Comhaltas Archive

TreolrIris Oifigiuil Chomhaltas Ceolt6iri EireannThe Book of Traditional Music, Song and DanceIml 17 Uimhir 3 4 ISSN 0790-004XEagarfhocal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IMemories of a Pipemaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2Ennis Ceili Band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 3Musicians of Sliabh Luachra .. .. . ........... . .4Stock-taking time . . .... ... .. .... ..... . . ... 5Truly the Pride of Erin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 6Fleadh Faces ... . . .......... .. .... . . . . . .. 7Memories of Listowel. .... .... ....... ..... .. 8Amhnin Faoi Shean b Treasaigh . .. . .. . .. .. . .. . 11Of Dogs and Divils .... ...... .... .......... 12A Son of Cloneygowan . . . .... . .. . ......... . 13A Funny Thing Happened to Traditional Art . . .... 14No note of Discord in Belfast. ........... .. .. . 15Thoughts on Language Learning. . . . . . . . . . . .... 16Eilish Byrne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17VEC reject Minister's Letter .. . . . .... .... . . . . 18Ag Deanamh Ceoil. .. . . ... . ........ . . . . CentreAppeal to Minister . . .. ... . ...... . . .. .. ... . 19Mammy Goes to the Opera . . .... .. ... . .. .... 20A Harp Made in Brisbane . . ... .. .. ....... ... 21Litreacha . . ........ . . . . .. .... . .. ... . ... 22Wedding of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24The Shapers of Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The Emigrant Music of the Irish in Texas .. . .. .. . . 26The Ghost of O'Connor .. .. . .. ... . . ... ..... 27More Irish Than ....... ! ....... . . ... . .. .. . . .. . 28Rosaleen McAuley . . ... . .... ..... . .... . .. . 29Cutting the Sugan in Lixnaw ..... . ... . . .. ... . 30They Conquered All Munster. . . . ... . .. . .. ... . 31Champions of Note .. ... .. .... . . ....... . .. 32A Strange Encounter . .. . . ... ... . . . .. . .... . 35Rambling . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . ...... .. . .. .. 36Single copies 70pSubscription Rates: Ireland and Britain £5Other European Countries £6U.s.A. and Canada $10Australia and New Zealand £1 2Treoir:Orders in the U.S .A. to be forwarded to :Treoir, 70 We stminster Or. , West Hartford CT 06107Second Class Postage paid at Hartford, Conn. V.S.P.S. 062-790Orders in Canada to be forwa rded to :Ms . Sally Carroll, 891 Coxwell Ave ., Toronto, Ontario M4C 3GIcornnal"tasCeOLt:OIJ

friend Denis Murphy's funeral in 1974.Well-known melodeon players wereJ oe Conway and Denis O'Keeffe , bothof Rathmore. Another contemporaryof Tom Billy and Padraig was Din Tarrantof Ballydesmond, who was highlyregarded in the area.The Brosna district, on the fringesof Sliabh Luachra, produced many greatmusicians. Perhaps the best-known wasPaddy J erry O'Connor of Carrigeen whoplayed the fiddle . He handed on thegift to his sons, Donal, Patrick and Billy.Donal founded the Brosna Ceili Band inthe early 'sixties and reformed it in thelate 'sixties which culminated in All­Ir~land honours at Fleadh Cheoil nahEireann in Listowel in 1972.The Cahill brothers, Jack and thelate Paddy, were fiddlers who had agreat fund of tunes and were very popularat house dances. The Curtins ofAhane have a strong tradition in musjc.The late Jack was a grand fiddler, as ishis son, Con, whose son, John, is a wellknownflute player.Others who made a very importantcontribution to the music scene Werethe versatile Eamonn Flynn of Mount-JULIA CLIFFORDcollins, who plays fiddle and accordion ;the Mulcahys of Kilmanihan, past andpresen t generations, and Aenie O'Connellof Knockawinna.There are many present-daymusicians keeping the flag flying the theSliabh Luachra area, viz. Denis McMahon of Churchtown and Ballyhar;Willie Reidy of Mullen and Ballymacelligott;Denis Doody of Ballinahullaand Shannon; Tom Fleming, Castleisland;Jack and Celia O'Regan, Castleisland;Padraig Moynihan, Glenflesk ;Tina Cronin and family, Glenflesk ; JohnCronin of Aghadoe ; Gerard Mangan,Coolcorcoran; John Brosnan, Lyreacrompane,now Milleen, Kilcummin ;the Buckleys of Killarney and JirrunyDoyle already mentioned.The list isendless.Hopes for the future are bright ascan be seen from the