r p 1 

m m 

j J1 J J1 1 J)i J} JP r p 1 J 

jl m 

J. J :11 

,j P 1 r p cV r ~ r plC P J P C P r p 1 r ~ EI1 r ~ r plC J1 J13 J. J :11 

'i 

Brosna Slide No. 2 

f r p ill J) J)i 1 in J p c· P J 1 r p ill J)i J )i 1 £fJ tlj J. J jl :11 

,. J P JP r p JPI J jl j p r jl ID 1 

Jp DJ r p DJI ill JP J. J) :11 

Brosna Slide No. 3 

,ipir- r er r ~ 

r ~ 1 C jl ill r n 1 r- r er 0 c P1C,p DJ J. J,p :11 

,iD Cl FP ca F ~ 1 Cl FP c er r ~ 1 Cl FP E" r Er 1 f" Cf.J' 0 r ~ :11 

.20rJ..

TREOIR 

The Lament 

of Hugh Reynolds 

As the song indicates Hugh Reynolds was a Cavan man who was tried and hanged 

for the abduction of 'one Catherine McCabe' (the execution took place in March 

1826). It would seem that he was most sadly betrayed. Catherine McCabe 

apparently, conspired to elope wth him, but when after some time they were, at her 

parent's instigation, arrested, she was prevailed upon to give evidence against him 

and swear that she had been abducted. It is interesting to note the way in which 

the word 'dear' is used in the recurring phrase 'She's the dear Maid to me'. It is used 

to denote 'costly' rather than the conventional 'dearly loved'; and this is appropriate 

enough because as the song tells the ill-starred elopment (or abduction) is to cost 

the unfortunate Hugh Reynolds his life. 

The author is not known (to our knowledge) but obviously he/she was a song 

writer of the time, probably from Cavan or an adjoining county. The song is 

sometimes called 'She's the dear maid to me'. 

)1 J , j IJ } J • 

J1 till a 

,» J PE ~ FP .pi J }la Jd "I r ~ I J lJ Jl J. J )1 

My name it is Hugh Reyno lds, come of honest pare nts, Near 

'* 

Cavan 

I was born, as you may plainly 

a } 

J 

l 

J1 

J , • 

J) 

see For the loving of 

llJ ~ r ~ r a maid , 

~ J 

Catheri ne Mac Cabe My life has been betrayed, she's the 

l 

J1 

r 

l 

J7 

one 

l 

J1 

r J ~ r ~ r ~ 

J J~ IJ J5J )). r p IJ lJ JiJ J. 

dear maid to me The country was bewailing my doleful situ ati on But 

,I 

still I'd expectation this maid would set me free But, oh, she proved ungrateful, her 

a J 

l 

J 

; }. la , J IJ ~ r ~ f ~ J .p a iJ )J J~J 

parents were deceitful Although I loved her faithful , she's the dear maid to me. 

My name it is Hugh Reynolds, I come of honest parents, 

Near Cavan I was born, as you may plainly see 

For the loving of a maid, one Catherine McCabe 

My life has been betrayed, she's the dear maid to me 

The country was bewaiiling my doleful situation 

But still I'd expectation this maid would set me free 

But, oh, she proved ungrateful, her parents were deceitful 

Although I loved her faithful, she's the dear maid to me. 

Adieu my loving father, and you my tender mother, 

Farewell my dearest brother, who has suffered sore for me, 

By irons I'm surrounded, in grief I lie confounded, 

By perjury unbounded, she's the dear maid to me. 

Now I must say farewell, to the lawboard I must go 

There to take my last goodbye of my frineds and country 

May the angels shining bright receive my soul this night 

And bear it into Heaven with the Blessed Trinity. 

Young men and tender maidens, throughout this Irish nation 

Who hear my lamentation, I hope you'll pray for me 

The truth I do unfold, that my precious blood she sold 

In the grave I must lie cold, she's the dear maid to me 

For now my glass is run, my last hour it has come 

And I must die for love, and the height of chivalry 

Sure I thought it was no harm to embrace her in my arms 

Or take her from her parents, she's the dear maid to me . 

.:20

THEY SAILED AWAY FROM DUBLIN BAY 

New CD by Liam Farrell and Joe Whelan 

Some may have 

been learned in 

their homelands, 

other are current 

favourites from 

their constantly 

shifting repertoire. 

As Joe says, 'One 

tune falls off the 

conveyer belt and 

another joins it! ' 

The names given 

They sailed away from Dublin Bay' 

features two of Ireland's greatest 

traditional performers Liam Farrell 

from Tyrone on banjo and Joe 

Whelan from Offaly on button 

accordion, along with young 

Roscommon flute player James 

Carty and the piano 

accompaniment of London's 

Reg Hall. 

Liam has, of course, had a long 

association with Comhaltas, 

having joined many of our tours 

over the years and he is still in the 

mainstream of Irish traditional 

music in London. 

The booklet with the CD contains 

extensive notes and photographs 

reflecting the background to these 

recordings. 

The recordings provide a window 

on a part of the current Irish 

traditional music scene in London. 

The music has been gleaned from 

years of playing alongside some of 

the great names in traditional music 

who came to London from all over 

Ireland to live, work and, in their 

spare time, play music. 

Liam Farrell and Joe Whelan play an 

eclectic mixture of reels, jigs, 

hornpipes, polkas and waltzes. 

be the well known ones, 

others are named (in timehonoured 

fashion) after the 

musicians they learned them from, 

while some are just remembered 

by the place where they were first 

heard.As one noted musician said, 

'If you know the titles of every tune 

you play they you don't know 

enough tunes!' 

The CD is available in Ireland from 

Claddagh Records in Dublin. Mail 

order from the above address at 

€20 plus €1.50 p&p (euro cheques 

made to J Howson) or credit card 

orders for +44 (0) 1449673695.

Seamus de Brun's lifelong service to 

Ireland and her culture was 

celebrated at Tion61 Leo Rowsome 

2002. Collegues and friends gathered 

from near and far to pay tribute to 

this exceptional Gael. The setting was 

Culturlann na hEireann which 

epitomised all that Seamus held near 

and dear in his cultural endeavours. 

Seam us, current Trustee-General and 

former Uachtanin of Comhaltas, was 

joined by his family Mairfn, Tadhg and 

Finian for what was a gala occasion. 

Minister Eamonn 6 Cuiv, TO and 

Senator Labhras 6 Murchu paid 

glowing tributes to 'a colleague, friend 

and mentor' who had left an indelible 

mark on the cultural life of the 

nation. Seam us, who was also a 

former Senator, served his country in 

many ways and his love of the Irish 

language, music, song, dance and 

games was central to his life and that 

of his family. His late wife Brfd also 

worked tirelessly for Ireland and she 

was recalled with affection at the 

memorable occasion at the 

Culturlann. 

Musicians, singers and dancers all paid 

tribute to Seamus and his family. The 

choir from Co. na Gaillimhe wer aweinspiring. 

Ciaran Mac Mathuna related 

a number of interesting and amusing 

anecdotes when recalling the life and 

times of Seamus de Brun. Bill McEvoy, 

Padraig 6 Riain, Seamus Mac Mathuna 

and Padraig 6 Oufaigh also brought 

us down b6ithrin na smaointe while 

treated us to a 

virtuoso 

performance on 

the fiddle. 

Helena Rowsome 

Grimes, 

representing the 

Rowsome family, 

spoke of her 

23

The Mulligan Quinn Branch New York 

is one of America's oldest branches. It 

came into existence 43 years ago first 

as an Irish Musicians Association 

Music Club.After the founding of 

Comhaltas here in 1972, it became a 

branch of Comhaltas in 1973. 

I have vivid memories of its founding, 

the year was 1959. That year Fleadh 

Cheoil na hEireann was held in 

Thurles. Unlike today, not many 

people from America went to the 

Fleadh. We did find out that the 

Leitrim Ceili Band had won the AII 

Ireland Senior Ceili Band competition. 

All the Leitrim folk were delighted, 

but it's Galway who should have been 

celebrating, because the Leitrim Ceili 

Band came from Loughrea. 

That same year 1959 Pcidraig 6 

hEidhin became the third President of 

Comhaltas. Kilkenny won the AII 

Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 

in a replay with Waterford, 3-12 to 

1-10 before n ,ooo spectators. On 

that historic day an old GM friend 

from Kerry joined me as we climbed 

on to the roof of my house to try and 

get better reception of the game from 

Croke Park, which was broadcast to 

the Tri-State area through the facilities 

ofWNYC New York. The voice of the 

late Michecil 6 Hehir was loud and 

clear as he brought such excitement 

to the game that would thrill many 

Irish heart in exile. 

HaVing listened to the All-Ireland 

Senior Hurling final, I decided to go to 

which at that time was held in Corles 

Hall, Bronx. I linked up with a fairly 

new friend named Eddie Chisholm, a 

great fiddle player from Donegal. 

When we got to Corles Hall, there 

was a great turnout. About 40 

musicians were assembled in a circle, 

a great welcome was extended to all 

from President Ed Roon. 

After tea was served. it was 

customary then for the President to 

say a few words. to introduce new 

members. and recognise those who 

were considered dignitaries. The late 

Louis Eo Quinn, RIP 1991 of New York 

was considered a VI P. Together with 

the late Ed Reevy of Philadelphia and 

In hiJ address to the meeting, Mr 

Quinn spoke of the great progress 

being made in America. He went on 

to say that later that evening he 

would preside over the forming of a 

new Irish traditional music club in the 

parish of St Bridget, Westbury, Long 

Island. He invited the musicians to 

attend the formal opening. 

There was a massive turnout at St 

Bridget's Auditorium. The church 

bulletin had carried the 

announcement of a new traditional 

25

TREOIR 

Annual Boat Ride up the Hudson 

River to Bear Mountain State Park. 

This event was jointly sponsored by 

the Michael Coleman, Paddy Killoran, 

Patsy Touhy and Louis E. Quinn, IMA 

Clubs. More than twelve hundred 

people boarded that huge liner 

annually for a day of music, song and 

celebration. It always took place on a 

Sunday. From very early morning huge 

crowds of men, women and children 

would gather at Pier 37 New York 

Harbour, with picnic baskets and 

coolers, all ready for the day. They 

never needed an umbrella. On these 

special occasions the good Lord 

smiled down on the Irish, it never did 

rain.As the gang plank was lifted and 

the ship eased slowly away from Port. 

there was that humongous cheer 

from all aboard. Some would have 

remembered sadder times in their 

own lives as they kissed goodbye and 

sadly parted with loved ones at home 

in Ireland. This was not to be a day of 

sadness but rather one of joy and 

celebration. As the old Irish saying 

goes 'the craic was mighty', both on 

the ship and all day in the park, as 

music flowed from under every tree 

and shade. It was great to be there. 