many talentedchildren who are , at present, learningthe music in the area. Sliabh Luachrais rich in Gaelic culture and, therefore,more fortunate than other areas. Thebirthplace of Eoghan Rua b Suilleabhainand Aodhagan b Rathaille willnot easily lose its tradition.As the time for annual generalmeetings comes round once again thethoughts of officers and committeemembers turn to various facets of theorganisation within their units and thegeneral task of stock-taking must beundertaken to evaluate the contributionof the unit Within the context of the organisationas a whole. It is also necessaryfor an organisation such as An Comhaltasto carry out at regular intervals are-appraisal of the extent and quality ofits membership and to make adjustmentsaccording to current developmentsand expansion. The number ofre.quests which arrive at Culturlann nahEireann each day for the establishmentof new branches on the one hand andfor the services of An Cornhaltas atnational level on the other is both en ­couraging and reassuring. In respondingto these requests, however, the units ofAn Comhaltas . at every level have amajor part to play.It is essential, therefore, that everybranch and County (or Regional) boardallocate a reasonable section of theiragenda for the A.G.M. to the full discussionon the matter of membership.As Ard-Chlaraitheoir an Chornhaltais, Iwould welcome the opportunity to beStock-taking timeSeamus A. MacAmhlaoibhpresent for such a discussion and tolearn from the experience of the variousunits in this regard.While Bunreacht an Chornhaltais setsout the aims and objects of An Comhaltasand the structures and proceduresby which these aims can be achieved itcan never address itself to the many problemswhich arise in the implementationof its regulations. This is not a shortcomingof An Bunreacht but rather aninherent quality of its essence as a Bunreacht.Here I must add that our Bunreachtis so clear and unambiguous inoutlining the ideals and philosophy ofour organisation that it has been usedmore than once as a model on which theconstitutions of other organisationshave been drafted. The need for aCornhaltas handbook has been felt forsome time past and such a handbook(which might be titled "Eolai an Chomhaltais")is now in the process of beingdrafted . The contents of this bookletwill be categorised under such headingsas the following:Structure and Organisation; ComhaltasPhilosophy Comhaltas Publications;Comhaltas Projects and Activities Committees,Councils and Boards; TheChairperson; The Secretary; Matters ofMoney;; Public Relations; The Meeting;Setting Up a Branch; Functions andresponsibilities of the Branch; BranchActivities; Cultirrlann na hEireann;Tithe Cheoil; Organising Events.This handbook is intended as a guideto new officers and new branches and asa handy pocket reference to existing officersand their committees. Its style oflanguage will be less legalistic than thatof An Bunreacht. It will serve to complementAn Bunreacht but never to replaceit. Indeed, it is almost axiomaticto point out that An Bunreacht shouldbe the pocket companion of every Comhaltasofficer for idealistic rather thanlegalistic reasons.It is hoped that this handbook willbe available in broadsheet format forthe forthcoming branch and County(Regional) Board A.G .Ms. It is onlyafter the units of An Cornhaltas havegiven their reactions to it that it will seethe light of day as a fully fledgedhandbook. This is another reason why Ilook forward to participating in the discussionsof as many units as possible onthis matter during the coming year.5

F1eadh FacesPhotographer Roy Bushby from Britain was at Fleadh Cheoil na bEireann and with his ever busy camera recordedsome distmguished fleadh faces - young competitors from Britain who made their mark in Listowel.LIAM McDAID (12) from Manchester wasanother proud youngster who received amedal for 1st place on Piano.A youngster who tops the lot on her rust Allheland,British lass CLARE HALLORAN(12) from Luton, a member of the LeagraveBranch of Comhaltas was placed 1st on theBanjo and 1st on the Mandolin under-12competitions_ALAN NEVIN (12) is from Birmingham andwinner of the under-12 Melodeon competition.-.,,0.·7