The day would end when the ships 

siren sounded for all to board as we 

headed into the setting sun for the 

return trip to New York Harbour. 

Occasionally, there was the downside 

to all the fun, when someone got left 

behind. This happened to the late 

Johnny Cronin from Rathmore, Kerry 

and Pat O 'Sullivan, Spa, Tralee, they 

were left behind because they didn't 

hear the ships siren. The story goes 

that Pat O'Sullivan who had a very 

unusual setting of ' The Bright Star of 

Munster' was helping Johnny with the 

new version of the tune. Anyway they 

never heard the ships siren, so they 

got delayed. But the chances are their 

dilemma may well have come in a 

bottle. It is not repeatable here what 

Johnny Cronln had to say about the 

'Bright Star of Munster', which on 

that occasion became a dark cloud in 

the lives of two renowned fiddle 

players from Kerry. 

There were other special events also 

of great significance to the Mulligan 

Quinn Branch. In 1969 when Labhnis 

and Una came here on an 

exploratory visit for Comhaltas, they 

were welcomed at the Irish Centre 

Mineola by the late N6ra Mullan RIP, 

Armagh. N6ra later served as Branch 

Secretary. In 1974 the then branch 

hosted the first qualifying Fleadh held 

here under Comhaltas rules. Together 

with the Jim Seery Branch in that 

same year, they sponsored two 

charter flights to Ireland for Fleadh 

Cheoil na hEireann at Listowel. The 

Hall of Fame so popular now in 

America and Canada was first 

introduced at the 1987 Mulligan 

j 

Quinn Branch AGM by John Whelan 

Miltown Malbay. It has been an 

outstanding success since 1988. The 

branch has hosted every concert tour 

from Ireland since 1972, as well as 

accommodating the performing 

artistes. The branch actively 

participated in fund raising for 

Culturlann na hEireann which was 

officially opened April 23, 1976. These 

are but a very few of the activities 

associated with the branch over its 

many years of existence. 

For those of us left to remember 

there have been many changes since 

1959. I recently paid a visit to St 

Bridget's Cemetery, Westbury as I am 

wont to do. For most part it is an AlI 

Irish cemetery. The head stones so 

clearly engraved pay silent tribute to 

men and women I had known in the 

past. Good friends from Ireland that I 

laughed and quaffed with are now 

1 • . .,-- -... ..... 

Ireland's traditional 

culture (which they 

fully understood) 

served as a beacon 

and a legacy to all 

of us who followed 

This year, Kilkenny 

and Clare are again 

in contention for 

the All-Ireland Senior Hurling 

Championship. On this occasion I will 

not have to climb on to the roof of 

my house to get better reception. 

Instead I will view the game on a big 

screen, where I can even see the 

blades of grass on Ireland's Croke 

Park. Where games were won and 

lost, and where men of deeds gallantry 

and zeal once played. Technology has 

made possible so many things that we 

never even dreamed of. Our Irish 

culture and heritage is not the 

product of technology. 

May our future match our past. It is in 

the past that we find our roots and 

traditions. The Mulligan Quinn Branch 

is proud of its contribution to 

Ireland's tradtitional heritage over the 

past 43 years.As we continue to grow 

and strengthen, may we always be 

proud of the spirit of the past. 

27

TREOIR 

MEMORIAL TO BALLYNONTY 

MUSICIAN UNVEILED 

John Guiton, Tipperary Star 

The majestic Reen scenic site 

perched on the Slieveardagh hills 

overlooking Glengoole village 

provided the perfect setting for the 

unveiling on Sunday last of a 

memorial to commemorate 

legendary traditional musician Pat 

Lyons. 

The sun beamed on a delightful 

afternoon as the sounds of 

traditional music perforated the 

sultry air in salute to one of 

Ireland's best known accordeon 

players. The late Pat Lyons, who 

resided at Ballynonty, had a few 

peers when it came to traditional 

Irish music and musicians, singers 

and dancers, had travelled from all 

over County Tipperary, and much 

further afield, to pay tribute to a 

talented and most unassuming man. 

Pat Lyons passed to his eternal 

reward last year, and shortly after 

his death a local committee was 

formed with the objective of 

erecting a memorial in his name. Pat 

had travelled the length and breadth 

of Ireland, and indeed abroad, 

entertaining wide audiences, and had 

a long list of distinguished 

achievements to his name. It was 

very fitting, therefore, that on 

Sunday last in the heart of his 

beloved Slieveardagh that the local 

community gathered in great 

numbers for the unveiling of a 

beautiful piece of work produced by 

skilled craftsmen Jimmy and Bart 

O 'Keefe.Among the guests at the 

ceremony were Pat's wife Maura and 

family, his sister Mary, brother, Sean, 

and relatives. In a very fitting 

address, Mr Padraig O 'Oufaigh, 

National Treasurer of Comhaltas, 

who unveiled the memorial said that 

he was honoured to perform the 

function in memory of 'a great 

friend, brilliant musician, a lovely 

character and family man: Mr 6 

Oufaigh said he was delighted to see 

that a local committee had set 

about remembering Pat Lyons in this 

way. 'Not enough is done to honour 

people in the calibre of Pat who 

have beavered so hard to keep 

traditional music al ive in Ireland' he 

said. He added 'I knew Pat mostly 

through his association with two 

great friends on mine Sean and 

Kathleen Ryan. When Sean died Pat 

kept up the legacy of the great 

tradition established by the Sean 

Ryan Quartet. I'm delighted that the 

music of Sean, Pat and friends is 

now on CO: 

Mr 6 Oufaigh in a warm tribute to 

the late Pat said that he never 

'hogged the limelight' and always had 

'a generous word: He added The 

musicians here today to honour the 

memory of Pat Lyons got their 

inspiration from people like him who 

played in the halls and at the firesides 

with a pure love of their music. We 

have great memories of Pat.' 

Fr John O'Keefe, CC Gortnahoe 

Glengoole, Chairperson of the 

Memorial Committee, marvelled at 

the beauty of the location for the 

memorial, and expressed his 

gratitude to everybody for their 

support during their fund raising 

campaign. He praised committee 

members for their work, and the 

craftsmen involved in the project for 

their expertise. He spoke of Pat 

Lyons's talents and popularity and 

said he was delighted to be 

associated with the tribute to him. 

Fr O'Keefe performed the blessing 

of the memorial. 

29

TREOIR 

AN NOLLAIG 

DOIRfN MHIC MHURCHU 

gach aoine leis. 

'Beadsa i mo chaptaen' arsa mise: (,Jimin', 

An Seabhac). 

Mas e La Nollag la na ceiliurtha, se La le 

Stiofain, no La an Dreoilin, la mor an 

cheoi!' I gCill Chainnigh i 1828. 

'Ta sneachta ar Shliabh na mBan Fionn 0 

La fheile bhreith Chrfosta, Pobal Gael a 

adhradh, rosagain sa mhainsear ag Aifreann 

na Geine. 

'Dia do bheatha,A Saoidhe naoimh! 

sa mhainsear ce taoi bocht 

meidhreach saibhir ata tu 

is glormhar id' dhun fein anocht ... 

... A Mhuire, a mhathair og, 

oscail doras an chro dhom 

go n-adhraim ard-Ri na ndul - 

nach cora dhuinn na do dhamh ".' 

(Duan Nollag,Aodh mac Aingi/, /57/-/626) 

'Siud nos do bhi sa Mhmhain lem 

linn de ghnath, 

Cruinniu ar dhaoine 

ag sui in aontigh 

amhain, 

Ceolta si acu, laoithe, 

pie, agus dain, 

Is an meid do 

olfaidis go 

ndiolfadh aon 

amhain .' 

bhun go mullach Sui Finn .i. barr Shleibhe 

na mBan. 

Grathain an bhaile ag imeacht 0 

dhoras go doras, le dreoilin 

i gcrann cuilinn, ag 

iarraidh airgid 

chun bheith 

ar meisce 

um dheireadh 

lae. Is olc an 

nos a thabhairt 

doibh e.' 

Ni raibh an Captaen Sasanach 

• 

! 

Beannachtai le dos go glinn san aer, realta 

ag glinniuint sa speir, sioc ag spreacharnail 

ar thulcain fheir ar thaobh an bhothair. 

Abhaile linn fa dhein cupla uair a'chloig 

cod lata, agus ansin, an cheiliuradh. 

'" . Ta cuileann gluair is druadh-Ius ar 

tiughas 

I bhfraghthacha an halla mar id du, 

Soillsi ar lasadh, bronntais gheala ar buird 

Is bloc na Nodlag ag tinteallaigh san luib. 

Ta teine ann, gan dabht, mar ghrein lae 

tuil. 

Bladhmsach bromanta buidhe is-ailliliu! 

Seo chughainn an ceol, sea chughainn an 

feasta ar stiuir! 

Siud ort, a Nodlaig! a rioghain na roillsi 

ruin " .' 

('An Nod/aig' /e Liam Gogan) 

Ba mhoch ar maidin a thosnaiodh an 

cheiliuradh ar La Nollag sa chead sea 

caite '". 25112/1828 La Nollaig. An 

Ghealach ag taitneamh roimh fhainne an 

lae, os speir gan beal gan ceo ag failtiu an 

deighlein rosa. Druma mor da bhualadh ag 

a cuig a chlog, fideoga agus feadain da n 

imirt ag aosog an bhaile (On Lae 

Amhlaoibh,Amhlaoibh 6 Suilleabhain). 

Tharla sin i gCallan i gCondae Chill 

Chainnigh, ach bigi cinnte de, niorbh taise 

d'aon ait eile in Eirinn an trath san e. Nar 

dhuirt se fein. 

Agus dha bhliain 

ni ba dheanai, 

Nollaig 1830, deir se 

'Domhnach Casca is La 

Nollag an da la is fearr don bhlog 

". Ord Mor .i.Aifreann cantaireacht ag a 

se a chlog roimh bhreacadh an lae. 

Sneachta ag buille a chlog agus ar feadh an 

lae ... liathroidi sneachta da gcaitheamh ag 

bruscar an bhaile ".' 

Liathroidi sneachta agus sort sa trathnona, 

agus mar is dual do bhuachaillini mar Jimin 

Maire Thadhg pleidhciocht. 

'Nuair a bhi an dinnear caite agam La 

Nollag chuas ar lorg Mhicilin Eoghain. 

Thugamar tamall ag caitheamh tobac as 

pip a fuair Micilin ag dui amu i bpoca a 

athar. 

Nuair a bhi an tobac caite againn bhiomar 

d'iarraidh cuimhneamh ar cad a 

dheanfaimis. Bhiomar i bhfad ag 

cuimhneamh ar rudai ach ceann acu ni 

raibh ch un ar sasaimh. Sa deireadh 

d'eistiomar ar fad . Sine an uair a rith an 

rud im aigne fein . Th'anam don scian, a 

Mhicilin: arsa mise, 'an bhfuil a fhios agat 

cad e' 'Cad e' arsa Micilin . 

'Biodh Dreoilin amarach againn: arsa mise. 

'Thanam don diucs, biodh: arsa Micilin, 

agus an da shuil ag dui amach as a cheann, 

'agus beadsa im' amadan'. Sin e an fear a 

mbionn an lamhnan gaoithe aige sa 

Josias Bodley, chomh dian san 

ar lucht an dreoilin. Chaith 

seisean Nollaig na bliana 1600 le 

cara leis i gcondae an Duin. La 'le 

Stiofain, chuaigh se fein agus a chairde ag 

marcaiocht ar 'handsome horses' ag 

feachaint na duthaigh.Ansan d'imir siad 

cartai agus duichi eile go dti gur thainig ar 

cuairt chucha 'certain maskers of the Irish 

gentry'. Thogadar isteach iad, chuireadar 

ag 01 iad agus d'imrfodar duichi disle leo.' 

B'fheidir na raibh moran difrfochta idir a 

mbeile siud agus an ceann a bhi ag 

Amhlaoibh 6 Suilleabhain breis is dha 

chead bliain ni ba dheanai. 

'" . Bhi cois caoirealach bhruite le meacain 

agus tuirneisi, bhi ghe rosta le pis uaine 

agus putog, bhi mias strfopaisi muchta i 

leamhnacht, bhi fion port agus cailtin 

(fuisce te, im , bainne, siucra) bhi tae agus 

amhrain bhinne Gaeilge againn agus 

chaitheamar an oiche agus an t-aon bhuille 

deag go sugach solasach somhanmnach 

suairc seimh sultmhar.' 

Guim Nollaig shona dhiobh go leir togha 

an bhia, rogha an di, agus scoth an cheoi!' 

' . .. A Phadraig on Leanbh sea fuair bachall 

rosa mar bhuaidh gras, 

A ghein gan domhlas id chli, 

'5 a Bhrighid, bi linn de ghnath.' 

(Duan Nallag, Aodh Mac Aingi/) 

Dreoilin, ta sa fhios agat, agus e ag bualadh 

35

TREOIR 

After three decades of Annual Tours a 

Comhaltas group of musicians singers 

and dancers was due to travel to USA 

and Canada in October 200 I for the 

30 th Annual Comhaltas Tour. 

Because of the tragic events of 

September I I th 200 I the Tour was 

cancelled. 

Now one year later we resume our 

series of Annual Tours; encouraged by 

memories of wonderful music and 

friendships shared down through the 

years we are delighted to be going 

'Back to America' on Tour once more. 

About the Tunes 

Track I - Group Reels: Mary of 

the Grove/Micho Russell's (2: 17) 

The fi rst reel featured in the 1912 

Roche Collection of Traditional Irish 

Music, which the second tune was 

collected by Brendan Breathnach 

under t he t itle Upstairs in a Tent, 

though it is generally associated with 

t he name Micho Russell's. 

Track 2 - Lindsay Moynagh 

(harp): jigs - Tommy People's/ 

Port an Luaithreadiiin (2:07)* 

The first jig was composed some 

years ago by the highly acclaim ed 

Donegal fidd ler, To mmy Peoples. 

Tommy also plays t he t une as a waltz, 

to be heard on his most recent 

recording, The Quite Glen. Port 

an Luaithreadan is a 

composition of legendary 

fi ddler, Junior Crehan of 

Mullagh, Co. Clare (1908 - 

1998), and has featu red on a 

number of recordings in 

recent t imes. 

Track 3 - Daire Mulhern: 

Reels - The Thirteen 

Arches/ 

Richard Dwyer's (2:21)* 

The Thirteen Arches was 

composed by Seamus 

IP-..,.14 Connolly and recorded on 

his Green Linnet solo album 

'Here and There' GLCD 

1098. The second reel was 

composed by Cork accordionist, 

Richard Dwyer, and featured on a 

1970's recording by East Galway fluteplayer 

Paddy Carty, an album which was 

subsequently reissued on CD by 

Shanachie in 1997 under the title - 

Paddy Carty (SHA 34017). 

Track 4 - Group jigs: Did you see 

my man/The Collier's Jig (2:02) 

The first jig appeared on two 

significant recordings in the late 1970's, 

the first on Mairtfn O'Connor's debut 

recording on the Mulligan label, 

entitled The Connachtman's Rambles, 

and later in 1979 on the Green Linnet 

reissue of the Mulligan recording of 

Kevin Burke & Micheal 6 Domhnaill 

entitled Promenade. The jig has also 

been referred to as Port an Bhrathair 

and Sonny Brogan's. The second tune is 

a jig version of the commonly played 

reel of same name, and is known also 

as Do You Want Any More. 

Track 5 - Padraig McGovern: 

Reels-Jenny's Wedding/The Big 

Reel of Ballynacally (2:24)* 

jenny's Wedding is a tune which featured 

initially in O'Nei/l's Music of Ireland (No. 

1479) of 1903, and continues to feature 

in the popular repertoire to this day. 

The second reel is a version of a tune 

which featured in the repertoire of 

Sean 6 Riada's Ceoltoiri Chualann as 'Ri! 

Mhor Bhaile an Chalaidh'. 

Track 6 - Aistrid Ni Mhongain: 

Song - You Rambling Boys of 

Pleasure (4: 18) 

You Rambling Boys of Pleasure, is one of 

those songs passed on to this 

generation by singers such as Robert 

Cinnamond and Paddy Tunney. WB. 

Yeats heard an old woman singing a 

version of this song in Ballisodare Co. 

Sligo many years ago. Having listened 

patiently to the song the poet went 

away and later penned his famous 

poem 'Down by the Sally Gardens' which 

he sub-titled 'An Old Song Resung'. 

Words and music of the Rambling Boys 

of Pleasure were included by Sean 0 

Baoill in The Irish Song Tradition ; it was 

also published in TREOIR No. 4 1996. 

Track 7 - Sharon Carroll: Reels - 

In Memory of Coleman/The 

Broken Pledge (2:38) 

The first of these reels was composed 

by Cavan-born composer, Ed Reavy 

(1898 - 1988), in remembrance of the 

legendary Sligo fiddler, Michael 

Coleman. The second reel is another 

addition from the 1903 O'Neill's Music of 

Ireland, which featured on the 1966 A 

Tribute to Michael Co/eman album on the 

Shaskeen label through the playing of 

Joe Burke,Andy McGann & Felix Dolan. 

This recording subsequently re-released 

in 1994 on the Green Linnet label. 

Track 8 - Anne-Marie McGowan: 

Recitation (I :23) 

Threshing Morning from Patrick 

Kavanagh's Tarry Flynn'. 

Track 9 - Ciara Brennan:Air/Reel 

- Splendid Isolation/Kilty Town 

(5:12)* 

The air, Splendid Isolation, which is also 

often performed as a reel, was 

composed by Armagh Fiddler, Brendan 

McGlinchey. This is followed by 

another recent composition from the 

noted Leitrim composer and 

musician, Charlie Lennon. 

Track 10 - Kerrie Herrity: jigs - 

Ciariin O'Grady's/Gan Ainm 

(2:12)* 

The first tune was composed by 

concer tina player, Ciaran O 'Grady of 

37

39 

TREOIR

and exciting show 

music, song, dance & 

Willie COWllft1a 

Mon 10th 

Tues 11th 

Wed 12th 

Haringey 

Oxford 

0208 740 6104 

0207 263 9366 

o 1865 71 I 885 

13 295 5740 

1159525627 

01582 733 880 

01307 461000/464025 

01698 834 325 

01614459615 

Mary McAndrew 

Anthony Moore 

Box Office 

0151 922 3503 

o I 22 I 705 8872 

01204 334 400

Robbie was a legendary figure, 

considered an expert in song making 

and the King of the singers. 

Presentations included a beautiful 

bouquet of flowers to Maura, a huge 

mirror with an etching of Robbie, a 

'Rynhart' horse and cart piece, €2500 

holiday voucher and a weekend for 

two at Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann 

2003. Pat Liddy thanked everyone 

involved in the secret preparations 

busy one in the diary ofTrad fans 

with events of music, song and dance 

on in various places. The secret plans 

for the invasion of Spancilhill had not 

been revealed to the King. For many 

months all over Ireland groups of 

singers were conniving to crown 

Robbie McMahon the King of singers. 

When we arrived at Duggans pub on 

the Friday night the crowds were 

already bulging in -or was it out- the 

door. In no time at all a second venue 

was ringing to the sound of songs. Pat 

Liddy who masterminded the plans was 

traeping an eagle eye on both bars while 

Robbie was Fear aTi at the first venue 

just as he has been since the singing 

sessions started almost two years ago 

on the first Friday of each month which 

he himself tided 'Robbie's First Friday: 

Pen in hand, Robbie, one of the best 

balladeers in living memory, noted 

down the names of singers as their, 

arrived and each one MS ~..,. 

What a night and only two • attd 

nights left! Pat Uddy teI(J .. rm ~ be 

one of the speakers at" pNSentation, 

which he is careful tQ C8iII ~ Official 

Opening' wha1 he .1IIIdng to Robbie. 

Can we keep .... tom him for 

another twantrW hoursl 

After 

or was it lunch we 

reach Norrie Henchys in Clooney just 

a mile frQm Spancilhill at 2pm on 

~ cw, the early birds have 

arrived:Dd f\obbie is in full flight. 

~ from the night before like 

DaM1Iif-Molloyand Mick Scanlon are 

soon: fOfned by some fresh 

campaigners such as 

Alice Fitzgerald from 

Dungarvan. It's the 

afternoon shift and 

between songs some 

are taking in the last 

sun of our Samhradh 

Feil' Mhichil. Isn't that 

Mary McNamara. no 

concertina, she's 

enjoying the sun and 

the songs. 

At 9pm Saturday night it's standIna 

room only In the bigger venue of the 

Spancilhill Inn. Frank Custy and his 

band are keeping the set dancers 

acing, &ivinI the Singers time to have a 

chat. What is Robbies best song ... no 

h. cIkIn't compose Spancilhill. Who's 

tbaullldng to Labhras 6 MurchU 

AJ!8~ looking forward to going 

back to Clonmel for Fleadh Cheoil 

Na hEireann 

The music stops. There is an air of 

expectation and they're setting up a 

table in front of the stage. Pat Liddy 

calls for Robbie and his wife Maura 

and they are joined by the speakers. 