Generals 0 Cathain (Diarmaid) 0Dufaigh (Padraig) and Ryan (paddy)who from Headquarters at the FleadhOffice marshalled their forces and sentreinforcements post haste to assist inareas of stress. So, when you saw ausually-easy-going musician hasteningdown the street, with scarcely an eyeor a word for the merry throngs, youmight conclude that he/she was understrict orders to report to the Convent,the Plaza or the Astor, for several hoursarduous and painstaking adjudication.Like the ref. in Croke Park the adjudicatoris the first to be criticized and thelast to be thanked, but once again inListowel, as at so many other fleadhannaover the years, many good ladiesand true men were prepared to foregothe fun and merry-making so that theessential work of Fleadh Cheoil nahEireann could go on.PADDY RYANTHE MAN FROM BROSNAOf c04rse Con Curt in was there­Brosna being only a stone's throwawayand indeed Con has often travelledmuch further for a tune or to talk musicwith the music men. Though he hasbeen back in Ireland with a half dozenyears or more, the memories of those incrediblesessions at the Balloon Tavernstill linger on. 'Style, quality and depthof music' was, and still is, his motto andthough he knows the music of Colemanand Killoran , aye r and of O'Keefe,Doherty and Casey, too, his reply to thecasual question 'Where do you get yourmusic?' still rings clearly in my memory.'I got my music' he said and there waspride and devilment and challenge all atonce in his demeanour, 'I got my musicfrom Jack Maurice John, from Ahanemountain! - 'Over there' he addedpointing eastwards over the tops of thehouses, in the early morning light.CON CURTINFILMING IN THE RAINOne of the busiest men at the Fleadhwas Tony McMahon- himself an outstandingbox-player- who came toListowel to make a Television programmefor RTE and who worked sodiligently that he took away two fullprogrammes and 'the most of a thirdone'. In fact it was only the heavy andprolonged rain around noon on Sundaythat may have prevented him from completingthat third programme. Tonyand his crew of four, Ciacin, Rhonda,Seam us and Gerry were so enamouredby the music and personalities ofartistes such as John Loughran, PaddyCronin, Connie Connell and Denis McMahon that they put time and effortfar beyond the normal call of duty. Iwatched them at work on Sunday morningin the Square, and John Loughrantalked of music as it was in the old days,and played tunes from his native Co .Tyrone. The weather which hadbeen bright when they started filminghad taken a turn for the worse bu t JohnLoughran was going so well it wouldhave been a pity to abandon the job. Sosomebody volunteered to hold anumbrella over the fiddler's head andthe show could go on for another while.Gerry, the sound-man, in a veryexposed position, was already drenchedto the skin, whilst trickles of rainwatermade their way down behind Ciaran thecamera-man's ear and inside his openneckedshirt, but the filming sessionwent on, in order to get every vital extraminute of music and music lore. Ofcourse Tony and his team had alreadyfilmed numerous items indoors, butthey were anxious, in spite of theweather, to have at least a few items andshots outdoors to help capture the overallatmosphere of the Fleadh. So if partof one of the RTE programmes fromListowel should show people huddled inthe rain listening to music, well that ishow it was, and those who stood thereand listened would tell you it was wellworthwhile. ' You'd stand in the snowto listen to him' used to be an old Irishterm of praise and the music in Listowelhad that quality too.JOHN LOUGHRANPADDY MAC!haven't missed a Fleadh (All­Ireland) since 1958- not a bad recordbutthere is one man (are there others?)who hold an unbeatable record in thisregard, and that man is PaddyMcElvaney whom I mentioned earlier.Paddy, who, as well as being a foundermember has been National Treasurer formany years, was at the first one inMullingar in 1951-that was even beforethe term Fleadh Cheoil had beencoined- and he has been part of everyFleadh since, from Monaghan (Sol),Athlone, Cavan and Loughrea, rightdown to Listowel in '85. Indeed, withtwenty thousand enthusiastic Monaghanfans heading for Croke Park for theCONNIE O'CONNELL9