Labhrcis 6 Murchu remembers 

Robbie's contribution as an 

entertainer. not alone in Ireland, but 

on Comhaltas tours in foreign parts 

and his input into various events 

especially The Fleadh Nua. Seamus 

Mac Mathuna quoted from some of 

Robbies own compositions with The 

Fleadh Down in Ennis (1956) getting 

special mention. Speaking on behalf of 

the singers Micheal 6 Marane\in said 

'lO 

and especially those who helped with 

the food which was served at all 

venues during the weekend. He also 

thanked all who contributed to the 

presentation including the local Fair 

Committee, the Gun Club, the 

Hurling Club, the Set Dancing Club, 

the Fianna Fail Cumann, Scoil 

Samhraidh Willie Clancy and the Ennis 

and Nenagh Singing Clubs. 

Its back to the singing and there's only 

Sunday left. 2pm Sunday and there are 

more fresh voices, back where it all 

started, in Duggans. Your man there is 

just back from the singing weekend in 

Forkhill! There's Ollie Conway just 

arrived from Mullagh. Its a mighty 

afternoon!! Will it be an annual event 

The video cameras are in action again. 

Will there be recordings availablel 

Come on Robbie you sing two more 

and we'll finish it up before dark! 

"Sit back into your chairs me boys and 

I'U stay in the hob .... Concerning my 

youthful days a story sad and true •• .'. 

But they are still singing at midnight. 

- Pictures taken by Ray Conway, EnnIs

TREOIR 

Luton, while the second jig has 

become a regular feature of sessions 

throughout Ireland , du ring the past 

few years. 

Track I I - Colin McGiII: 

Hornpipe/Reel - Garrykennedy 

Castle/jean's Reel (4: 12)* 

Garrykennedy Castle was composed by 

Paddy O'Brien, a most influential 

accordion-player and composer from 

Nenagh, Co. Tipperary who passed 

away in 1991, while the second tune 

has become associated with the 

music of Scottish piano accordionist, 

Phil Cunningham, though the tune 

itself was composed by Bobby 

McLeod. 

Track 12 - Conor Walsh: Song - 

My Blue-Eyed Mountain Queen 

(3:58) 

This old song came to our attention 

in the mid 70's, and was in fact 

recorded by Anne Mulqueen in 1976 

on the Comhaltas Tour L.P. The 

Mountain Top'. We believe that it came 

originally from Co. Kerry. 

Track 13 - Triona Flavin: Reels - 

The Baltimore Salute/Sport;ng 

Paddy (2:09)* 

The Baltimore Salute was composed by 

noted musician/composer, Josie 

McDermott of Ballyfarnon in Co. 

Roscommon, while the second reel was 

first recorded in 1938 by The Belhavel 

Trio, a track which has been reissued by 

Topic Records on the 2000 compilation 

Past Masters of Irish Dance Music. 

Track 14 - Patricia Dooley: Jigs - 

Dooley's No. I/Dooley's No. 2 

(2:34)* 

The two jigs featured in this selection 

were recently composed by Patricia 

Dooley. 

Track 15 - Group Reels: Martin 

Mulhaire's/The Easy Club Reel 

(2:18) 

The first is thought to have been 

composed by now US-resident 

button accordionist Martin Mulhaire, 

from Eyrecourt, Co. Galway, while the 

second reel came to be known in 

Ireland through its airing on Sean 

Smyth's fiddle album The Blue Fiddle. 

The Easy Club reel was in fact 

composed by a Scottish 

bodhran/cittern player, Jim Sutherland, 

who played with a band called The 

Easy Club. 

* Accompaniment on harp by Lindsay 

Moynagh 

Performers on 'Back to America' 

Lindsay Moynagh of Dublin on harp' 

Daire Mulhern of Ennis on 2-Row 

accordion • Padraig McGovern of 

Leitrim on Pipes • Astrid Ni Mhongain 

from Mayo - singer' Sharon Carroll 

from Offaly on concertina • Anne 

Marie McGowan, Sligo/Dublin - 

Presenter' Ciara Brennan of Dublin 

on fidd le • Kerrie Herrity of Sligo on 

banjo' Colin McGiII of Laois on 

piano accordion • Triona Flavin of 

Limerick on concert flute' Patricia 

Dooley of Laois on fiddle' Conor 

Walsh of Kerry - traditional singer 

Leiritheoir/Producer: Oisin Mac 

Diarmada 

Comhairleo;r CeoillMusical 

Advisor: Seamus Mac Mathuna 

GriangraflPhotography: Declan 

Corrigan 

Dearadh/Design: Graftr6naic 

Tai(eadadh/Recorded at: 

Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann, 32 

Belgrave Square, Monkstown, 

Co. Dublin, Ireland. Tel +353-1-280 

0295 www.comhaltas.com 

Innealt6ir Fuaime/Sound 

Engineer: Oisin Mac Diarmada & 

Alison Hurley 

N6tai (aoi no Poirt/Album Notes: 

Oisin Mac Diarmada 

38

TREOIR 

PADDY FALLON AND 

MULLAHORAN CONCERT 

Ant6in Mac Gabhann 

Good Morning: This is not an 

inquiry but a big 'THANKS' for 

giving us the opportunity to view 

such a wonderful, entertaining and 

talented group of entertainers who 

are travelling with the 'Echoes of 

Erin' tour in the United States. I 

and 500 other lucky attendees had 

the opportunity to attend the show 

this past weekend in Canandaigue 

(New York State) and I just can't say 

enough good things about it. I don't 

like to single out any individual 

because the group were all so 

talented but two people were 

memorable to me. The MC (An ne 

Marie McGowan) was outstanding 

in her presentation and 

performance and the Manager 

(Seamus McCormick) was a 

wonderful diplomat in the way he 

greeted and socialised with the 

audience. Hope we can repeat this 

show for many years to follow. 

Again, THANKS! 

- Winnie Lyons 

From the very beginning, with the first 

Mullahoran Traditional Concert in 

1970, Paddy Fallon was Fear aT! for 

all the concerts organised in the 32 

years since then. It must be some 

kind of record for sure! 

I had come to know Paddy on the 

Dublin music scene in the late 1960's, 

where he stood up and told jokes 

every week at the Clontarf 

Comhaltas session in the North Star 

Hotel. He had a barber shop in 

Drumcondra and he kept his 

customers there well entertained as 

he clipped away. By the time the jokes 

were finished there was little hair left. 

I thought he would be ideal for my 

concert. It was just meant to be one 

concert, but like many other things, it 

just kept going. He told me 

afterwards that Mullahoran was the 

start of his 'Fear a'Ti' encounters. 

He was a great pillar to have when 

running a concert. He would always 

be out front keeping the show going, 

while I searched for the next artiste 

backstage or down the hall. The 

phrase 'who's next Tony' was well 

known to patrons of Mullahoran. 

Paddy was known in all parts of the 

world where traditional music is 

played. He was Fear a'Ti for 

Comhaltas on numerous Tours of 

Britain, USA, Canada and further 

afield. He performed all the time for 

charity, always available whether the 

cause or the venue was great or 

small. Money was never an issue. 

Often he paid somebody to keep the 

barber shop open, while he drove 

miles to do a show for free. In the 32 

years of Mullahoran we never even 

mentioned money. 

I toured with him on many occasions 

to Britain, USA and Canada. On these 

concert tours we listened to the 

same jokes every night as Paddy did 

his routine. After a few nights we 

knew all the jokes well, we knew 

exactly what line was coming next, 

and still we laughed every night. I 

suppose that is the greatest 

compliment or 'stamp' that you can 

give - the sign of a natural and gifted 

performer, where every live show is a 

new performance. I suppose it is akin 

to a good football team, though you 

may have seen them play every 

Sunday in a row, and though it is the 

same 15 players and the same ball, 

today's match and the way they play it 

will be different. 

Paddy was always in good humour, 

cheerful, upbeat, one who always 

looked on the bright side and one 

who brought a laugh and a bit of joy 

into every company. He was never 

known to speak ill of anybody, there 

was always some reason why 

someone was not nice or not at their 

best. Even for those about whom it 

might be difficult to find something 

good to say, he might at most venture 

to apply one of his own jokes: 'he 

wasn't as bad as the brother'. 

In January, he told me he would not 

be able to do the Mullahoran Concert 

again, he would be in the hospital at 

that time. I didn't know that when he 

had travelled on the bus and did the 

concert in October last year, that he 

was already suffering and knew of his 

condition. He didn't make that known 

to anyone. I played a few tunes for him 

the night before he died. His hands 

feebly moved (with a little help) to 

beat the stick on the bodhran, and to 

clap at the end. He enjoyed the tune 

and the company to the end. 

We will not replace Paddy Fallon -we 

can't.We will just carry on.Ar dheis 

De go raibh a anam. 

36

Echoes of Erin, the 2002 

Comhaltas Concert Tou r of Ireland 

covered 15 venues from the 12 th to 

the 26 th October. The annual Tour of 

Ireland features the best of traditional 

talent drown from Ireland, Britain and 

North America. 

Each year the Tour assembles a fine 

mix of established artistes together 

with the up-and-coming young stars. 

These are blended into a fast-moving 

and colourful show which appeals to 

both the connoisseurs and peripheral 

fans of Irish traditional entertainment. 

This year's tour, which was again 

sponsored by Bus Eireann, included 

the following notable traditional 

performers: 

James Mahon (Dublin), flute; David 

O 'Brien (Clare), flute;Timmy Dowd 

(Middlesex, UK), piper; Paul Madden 

(Clare), 2-row accordion; Maria Ging 

(Laois), fiddle; Darren Breslin 

(Fermanagh), 2-row accordion; Aine 

Nf Eanaigh (Meath), fiddle; Brenda 

Meehan (Monaghan), harp; Peter Ryan 

(Tipperary), dancer; Siobhan O 'Brien 

(Canada), dancer; Anne-Margaret 

Boyle (Canada), dancer; Cathal 

McGarrigle (Offaly). dancer; Sean 

Norman (Offaly). melodeon/Fear aTf; 

Oliver Kearney (Kildare). 

singer/melodeon;Aoife Murray 

(Cavan), singer. 

The Tour manager was 

Sonny McDermott. Co. 

Fermanagh; 

Sound/Amplification was 

by McElligott's Kilflynn. 

Co. Kerry. 

Concert venues were: 

Dublin. Tullamore. 

Omagh. Armagh. 

Clonmany. Coalisland, 

Toombridge. Bree. 

Carrigtwohill. 

Rockchapel. Macroom. Kenmare. 

Lixnaw. Glin. and Portarlington. 

30

Membership Fees 

New membership fees (Ireland and 

Britain) were agreed for Comhaltas at 

Comhdhail 2001. These will apply for 

the membership year 2002/2003. The 

new fees are as follows: 

Ireland 

Senior - 12 Euro to be divided as 

follows: 

2 Euro to Branch, 2 Euro to Co. 

Board,3 Euro to Provincial 

Council and 5 Euro to 

Ardchomhairle. 

2 nd Senior in family 8 Euroto 

be divided as follows: 

2 Euro to Branch, Co. Board, 

Provincial Council & 

Ardchomhairle 

Junior - 

6 Euro to be divided as 

follows: 

1.5 Euro each to Branch, Co. 

Board, Provincial Council & 

Ardchomhairle 

Family - 

20 Euro - to be divided as 

follows: 

3 Euro to Branch, 3 to Co. 

Board, '+ To Provincial Council 

and 10 to Ardchomhairle 

Britain 

Senior - £8 sterling (Branch - £1.20; 

Regional Board - £1.20; 

Provincial Council- £1.80; 

Ardchomhairle - £3.80) 

2 nd Senior in family £6 

sterling 

- to be divided as follows: 

£1.50 to Branch, Regional 

Board, Provincial Council and 

Ardchomhairle 

Junior - 

£'+ sterling to be divided as 

follows: 

£1 each to Branch, Regional 

Board, Provincial Council and 

Ardchomhairle 

Family - 

£1'+ sterling - be be divided 

as follows: 

£2 to Branch; £2 to Regional 

Board; £3 to Provincial 

Council: £7 to Ardchomhairle 

28

TREOIR 

Irish Music Club coming to the village. 

This announcement hit the right note 

with the all Irish Community of St 

Bridget's where even the taxi service 

was Irish. It was operated by Dan 

Spillane from Kerry. 

After a great welcome from the late 

Monsignor Coad, the music 

commenced and the night was great. 

JXmong the forty or more musicians 

was the late Charley Mulvihill, 

accordion player and composer of 

tunes. His ancestral home was Clare. 

His father was a concertina player 

from near Kilmaley. Some of the 

other musicians present like Charley 

Mulvihill and Louis Quinn had put in a 

long day, having played at the Michael 

Coleman Club in the early afternoon. 

During the tea break. National 

President Louis Quinn addressed the 

meeting. After a short time another 

traditional Irish Music Club was 

formed. This one on Long Island. It 

would in future be known as the 

Louis E. Quinn Club. Frank Clarke a 

well known fiddle player from 

Longford was elected President. There 

were no Chairmen in those days. The 

Club continued to meet on the 4th 

Sunday of every month. This has not 

changed in 43 years. 

Through the mists of time we look 

back and recall the memories of 

those early days. The opening night in 

particular was Significant. There was 

enough currant bread and tea to feed 

an army. all of it provided by Irish 

women from the parish of St 

Bridget's. they came from every 

county in Ireland. I can still hear their 

voices. and their laughter in the 

kitchen as they prepared the tea and 

cake. Voices that are long since stilled. 

but what a legacy they left us through 

their friendly greeting, their happy 

smiles. and pleasant disposition so 

much a part of life in those days. 

In later years the Club moved to the 

K of C Hall in Westbury before 

moving to its present location at the 

Irish American Centre Mineola. The 

Club became a branch of Comhaltas 

in 1973. 

Over the years, the Club/Branch has 

had two Presidents and three 

Chairmen the latter under 

Comhaltas. Jack Reynolds RIP, Dublin 

succeeded Frank Clarke. then came 

the popular Colum Mulligan RIP, 

Leitrim. When Colum returned to live 

in Ireland in 1988. the late Hugh 

Smith of Cavan took over and served 

as Chairman until he passed away in 

January 16. 1999. The present 

Chairman Pat Kearey is the second 

Longford man at the top. He is doing 

a fine job in these challenging times. 

Over the 43 years of its existence. 

some of Ireland's greatest musicians 

performed at the monthly sessions. 

master of tradition such as Louis E. 

QUinn.Armagh. fiddle; Larry Redican. 

Dublin, fiddle; Martin Mulhaire. 

Galway. accordion; Sean McGlynn. 

Galway. accordion; Martin Wynn. Sligo, 

fiddle; John F. Vesey. Sligo. fiddle; 

Michael Preston, Sligo, flute; Charley 

Mulvihill, USA, accordion; Andy 

McGann, USA, fiddle; Paddy Reynolds, 

Longford, fiddle; Matty Connolly, 

Monaghan, uilleann pipes; Joe Madden, 

Galway, accordion;Joanie Madden, 

USA, whistle/flute; Brian Conway, 

USA, fiddel; Pete Kelly, Galway, fiddle; 

Mike Flynn, Sligo, flute; Catherine 

Brennan-Grant, USA, fiddle; Gene 

Kelly, Kilkenny, accordion; Pat Murray, 

USA, accordion; Owen Thomas, 

Donegal, fiddle;John Lavin, 

Roscommon, fiddle;Tommy McCarey. 

Fermanagh, fiddle;Jim Mullan. Derry. 

fiddle; Gus Collins. Clare. flute; Joe 

Coleman, Sligo. fiddle; Tommy Glynn. 

Mayo, accordion; Paddy Kelly. Clare. 

spoons; John Fitzpatrick, USA, 

accordion/flute; Maureen Fitzpatrick, 

USA, fiddle; Felix Dolan. USA, piano; 

Tony Smith. Cavan. fiddle; Eddie 

McKenna. USA, piano; Pete Reilly, 

Longford. tin whistle; Dan McSweeney; 

Sligo. tin whistle; Sean Ryan, Laois, 

fiddle; Paddy Carty, Galway, flute; Frank 

Clarke, Longford, fiddle; Johnny Cronin, 

Kerry, fiddle; Pat O 'Sullivan, Kerry, 

fiddle; Mike Rafferty, Galway, flute; Billie 

McComiskey, USA, accordion. 

As we look back now and recall from 

memory those early years, and the 

great music sessions that took place at 

the Quinn Family Home in Flushing, 

Long Island. The Quinn Home was a 

University of tradition, Tig an Cheoil, 

House of Music to all who came the 

way. and there were very few who 

missed the great Sligo fiddle player, 

James 'Lad' O'Beirne was a personal 

friend of Louis Quinn. as indeed were 

many others of equal fame. 

The monthly session at St Bridget's, 

Westbury and later at the Irish 

American Centre, Mineola, was 

something very special in those days. 

The session usually attracted the 

greatest and best, all of them masters 

of tradition who came from far afield 

in all kinds of weather conditions to 

be part of that great circle so well 

known to all. 

In addition to the sessions there were 

other special events, such as the 

26

Padraig Mac Suibhne, 

Uachtaran an Chomhaltais, 

presenting a SEISIUN lamp to 

Seamus de Brlm. Also included 

are Minister Eamon 6 Cuiv, TO 

and Senator Labhras 

6 Murchu 

acquaintance with Seam us and his 

family and also brought along some 

very interesting memorabila relating to 

Leo Rowsome - 'King of the Pipers'. 

As usual, Micheal 6 Conchubhair 

introduced an artistic and informative 

display on the honoree which was 

admired and discussed by the large 

attendance. 

Seamus de Brun's immense 

contribution to Comhaltas and 

Ireland will be remembered while 

our cultural indentity as a distinctive 

nation is appreciated and promoted. 

Go raibh mile maith agat, a Sheamuis, 

agus go raibh rath De ort fein agus 

ar do churam. 

Paying tribute to Seamus de Brun 

is Minister Eamon 6 Cuiv, TO 

Senator Labhras 6 Murchu acknowledging 

the great contribution made by Muireann 

Ouignan to Tion61 Leo Rowsome 

Seamus Mac 

Mathuna at Tion61 

Leo Rowsome with 

honoree Seamus 

de

HAND 

CRAFTED 

VIOLINS 

Restored Older Violins 

Quality repairs to: 

Violins, Violas & Cellos 

Bows, Cases, Strings & Fittings, 

All other string 

instrument repairs 

IRISH DANCING 

JAPAN ESE STYLE 

Another example of the extent of the Irish 

global village is the recent book on Irish 

dancing in Japanese! This impressive publication 

'An introduction to Irish Dancing' by Rieko 

Yamashita (Secretary of the Tokyo branch of 

Comhaltas) and co-authored by Isao Moriyasu, 

aka 'Paddy' of the Paddy and Bridget duet. 

Photos are mostly 

contributed by Bill Lynch, 

the editor of Set Dancing 

News. 

ksykes@eircom.net 

www.kevinsykes.com 

Visiting Galway weekly 

by appointment 

The Tokyo branch of 

Comhaltas is one of the 

most active branches of the 

worldwide network covering 

four continents.

TREOIR 

Hair!n de Barra 

Though sung mostly i gceontor no nDeise in recent times (it was a great 

favourite of Nioclas T6ibin's, Beonnocht De fen 0 onom) this song is said to have 

been written by a West Cork poet named Seamus 6 Coileain. 

,j ] J. p rep J. J 

Is d'fluig tU dubhach dealbh me 

l 

J 

~ 

r] J. I 

. MMir- In De- - - Barr- a, do- mhar- aigh tU m 'in tum 

:b J 

~ J 

,j f' p C bt P" P p J J :b J ~ 

~ 

J 

( 

( 

4J i> J) 

n- gan fhios dom mhuin - 

J) J J. I 

tir 

l 

J) J=j £7j J) ) J. I 

AI mo Iui a -r m- 0 Ieab- a dhom is ortsa bhimse 'cuimh- - neamh 

~. J fa J J t) 11 

s ar m- em dhom ar- mai- d- in, chealg tu an '-chr0l (io)nam 

A Mhairfn De Barra do mharaigh tu m'intinn 

Is d'fhag tu dubhach dealbh me i ngan fhios dom mhuintir 

Ar mo lui ar mo leaba dhom is ortsa 'bhimse 'cuimhneamh 

Is ar m'eirf dhom ar maidin chealg tu an chroi (io)nam. 

Do thugas is thugas is thugas 6'm' chroi greann duit 

Ar Dhomhnach Fheile Mhuire na gCoinneal sa teampall, 

Dod' shuilin ba ghlaise na uisce na ngeamhartha 

Is dod' bheilin ba bhinne na an druid nuair a labhrann. 

Do shil me thu mhealladh le briathra is le p6ga 

Do shil me thu mhealladh le leabhair is le m6ide 

Is do shil me thu mhealladh ar bhreacadh na heornan 

Ach d'fhag tu dubhach dealbh ar theacht don bhliain nua me. 

Is aoibhinn don talamh go siulann tu fein air 

Is aoibhinn don caban 'na seineann tu vearsa 

Is aoibhinn don leaba ina luionn tu faoi'n eadach 

Is nach aoibhinn don 6igfhear a gheobhaidh tu mar cheile 

A Mhairin glac mo chomhairle, is na teir ar t'aimhleas 

Seachain an str6insear, fear seidte na h-adhairce 

Ach gaibh leis an 6igfhear a nglaodhann said 6 Floinn air 

Is p6s e le gra 'n reitighe, 6s's e's toil le do mhuintir 

D'61fainn agus d'61fainn, agus d'61fainn do shlainte 

Da mbeinn ar bh6rd loinge do dh61fainn ni bfearr e 

Da mbeinnse in bhanaltrann, do bhreagfainn do bhaban 

Siud ort, agus 61 deoch, De do dheatha's do shlainte. 