AmhraD Faoi SheaD 0 TreasaighSean Ua Ceamaigh65 bliana 0 shin - 14 Deireadh Fomhair, 1920 - thit Sean 0 Treasaigh, TiobraidArannach, ar son na saoirse i Sr3id TalbOid i mBaile Atha Cliath. Thar aon laoch eile ad'eag ar son Roisin Dubh taca an ama sin thuill Sean gean agus gni mhuintir na hEireann.B'flu!idir gur bheag iomra a13 faoi sna leabhair staire oifigiula - agus ag cur sanaireamh ce chomh mor agus ata staraithe ar linne faoi an3il Conor Cruise O'Brien aguslucht athscriofa na staire, ni chOir go gcuirfeadh se sin as duinn ro-mhOr. Ta Sean 0Treasaigh ina sharlaoch i gconai, go bairithe i measc a mhuintire fein i dTiobraid Arannagus go cinnte i measc iad siud ar mhOr leo sean teanga agus saiocht a sinsir.Thug Sean b Treasaigh gni don Ghaeilge6 thUs a 6ige. B'i an cloch:ha mh6ina phaidrin riamh, agus bhain se lanleas aisti agus e ag deanarnh caidrirnh leGaeilgeoiri a chontae dhUchais. Is cuimar sin gur scriobhadh marbhna aIainnfaoi i nGaeilge brea na nDeise tamallgaind i ndiaidh a bhais. Ta teacht ar anmarbhna seo sa leabhar brea a scriobhDesmtmd Ryan, beannacht De le is,dachad eigin bliain 6 shin i. SeanTreacy and the Third Tipperary Brigade.dachad eigin bliain 6 shin i. SeanTreacy and the Third Tipperary Brigade.Deir an Rianach faoin amhran:"This Irish ballad was supplied byMichael Fitzpatrick of Tipperary Town.In a note to the song it was stated thatMicheaI Mac Carthaigh, O.S., Dundrum,Co. Tipperary, had got it from Labhrasb Cadhla, O.S., Cappoquin and Colaistena Rinne. MicheaI Mac Carthaigh hasinformed the writer since the firstedition of this book was published thatthe author was MicheaI de Nea, O.S.,Balyporeen."Dala an sceal, d'eag Micheal MacCarthaigh, muinteoir, tirghrath6ir, iarUachtaran Chonradh na Gaeilge agusduine a bhi riamh m6rtasach as arnhrainbhreatha Ghaeilge Thiobhraid Arann idtus na bliana seo. Leaba i measc nanaomh go raibh aige.Ach sea anois an t-arnhran a rinneMicheal de Nea faoin Treasach i 1921.Sean-fhonn Thiobraid Arannach (Spailpina Ruin) a ghabhann leis go hionduil.A Threasaigh cbaidh! Molaim-se dolairnh,Ce go bhfuil tu go tlath 'san uaigh anois,Ba 13idir tu i bpairt i n-aghaidh ropairiShe3inBhi ar buile 's ar fan trid an nduiche.I dteanga na mBard, beidh t'ainm gohard,Mar gheaU ar do ghci d'ar stuaire -Do throidis gach 13 go meanmach gradhachAg saothru siocbain agus bua di.Is trua linn tU ar tar id'oige 's id bh13th,Nuair ataimid ag tnuth le saoirse.Ach mairfidh do ch3il an fhaid a bheidhtrachtAr fhearaibh gan sgath sa tir seo;Roimh ghramaisc an air do seoladh thars3il'I leith go hoilean ar sinsir.Ag do's ag rob3il ar fud Inse Fail'S ag creachadh gan nair' at ndaoine.Murach tusa 's do shOrt do bheimis godeoMar bhacaigh ar cur stro ar gach einne;Mar do sciobadh ar stor 's ar maoin os argcomhairMar scuabtar an ceo des na sleibhte.Ba cheap-magaidh a's spoirt armbuaireamh 's ar mbronAg an Scriosadoir Seon ud an Eirligh,Gur airigh se an gleo ar gach taobh de gobeo .'S gur mhothaigh se cumhacht bhurbpilear-ne.Anois codail go samh, a Oganaigh breaSan reilig sin lfunh led' ghaolta,No go dtagaidh an la nuair a ghlaofar gohardAr ar shiolraigh 0 Adarnh agus Eabha.I bhFlaitheas na nGnist go rabhair gohardI measc scata brea 13ch de Ghaelaibh,A's go raibh se i ndan dom fein tar eisbbaisBheith i d'fhochair i lathair an Aon­Mhic!Ach cerbhe Micheal de Nea, an file .Gaeilge

No Note of Discord in BelfastPeadar 0 Ruairc, "Irish News"The Comhaltas European concerttour got a great send-off in ·St. Gerard'sHall, Belfast before a packed house thatincluded Cardinal Tomas 0 Fiaich, Belfast'snewly-elected Lord Mayor JohnCarson, Bishop Patrick Walsh and theRev. Ray Davey, of Corrymeela.It was a musical night to rememberfor all those who were lucky enough tobe there although John Carson's pleathat the Cardinal give a rendering ofthe Oul Orange Flute was not taken up.The Cardinal neatly turned the tableson the · Lord Mayor by saying it was agood job their chains of office didn'tget mixed up or we would have CardinalJohn' Carson and Alderman TommyFee.But it was one of those carefreenights when Ireland's premier traditionalorganisation did us proud on thistheir last concert before leaving on theEuropean Concert Tour where they representedus in European Music Year.The Cardinal reminded those presentthat it was in Belfast that Irish musicwas fIrst written d