Do shiuilfinn, is do shiuilfinn, is do shiuilfinn an saol leat 

Do raghainn-se thar saile gan dha phinginn spre leat 

Mo mhuintir is mo chairde go brcich brach do threigfhinn 

Is go leigheas -fa 6n mbas me ach a ra gur leat fhein me 

:

TREOIR 

The Maid 

in the Cherry Tree 

The Castle Ceilf Band were legendary not just for their formidable line-up of 

musicians but also for their widely sourced repertoire. To this day selections from 

the Castle Ceilf Band are heard played at sessions around the country including this 

selection of reels, The Maid in the Cherry Tree and Boil the Breakfast Early, which 

was featured on the Comhaltas record of the Band. 

*# ! [ L r E [L F r 1 fJ n r t r r 1 [r F r [L E r 1 iJ n EJ J 

* 

1 

r # r E r [r F r fllJ 1 J J J J 1 r er r rs 1 J J J J j cl cl cl :11 

*i r (r f r r r 1 r tr r r t fir (r f r r F 1 J J J j ~ ~ cl 1 

*i r tr r c r Fir tr r r t fir EJ rs F 1 J J ] J i) J :11 

Boil the Breakfast Early 

*i ~ J P J) n J r r 1 J] 1 cl f) J J J J 1 iJ r cl J] 1 

*i J ~ J JJ J n r r 1 U r 1 E£j j JJ j 1 iJ nul 

*' 

3 

r U F r r r 1 r IT r U 1 r U EttJ 1 i) cl r U 1 

*1 rUE Err 1 r IT r UI Br r;rr Et£j 1 tJ cl r u 1 

*- (j J J J J J 1 (j J E E E 

r 1 (j J J J J J 1 iJ cl 

r U l 

*# (j J J J J J 1 r ID r EE r 1 r EJ E [E r 1 J ~ ~ F" 11 

dOb

a fine night of music 

local creamery. 

!IIIMiwlllg for the dancers 

BRENDAN TONRA 

AT THE CULTURLA 

Frank Kenn 

The leaendatY fiddler and composer 

BrendIut Toora received a very warm 

and t"'lcious c6ad mile fciilte on his 

visit to the Culturlann. 

lL,..,indlan. a native of Gowlan near 

-'llooc:astle on the Sligo-Mayo border: 

__ .s ... .,,~ •• 1'I to America over 

years ago and has resided in UI !It,1~)lI;3~~1 

Boston area ever since. 

know to musicians as 

of the popular ...... ~., - . 

composed 1I~ .... IIi~ ! 

He cOlnDllsed.IIH 

age 19, enllideCrn_', 

when Jeft~. :". 

Later. 

he joined the 

Connacht CeiH 

Band formed by 

Mike McDonagh 

which. over the 

subsequent years. 

made a record and 

~!l t't"nl~tfi~\n 

coincided with 

Tion61 Leo 

Rowsome and the 

years old 

~ilftIw Sl~~ved me how to 

my grandfather. 

I-.tiWfMah left me his fiddle. so after 

trdlllllil1lJiAArnll!l!d to play, listening to 

"~~~~~I;J~~~~ at my Aunt Peg Rpn's 

.~: She had a pholnqlJ'ill~,lt_ ", 

Coleman and PlIIltlhlr-iIIl 

age 16. I started 

sprees and dllllnt'l!lIihl!ll 

Johnny 'Watt' H84.l'dl(!jilellrnan 

many Comhaltas 

delegates. as well as 

~:;r'QWdci:ans from various 

As Senator Lalllnl'll"

TREOIR 

Scoil figse 2002 in listowel was 

one of the most memorable of III 

time. Up to 800 participants - most 

of them scholarship holders from 

the PrQvIncial Fleadhanna - fiRed all 

the nable spaces. 47 ~ 

provlded Intensive master dIuset 

and each evening the aubz.,.. was 

a hive of musk:af KtMql. 

Three of ihe 1Qn .. ~ 

instl"UCtQrS w.re hoftoqred with 

special ~entattons; they were 

S6arnus Mac MathUna, Pidraig 

6 Riain and Kathleen Nesbitt. 

18

TREOIR 

CCE.lnis Diomain.An Clar; 12 - 15: 1st 

Caitriona Ni Ealaigh. CCE, Ath Luain. 

Ros Comain; 2nd Matthew Dean. CCE, 

Tyneside. UK; lrd Noride Ni 

Mhuimhneachain. CCE, Laichtin Naofa. 

Corcaigh; 15 - 18: 1st Aodan 6 Neill. 

CCE. Dromore. Tir Eoghain; 2nd Shauna 

Devlin. Dun na nGall; lrd Maidhc 6 

hEanaigh. CCE. Magh Cuilinn. Gaillimh; 

Over 18: 1st Sacra Ni Fhuardha. CCE. 

Uaran M6r. Gaillimh; 2nd EibhHn Ni 

Cheilleachair. CCE, Naomh Mhichil. 

Luimneach; lrd Cait Ni Nuadhain. CCE, 

Gort na mB6. Maigh Eo 

CEOL BEIRTE: Faoi 12: 1st Keith & 

Brian O·Loughlin. CCE. Corofin.An Clar; 

2nd Ann Marie Fitzgerald & Greta 

Curtin. CCE. Tuar na Fola. Luimneach; 

lrd Conor McGuirk & Gerard OToole. 

CCE. Raffertyl Coleman USA; 12 - 15: 

1st Aileen & Brid Geoghegan. CCE. 

Munter-connaught. An Cabhan; 2nd 

Sean & Gear6id 6 Cathain. CCE. Leim 

an Bhradain. Cill Dara; lrd Teresa 

O'Dea & Stephen Madden. CCE, Doora 

Barefield. An Clar; 15 - 18: 1st Ruth Ni 

Bhaoigheallain & Jenny Ni Dhioluin. 

CCE, Claonadh. Cill Dara; 2nd Michael 

Harrison & Ciara Ni Chonduin. CCE. 

Baile Ui Choimin. Tiobrad Arann; lrd 

Sorcha Ni Ruanai & Cait Ni Ruain. CCE. 

Fred Finn. Sligeach; Over 18: 1st 

Sharon Ni Chearbhaill & Attracta Brady. 

CCE Killeigh/Ballyboy. Uibh FhaiH; 2nd 

Ita Cunningham. Richard Murray. CCE. 

Ath Cinn. Gaillimh; lrd Fergal O 'Neill & 

Mikie Smyth. CCE Cluain Tarbh. Ath 

Cliath 

CEOL TRIUR: Faoi 12: 1st Claire. 

Ursula & George McAdam. CCE. 

Ballyboy. Muineachan; 2nd Holland 

O·Rourke-Raper. Mau ra Nicholson. 

Kelsey Lutz. CCE. Crotty Doran. USA; 

3rd Sean Burns. Shane Nolan & 

Bronwyn Power. CCE. Na Coradh. An 

Clar; 12 - 15: 1st Blathnaid Nic Caba. 

Muireann Ni Eanaigh. Cristin Nic 

Gabhann. CCE. Cill Dheaglain. An Mhi; 

2nd Stephen McGivern. Leagh & Ciara 

O·Neill. CCE. Beal Feirste. Aontroma; 

lrd D & P 6 Dubhasa & s. 6 

Dochartaigh. CCE, Beal Atha na Muice. 

Maigh Eo; 15 - 18: 1st CaitHn Nic 

Gabhann. Aine Ni Eanaigh. Aine-Maire 

Ni Ghruagain. CCE. Cill Dheaglain. An 

Mhi; 2nd Sorcha Ni Ruanai. Cait Ni 

Ruain. Mairead Ni Urlaithe. CCE. Fred 

Finn. Sligeach; lrd Grainne Gillan. Paula 

McGlone & Stephen Flanagan. CCE. 

Loughbeg. Aontroma; Over 18: 1st 

Carmel Doohan. Clive Earley. Ciara 

O·Sullivan. CCE .Doora Barefield. An 

Clar; 2nd Thomas Johnson. Laura 

Beagon. Brenda Meehan. CCE, Eamon 6 

Muiri. Muineachain; lrd Martina Ni 

Chraig. Catriona Ni Bhroin. Seamus 6 

Riain. CCE. Cill Mhantain. Cill Mhantain 

H . I I: Faoi 12: 

1st Barefield Ceili Band. An Clar; 2nd 

CCE Cluain Tarbh. Ath Cliath; lrd Buion 

Cheoil CheiH CCE Phil Rooney. Dun na 

nGall; 12 - 15: 1st Inis 6g CeiH Band.An 

Clar; 2nd Banna Ceoil Ceili Barefield.An 

Clar; lrd Buion Cheoil Cheili CCE. 

Irvinestown. Fearmanach; 15 - 18: 1st 

Buion Cheoil CheW Cross keys. 

Aontroma; 2nd Inis 6g Ceili Band. An 

Clar; lrd CCE. Cill Dheaglain. An Mhi; 

Over 18: 1st Ennis CeiH Band.An Clar; 

2nd Turloughmore CeiH Band. An Clar; 

2nd Naomh Padraig. CCE, Baile Atha 

Troim. An Mhi; 2nd Inisfree Ceili Band. 

CCE, Fred Finn. Sligeach 

. Faoi 12: 1st 

Ceolt6iri Chairbre. Dunmanmhui. 

Corcaigh; 2nd Caislean Aerach. CCE, 

Caislean a Bharraigh. Maigh Eo; lrd St 

Rochs A. CCE. Irish Minstrels. Glasgow; 

12 - 15: 1st Ceol na Rapairi. CCE, 

Caislean Ui Chonaill/Ahane/B. lorbairt. 

Luimneach; 2nd CCE. Baile an Daighin. 

Muigh Eo; lrd Barefield Grupa Ceoil.An 

Clar; 15 - 18: 1st Barefield Grupa 

Ceoil. An Clar; 2nd cct Teampall a' 

Ghleanntain. Luimneach; lrd Grupa 

Ceoil Toomebridge. Aontroma; Over 

18: 1st Grupa Ceoil CCE. Eamon 6 

Muiri. Muineachain; 2nd CCE. 

Kilmuckridgel Monamolin. Loch 

Garman; lrd CCE. West London. UK 

BuioN CHEOIL CAIRDIN: Faoi 

18: 1st St. Brigids Accordion Band. Ard 

Mhaca; 2nd Castletara Youth Band. An 

Cabhan; Over 18: 1st K & S Accordion 

Band. CCE. An Uaimh. An Mhi; 2nd St. 

Miguels Accordion Band.An Dun; Buion 

Cheoil Fead6g Mh6r/Flute Band; Faoi 

18: 1st Banna Ceoil 6ige. Dun na 

nGall; 2nd St. Mochuas Flute Band. Ard 

Mhacha; Over 18: 1st Maghery Fife & 

Drum Band. Dun na nGall; 2nd Buion 

Cheoil Mullach Dubh. Dun na nGall 

BuioN CHEOIL ROGHA 

GHLEAS: Faoi 18: I st St. Patricks 

Youth Band. Tir Eoghain; 2nd Harp & 

Shamrock. Uibh Fhailf; lrd Rathanna 

cct Ceatharlach; Over 18: 1st Buion 

Cheoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola. Dun na 

nGall; 2nd Ramelton Town Band. Dun 

na nGall 

C EOIL ROGHA 

Any Age: Aughnamullen 

Pipe Band. Muineachain 

( : Faoi 

12: 1st Clare Rooney. cct Rinn Mhic 

Giolla Rua. An Dun; 2nd Eimear Ni 

Earcain. CCE. Corofin. An Clar 

lrd Nell Ni Chr6inin. Beal Atha an 

Ghaorthaidh. Corcaigh; 12 - 15: 1st 

Nollaig Nic Aindriu. cct Caislean a' 

Bharraigh. Maigh Eo; 2nd Deirdre 

Breathnach. CCE, Min na Croise. Dun na 

nGall; lrd Sinead Breathnach. CCE, Min 

na Croise. Dun na nGall; 15 - 18: 1st 

Nollaig Ni Laoire. cct Dun Doire. An 

Mhi; 2nd Eimear Brennan. CCE, 

Corcaghan. Mhuineachain; lrd Aoife Ni 

Mhuiri. Stradone.An Cabhain; Over 18: 

1st Treasa Bn Ui Chonaill. CCE, Maigh 

Cuilinn. Gaillimh; 2nd Emma Ni Choillte. 

CCE. Naithi. Ath Cliath; lrd Sharon Ni 

Bhuachalla. CCE. Moyvanel Knockanure. 

Ciarrai 

AMHRAN GAEILGE (FIR): Faoi 

12: 1st Oisin 6 hlarnain. CCE. Uaran 

M6r. Gaillimh; 2nd Gear6id Breathnach. 

16

PiOB UILLEANN: Faoi 12: 1st Brfd 

Geoghegan. CCE. Munter-connaught, 

Cabhan; 2nd Elvin Moynagh, CCE, 

Piobairf Uilleann, Ath Cliath; lrd Riain 6 

Murchu. CCE. Fearmhui, Corcaigh; 12 • 

15: 1st Sean McCarthy, CCE, Baile 

Mhisteala. Corcaigh; 2nd Marc Mac 

Reamonn. CCE, Carraig Teabhra, Loch 

Garman; lrd Kevin O'Farrell. CCE, Na 

Comaraigh, Port Lairge; 15 • 18: 1st 

Sean McKeon, CCE, Sean Treacy, Ath 

Cliath; 2nd Brian Collins, CCE, Na 

Coradh. An Clar; lrd Jeer Doyle, CCE, 

Cualann. Ath Cliath; Over 18: 1st Issac 

Alderson. CCE, Francis O'Neill, USA 

2nd Patrick O'Hare, CCE, Beal Feirste, 

Aontroma; lrd Thomas johnson, CCE, 

Eamon 6 Muiri, Muineachain 

CRUIT: Faoi 12: 1st Sheena Geraghty, 

CCE. Baile an Daighin. Maigh Eo; 2nd 

Siobhan McKinney. CCE, Crotty Doran, 

USA; lrd Caoimhin 6 Conlain, CCE, 

Piobairi Uilleann, Ath Cliath; 12 • 15: 

I st Chelsea Sky Link, CCE, Crotty 

Doran. USA; 2nd Lisa Ui Cheannaigh, 

CCE, Baile an Daighin, Maigh Eo; lrd 

Claire Brady, CCE, St. Louis Irish Arts, 

USA; 15 • 18: 1st Shauna Ni Dhaithi, 

CCE. Treasa Bray ton, An Mhi; 2nd 

Sorcha N i Ruanai. CCE, Fred Finn, 

Sligeach; lrd Catriona Fawl. CCE, Doora 

Barfield. An Clar; Over 18: 1st Nicola 

Ni Chathail. CCE. Gort Inse Gruaire. 

Gaillimh; 2nd Fionnuala Ni Ruanaigh, 

CCE. Eamon 6 Muirf. Muineachain; lrd 

Hazel Tuohy. CCE. Doora Barefield. An 

Clar 

ORGAN BElL: Faoi 12: 1st Aoife 

Geoghegan. CCE. Munterconnaught. 

Cabhan; 2nd Aine Doherty. CCE. West 

London. UK; lrd Sinead Doherty. CCE. 

West London. UK; 12 - 15: 1st Aileen 

Geoghegan. CCE. Munterconnaught. 

Cabhan; 2nd Pat McCarthy. CCE. 

Beanntrai. Corcaigh; lrd Roisin Anne 

Hughes, CCE, Irish Minstrels. Glasgow; 

15 • 18: 1st Caoimhin Mac an Ultaigh, 

CCE. Beal Atha na Muice. Maigh Eo; 2nd 

Lorraine Nic Orcain, CCE. Beal Atha na 

Muice, Maigh Eo; lrd Edward Looney. 

CCE, Cill Orglain, Ciarrai; Over 18: 1st 

Noel Battle. CCE, Mullingar, larmhi; 2nd 

Antoin 6 Conaill. CCE, Corofin. 

Gaillimh; lrd Pauline Callinan, CCE. 

Crusheen.An Clar 

BANJO: Faoi 12: 1st james Harvey, 

CCE, Camross. Laois; Keith O·Loughlin. 

CCE, Corofin. An Clar; Shauna Lynch. 

CCE. Ballinagh, Cabhan; 12 • 15: 1st 

Mairtin 6 hAmhlaigh. CCE, Cill na 

Dioma. Gaillimh; 2nd Stephen Madden. 

CCE, Doora Barefield. An Clar; lrd 

Ronan Donnellan. CCE. Gort na mBo. 

Muigh Eo; 15 - 18: 1st Daire McGeown. 

CCE, Clanbrassil.Ard Mhaca; 2nd Aisling 

Neville. CCE. Ballydonoghue, Ciarrai; 

lrd Daithi 6 Niallain. CCE. Baile Locha 

Pt 

Riach. Gaillimh; Over 18: 1st Kieran 

Fletcher. CCE. Ceide. Ard Mhaca; 2nd 

Clfodhna Ni Choisdealbha. CCE. Ros 

Cre. Tiobrad Arann; lrd Shane 

Mulchrone. CCE. Gort na mBo. Maigh Eo 

MANDOLIN: Faoi 12: 1st Shauna 

Lynch. CCE. Ballinagh. Cabhan; 2nd 

james Harvey. CCE. Camross. Laois; lrd 

Sean Bourke. CCE. Baile Ui Choimin. 

Tiobraid Arann; 12 - 15: 1st Ronan 

Donnellan. CCE. Gort na mBo. Maigh Eo; 

2nd Donna McGee. CCE. Rinn Mhic 

Giolla Rua, An Dun; lrd Padraic Glynn. 

CCE, Corofin. Gaillimh; 15 - 18: 1st Daire 

McGeown. CCE. Clanbrassil. Ard Mhacha; 

2nd Pierse Geoghegan. CCE. 

BallylongfortITarbert. Ciarrai; lrd 

Matthew Griffin. CCE, St. Albans, UK; 

Over 18: 1st Shane Mulchrone. CCE. 

Gort na mBo. Maigh Eo; 2nd Maria 

Cafferky. CCE, Scoil Acla. Maigh Eo; lrd 

Aaron McSorley. CCE. Galbally, Tir Eoghain 

PIANO: Faoi 12: 1st julann Moloney. 

CCE. Tulla. An Clar; 2nd Sandra 

Breathnach. CCE. An Cabhan; lrd 

Conor McGuirk. CCE, Michael 

Coleman, USA; 12 • 15: 1st Patricia 

Watters, CCE, Fred Finn. Sligeach; 2nd 

Susan Miller. CCE, Mount Mellick. Laois; 

lrd Patricia O'Grady, CCE, St. Wilfrids. 

UK; 15 • 18: 1st Shane 6 hUaithne, 

CCE, Baile an Daighin, Gaillimh; 2nd 

joseph Browne, CCE, Crusheen. An 

Clar; lrd Karen Breathnach, CCE. An 

Cabhan; Over 18: 1st Mary McMahon. 

CCE, Baile Locha Riach. Gaillimh; 2nd 

Ryan Molloy. CCE, Galbally. Tfr Eoghain 

lrd Sean Walsh, Sciobairin. Corcaigh 

MELODEON: Faoi 12: 1st Darach 

MacMathuna. CCE, Rath Cairn, An Mhi; 

2nd Ronan judge, CCE, Gort na mBo. 

Maigh Eo; lrd Daniella Ni Dhuinneagain. 

CCE Ballyboy. Co Uibh Fhaile; 12 • 15: 

1st Stiornn 6 Dochartaigh. CCE. Beal 

Atha na Muice. Maigh Eo; 2nd Aileen 

Geoghegan. CCE Munterconnaught. An 

Cabhan; lrd Creena Mulchrone. CCE. 

Gort na mBo. Muigh Eo; 15 • 18: 1st 

Stephen Carroll, CCE. Kilcummin, 

Ciarrai; 2nd Damien Mullane. CCE.West 

London, UK; lrd janine Redmond, CCE. 

Naithi. Ath Cliath; Over 18: 1st 

Caitriona Ni Bhriain, CCE, Anne Devlin. 

Cill Mhantiin; 2nd Sean Breathnach. 

CCE. Sciobairfn. Corcaigh; lrd Pat 

Molloy. Leamington Spa. UK 

BODHRAN: Faoi 12: 1st Ke ith 

Byrne. CCE. Cam ross, Laois; 2nd

TREOIR 

12

The Fleadh is many things to many 

people but 'the session' has always 

been central to a good Fleadh. 

Listowel was no exception and street 

sessions were plentiful and varied. 

Our photographer Ena Doocey. who 

has provided our readers with a 

memorable pictorial record of Fleadh 

2002. had a feast of sessions to 

choose from and we publish a small 

selection here. 