McDyer of Glencolumkill fame tells usthat when he was sent to Tory Island asPP., he thought he had a decent 'share'of Irish, but his ear was untrained andhis greatest trial was that the peoplewere reluctant to speak Gaelic uninhibitedlyin his presence. He makes thepoint that until he could get to thepoint of acceptance where he couldsimply sit and listen to normal conversation,he k ew that he would make noprogress. Synge tells us in his 'AranNotes' that he would retire to his bedroomand then lie on the floor with hisear to a crack in the floorboards so thathe could listen to the natural flow ofchat in the kitchen below which wouldnever have happened if he had remainedby the fire . Padraig Pearse took in poorboys from the Gaeltacht to St. Enda'shoping to enrich the standard of spokenGaelic in the schools. He was disappointed- the boys seemed dullards.They had little to say in either languageof interest. Only when he, by chance,overheard them talking amongst themsselveswas he delighted and surprised bytheir wit and fluency. Natural uninhibitedchat about everyday things iswhat the learner needs to be 'immersed'in but its damn difficult to come by inIreland. Rapid-fire gabble of 'AnNuacht' is little use to a learner- thoughI remember coming across a brad-bittenHorse-man in charge of some racingstables in the North of England once. Abreed of 'hard man' it would be difficultto find the 'bate' of. He was sitting inthe car listening to the news in Irishfrom over the water. during his dinnerbreak. "I don't know what in tha namea God its all about, but doesn't it soundgrand!" - There's a deal of affection forIrish in 'yer man' in the street - what apity we can't foster it.Eilish ByrneWinner of 15-18 Fiddle at FleadhCheoil na hEireann 1985Eilish, who comes from Enfield,Middlesex, is a member of the NorthLondon branch of An Comhaltas. Sheis one of the many talented second generationIrish in Britain whose standardof performance in Irish traditionalmusic, singing and dancing is beyondanything that could have been antici­. pated by the founders of An Cornhaltas.Eilish has an individual fiddling stylewhich is notable for its strength andclarity and purity of tone. She learnedthe fundamentals of fiddling from MargaretHayes, a well-known fiddler inIrish circles in London, and she advancedthrough the various stages of playingby participating in concerts and sessionsin England and Ireland. She was amember of the Comhaltas concert groupwhich toured Ireland in the Spring of1983. She was also a member of a Comhaltasgroup which visited Meinsen,West Germany, in April 1982.Eilish got her love and feeling forIrish music and culture from her father,Barney Byrne, an Offaly man who diedin January 1984, and from her mother,Rosaleen McAuley, who is a native ofCounty Cavan. Her sister Lorraine isalso well known in Comhaltas circles forher traditional singing. Eilish also playsthe concertinaand in earlier years sheand her sister graced many a stage asIrish step dancers.A MARK OF DISTINCTIONDonal MacAmblaigh tells of beingin a pub in Northampton - just,readinghis paper over a pint like a dacent man,when Irishmen who came in rambledover to him and began stumblingly, touse Irish whatever amount they had ofit. One man was in full flow wheri hisson , born in England, came up and listenedunbelievingly to what his fatherwas uttering. "What you sain' Dad ...What's that then?". "Hould yer tonguelad! " said the father proudly. "Yeramongst edicated men now! "How theposition has changed. Fluency in Irishis a mark of distinction and an enviableone, but the means of acquiring it needshard examination in the light of moderntechniques.CeolanGheimhridhCONTACT YOUR BRANCHNOW FOR FULL DETAILS'17

AgDeanamh CeodDance music supplied by Seamus Reel from the playing of Kieran Kelly-Meehan.melodeon player from Lisnaskea, Co.Fermanagh. The tune is names after theThese two reels and jig I got from birthplace of Tommy Peoples. I alsoMartin Donohoe, a box player from heard the Harper Family of CastlefinCavan . He learned the St. J ohnston play this tune.Jig: named after a road in Fermanagh.Martin learned this tune from Mick Hoyand Eddie Duffy, fiddle and fluteplayers from Derrygonaly, Co.Fermanagh.;muST. JOHNSTON REEL1) i] ]11 nJ1 f1 3111 n fJ j J I ( r U f 1J II1B id 1] J 1]] n 3111 111 Jj 11, r p pr J J 1 11McDERMOTTS No. 4 REELPi f1 g ff111 Jg J fJ 3J , r (f D 1 I E F F-r 1.11=fJ f t1f1\ t 1 JJ J3 'F fJ !J J I E r Jrf11~. _ I .~ftl f p Et r I Er IT Et F I C' v E F et I f ( h r r AAf r it Erg I J & f1 J] I r 1] D 4 If F r ~ ~. 11{8o..

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Appeal to MinisterThe following letter has beensent by the National StandingCommittee of Comhaltas to theMinister for Art and Culture, Mr.Ted Nealon, T.D.,:Your correspondence to thosewho made representations on ourbehalf in connection with thetreatment of Comhaltas and traditionalculture by the Arts Councilhas been considered by our Ardchomhairle.We are exceptionallyperturbed by this correspondenceand in particular- that yourepeated the gross misrepresentationof our case as purveyed by .the Arts Council.You will recall that you havenot found it possible to accede toour many requests to meet a Comhaltasdelegation to discuss theserious victimisation policy of theArts Council towards Comhaltasand traditional culture- a policywhich can be confirmed throughexisting documentation. As theappropriate Minister, one wouldexpect that an investigation of amatter of such a serious natureand of national interest wouldcommend itself to you for urgentattention. We understand that theArts Council are on record asstating that the policy wherebynative music entertainment willnot qualify for Arts Council funds(see Arts Council Press Release of17 January, 1985) - even thoughother entertainment forms willhasbeen approved by you.You have stated that you couldnot intervene with the ArtsCouncil but through your approvingthe policy outlined above andsubsequently endorsing the ArtsCouncil's public misrepresentationof the matter, our membership athome and abroad feel slighted ina manner never before experiencedin our 34 years' service to thenation.The Arts Council's reference to"Monkstown"- without title orclarification- is intended to bederisory. We are aware that thisis part of the Arts Councilstrategy to suggest that Culturlannna hEireann existed in isolationfrom Comhaltas. We are aware ofthe Council's efforts to createdivision within our movementeven to the extent of offeringgrants to units of Comhaltas ifthey would secede from theparent body. These shamefultactics in the name of the Statewere totally repudiated when ourAnnual Congress unanimouslysupported the stand of our Ardchomhairle.You are aware of the widespreadunrest regarding the unprecedentedbehaviour of the ArtsCouncil where Comhaltas is concerned.The Annual DelegateConference of the Irish Congressof Trade Unions recentlysupported our case; as did DublinCorporation and Local Authoritiesthroughout the country. Notonly is fair play being denied toour traditional culture but eventhe voice of the people is beingtotally ignored.We note from your correspondencealso that you have chosento . ignore the main point of ourgrievance i.e . that the grant forthe National EntertainmentScheme was reduced in value by32% in 1985 and will be totallyconfiscated in 1986. This is inaddition to a decrease of over 50%in the value of State fundingsuffered by Comhaltas in recentyears. You repeat the Arts COllllcil'sefforts at confusing the publicby listing non-discretionarygrants in the context of annualgrants. For instance, to includethe once-off non-discretionarygrant received from Europe byComhaltas to enable them to representIreland with a EuropeanTour for European Music Yearwhichwe did with pride and expertise-wasextremely disturbing.Are we to believe that in using thenon-discretionary grants to justifythe decrease in annual State fundingto Comhaltas there is aP?licy .for clawing ba~k such n9ndIscretIonarygrants ill our case?You can well appreciate whatsuch a policy would do to anymovement an.d particularly -M1 extensiveone such as ours which isalready denied adequate andequitable state funding.Needless to say, we are pe.rplexedas to why Comhaltas isbeing treated