10

The Ennis Cillt IdIJd on their way to a 

second A"" ~tltIe at F1eadh 2002 

only the third Clare 

to win the All-Ireland 

in 200 I. they went one 

year by retaining the tide, 

equalling the feat of the Tulla 

Ceili Band, who won back-toback 

tides in the 1950's. They 

are now only one step away 

from matching the feat of the 

great Kilfenora Ceili Band. who 

enjoyed three-in-a-row success 

in the fifties. and again in the 

nineties with the current 

incarnation of the band. 

Band leader. Padraic O'Reilly 

explains. 'we were really eager to 

retain our tide this year, Having 

joined the ranks of the Tulla and 

Kilfenora last year, we felt it was 

important for us to at least equal 

what they achieved, by winning a 

second tide. We now feel that we 

they had 

from last 

Queally returned 

absence, 

Galligan who has 

to Riverdance. with whom 

she has danced for six years. 

The full line-up is Nuala Hehir 

(accordion). Pat Nolan (concertina), 

Niamh O'Dea and Eilis Faherty 

(flutes). Liz Gaughan, Monica Queally 

and Mark Sheehan (fiddles). Rena 

Queally (banjo). Brendan Vaughan 

(drums) and Padraic O'Reilly (piano). 

Clare bands again dominated the Ceili 

Band competitions in 2002, continuing 

the trend of recent years. Ennis-based 

TurloughmQre e8iU Band tied for 

second place in 1Ihe Senior 

competition, and .. (nls 6g Ceili 

Band (trained by PIldraic O 'Reilly) 

retained their U-15 t:itIe.l While 

narrowly failing to retiirt ti.efr U- IS 

title when they finished stiCOnd. 

The Denis Liddy trained 8arefield 

Ceili Bands won the U-12 title, and 

finished runners-up to the Inis 6s in 

the U-15 category. 

- Clare ChdlnPion 

8

Emigrant traditions made a strong 

showing, with as many as half the 

competitors in some disciplines 

coming from the United States or 

England. Stephen Prosol, a 21 year old 

accordion player, came from 

Cambridge, England, for his 

third Fleadh, but blames a 

case of nerves for stopping 

him from placing in the 

competition. His mother, 

who is also his teacher, 

emigrated from Ireland; she 

called out encouragingly, 

'We thought you would 

bring home that cup 

this year: 

Mr Prosol said the trip to 

Listowel was his fifth to 

Ireland this year and that he 

had made many friends in 

both Ireland and England 

through his music. 

That strong connection 

with second and third 

generation Irish emigrants is 

apt, Mr 6 Murchu said, 

because Irish emigrants 

helped preserve traditional 

music in the late 19 th and 

early 20 th centuries, when 

musicians here were 

unappreciated and had few 

outlets to perform. 

Emigrants in the United 

States were the first to put ancient 

tunes onto 78 rpm records, which 

came to Ireland and reintroduced a 

new generation of tunes that had 

been forgotten. 

The health of Irish music is perhaps 

best exemplified by Isaac Alderson, a 

Chicago native with no Irish roots. He 

started playing the uilleann pipes at 

13, drawn in by his local Irish scene 

and the 'very flowing, very natural' 

feel of the music, he said. Traditional 

Irish music is unlike other classical 

and folk forms, Mr Alderson said, 

because it allows musicians to 

develop and express a personal style 

in an unique way. 

There's nothing like the rhythm and 

the way the music flows: he said. 'In 

Irish music, you create compleXity out 

of a very simple melody: 

Now 19 and a sophomore at Sarah 

Lawrence College, Mr Alderson was 

the only one to win three competitions 

this year, in uilleann pipes, concert flute 

and tin whistle. As he walked back to 

his tent at the Fleadh campsite. 

passers-by who saw his three silver 

trophies stopped and stared and asked 

about his musical heroics. 

The Fleadh helps sustain ancient 

traditions, musical and verbal, since 

experienced musicians tend to 

introduce each song with the history 

of its composition and its Significance, 

which usually means a folk tale or a 

brief eulogy for a deceased virtuoso 

who passed the tune on. 

Despite Comhaltas's desire to 

uphold Irish culture. Mr 6 Murchu 

said. musicians do gradually cause 

the tradition to evolve. 'It's not fair 

to ask them to play in the style of 80 

years ago; he said. That's not a living 

art form: 

Just after winning the uilleann pipes 

competition for 'slow airs: a genre of 

ancient Irish song, Thomas Johnston 

said he did not think of the Fleadh or 

his playing the pipes as an effort to 

maintain Irish culture. Now 19, he 

started playing the tin whistle at 7 and 

has been coming to Fleadhs his entire 

life. 'It's just my life; it's what I do: he 

said 'It's just music. music, music.' 

6

Listowel,lreland,August 26- 

Decades before traditional Irish 

music became a record-industry 

staple and reached international 

audiences, this country's musicians 

earned their stripes in rigorous recital 

competitions. Championships begin in 

the 32 Irish counties in the spring and 

are followed by contests in the four 

Irish provinces. In August a weekend 

of spirited competitions and 

celebration takes over a small rural 

town, usually changing every two 

years. Known by its Irish name, Fleadh 

Cheoil na hEireann, the event is a 

euphoric toast to the healthy state of 

Irish music and, more important, an 

excuse for an astonishing party. 

On paper, Fleadh Cheoil {pronounced 

flah KEE-ohl}, which means music 

festival, brings together 4,000 

competitors in four age groups and 

playing in 40 categories. Over the 

weekend, this picturesque town of 

3,700 in County Kerry, at Ireland's 

southwest corner, was host to its 14 th 

Fleadh. Scores of nervous musicians, 

mostly teenagers, played before panels 

of stern-faced judges in an echoing 

warehouse, an unused movie theatre, 

the courthouse and other places. 

Categories range from old favourites,

Sloth na nOg: 

The musical hope of youth 

Listowel has become synonymous 

with Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, 

hosting the event for a record 14 th 

occasion this year. The 'Fleadh Capital' 

of Ireland has given millions of people 

unique musical memories and 2002 

was no exception. Many would say 

'the greatest of all time' but whatever 

the verdict it is generally 

acknowledged that this year's Fleadh 

had some extra special ingredients 

which permeated the mammoth 

cultural extravaganza. 

Michael Dowling, who has chaired 13 

of Listowel's Fleadhanna, and Marie 

O 'Gorman, the secretarial power 

house, with their diligent committee 

oversaw 10 days of unrivalled 

musicmaking. From the opening notes 

of the Scoil Eigse - 'a Fleadh within a 

Fleadh' - to the tWilight notes 10 (or 

I I or 12!) days later Listowel hit all 

the right notes for a cultural feast. 

There is nothing like it in the world! 

10,000 performers and almost a 

quarter of a million people in a town 

with a population of less than 4,000 is 

phenomenal by any standards. This 

great family festival was noted for 

excellence in culture, courtesy and 

hospitality. 

Competitions par excellence; vibrant 

and varied sessions; dancing at the 

drop of a hat; spectacles of cultural 

richness; songs of celebration; all 

these intermingled with the native 

tongue gave us the essence of the 

traditional renaissance which has been 

witnessed over the last 50 years. 

The Fleadh personifies voluntary 

service and dedicated commitment - 

the hundreds of people who give of 

their time and talents to make the 

Fleadh a source of national pride on 

the world stage. It is also a 

shopwindow of our traditional living 

treasures as taught, practised and 

appreciated year in and year out. 

We salute Listowel once more on 

their outstanding achievement - the 

committee and the community 

opened their hearts and their homes 

to the visitors from all over the 

world. They have earned an unrivalled 

place in our cultural folklore and the 

nation surely owes them a debt of 

immense gratitude. 

2

The Internet has enormously improved our communications capability over the two-year period since 

the main Comhaltas site went live. Much of our day-to-day communications are now carried out using 

the e-mail facility, which not only offers speed and cost advantages but also overcomes the problems 

encountered with the different time zones within which Comhaltas units operate. The web-site enables 

us to publicise our main activities including fleadhanna cheoil events, the Summer Seisiun shows, 

Concert Tours, and much much more. 

An ever increasing number of branches and other Comhaltas units now have their own web-sites linked 

into the main Comhaltas site and some of these are listed below. 

Ireland 

Car r i~dhoun (Carri~aline. County Cork). Croabh Naithi (Dublin). Craobh Chualann (Monkstown. County Dubl in) 

Lou~hbe~ cd (Antrim). Comhaltas an Chrea~ain (Derry), Castleconnelll Ahane/Herbertstown (Limerick). Port~lenone 

(Antrim). Fred Finn (County Sli~o) . Kilnadeema (County Galway). Sean Treacy (Dubl in). Fleadh Nua (Ennis. County Clare). 

Cois na nAbhna Archive (Ennis. County Clare). Fleadh Cheoil na hE ireann (Listowel. County Kerry) 

Britain 

Province of Britain. Culra. Bolton. Preston. Coventry. Jackfield (Telford), Leeds. Camb r id~e . Tara (Manchester). Johnny 

Doherty (Scotland). St Alban's 

North America 

North East Re~ion. Jim Seery/Paul Curry (Connecticut). Du~an (New York). Hanafin-Cooley (Boston). Martin Wynne 

(Buffalo). Tom Finucane. Rochester. New York. Mid Atlantic Re~ion . O'NeilllMalcom (Northern Vir~in i a) 

Pittsbur~h. Mid West Re~ion . Cooley - Kee~an (San Francisco), Crotty-Doran (Detroit). St Louis Irish Arts (Missouri). 

Canada West Re~ion. Cal~ary. Cladda~h (Saskatoon. Saskatchewan. Canada). Vancouver (Washin~ton) . Winnipe~ 

(Manitoba), Canada East Re~ion . Harp of Tara (K i ns~ton . Ontario), Lan~an Gorman (Toronto). Newfoundland. 

Ottawa (Ontario). Timmins (Ontario). Deleware Valley. Southern US Re~ion 

Rest of World 

Tokyo (Japan) Northern Queensland (Australia). Turin (Italy). Sardinia (Italy). Moscow (Russia) 

All of the above web-sites can be accessed from the main Comhaltas site at http://www.comhaltas.com. Many others 

are at present actively involved in the process of settin~ up a dedicated branch site and the day is fast approach i n~ 

when most. if not all. Comhaltas units will have a website presence. 

Branches who may be contemplatin~ the settin~ up of a web-site are stron~ly recommended to check some of the existin~ 

sites in the first instance as many of these serve as excellent models for an effective presence on the Internet. Facets 

which should be borne in mi nd when settin~ up a site include the followin~ : 

• Simplicity (one or two pa~es to publicise Branch activities includin~ session venues and dates. music classes. etc. 

will suffice in most cases) 

• A 'contacts' pa~e with details of Branch officers includin~ telephone numbers/e-mail addresses 

Avoidance of over-elaborate ~raphics which cause inordinate delays in accessin~ pa~es

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