in such a vindictivemanner. It is all the more confusingwhen one recalls that therecen t professional survey-" Audiences,Acquisitions & Amateurs"-conducted by LansdowneMarket Research Ltd. on behalfof the Arts Council showed thatIrish traditional music enjoys apremier position among the livingarts in Ireland. You will recallthat the Arts Council presentedyou with a copy of this Survey.The work of Comhaltas in thepromotion of native culture ineveryone of the 32 Counties andin many countries throughout theworld is now a matter of record.The Arts Council's selective treatmentof our movement is a bloton the good name of Ireland anddeeply resented by all those whoappreciate the endeavours andachievements of Comhaltas sinceits foundation in 1951. We nowrespectfully request that youaccede to our request and facilitatea reversal of the policy whichis resented by so many people athome and abroad.. .LABHRAS 0 MURCHU SEAMUS DE BRUN MICHEAL 0 LOCHLAlNN PADRAIG MacGIOLLA SEAM US MacAMHLAOIBH SEAN 0 CIANAINMHEANA19

A Harp Made in BrisbaneJohn DowlingThe O'Moore Harp, which iscurrently being played by Ruairi Mitchell,was magnificen tly crafted byMichael O'Moore of Brisbane Comhaltas,formerly of Dublin City, Ireland.One of Ireland's famed poets, himselfnamed Moore, penned these lines aboutthe "Harp that once, thro' Tara's Hall,It's soul of music shed".When reflecting on the pride of placeonce held by the harp in Ireland, thatplace was lost in the 17th Century,when war, and the death of the ancientorder of things, brought changes in theSocial Order and in Musical tastes.There is, I am pleased to say, a revivalof interest and harps are being craftedin Ireland, America, and best of allin Brisbane. The long hours of patienttoil, the dedication to the ideal thatonly the best will do, have paid dividendsindeed and those of us who havebeen privileged to hear the harp will testifyto its "clear, resonant tone". Theancient music of the Celt sounds its callanew in merry tones, or sad, and to theCelts and their friends it is saying "Behold,that which was dead, Lives".Michael, a true craftsman not contentto rest on his laurels has built asecond harp, yet to be strung, and hascommenced a third! The sound ofErin's traditional music will once morebe heard in all its beauty. Thanks toRuairi and many, many thanks toMichael O'Moore for making the dreama reality.THE COOMBES HARPIn the early 19th century the "Harp ·of Erin" had passed into history, fewwere being made and even fewer werebeing played.In Moore's poem the sentence ofdeath had been passed on it, the harpwas relegated to History; to quote"Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls,As if that soul were fled!!While Michael was bringing his harp tolife in the Southern suburbs of Brisbane,over to the North in Brackenridge,Trevor Coombes was working alone,and to Michael, completely unknown.Trevor was making from seemingly deadtimber something that would become aMICHAEL O'MOORE with one of his manyharps.living, sweet voiced harp.Trevor, formerly from Belfast, withthe same care for detail, and dedicationto an ideal, was bringing a traditionback from an early grave.Trevor's harp, now beautifullyplayed by Mary Foley is bringing joyand satisfaction to all that are privelegedto hear it. For many years, we were allon parallel roads and might have continuedso if it had not been ou.r good fortuneto find a haven in Comhaltas CeoltoiriEireann where we all met thosewho made, those who played and thosewho simply listen.Trevor, continuing the good work, isstill building. Another harp has takenshape under his skilled and caring hands.The beautiful Celtic interlacing has been21

MANCHESTER MEMORIES15 Plowden Road,Woodhouse Park,Manchester M22 6QY.The O'Carolan Comhaltas BranchManchester were playing host to theLiverpool Branch and we were all lookingforward to meeting old and newfriends again and some very fine entertainmentin true Comhaltas fashion.The theme although not developedwas in a Plearacha vein. We were not,of course, in competition but were goingto provide an evenings fun for eachother. The evening started with theO'Carolan Ramblers Ceil{ Band takingthe stage and we all set off at a gallopwith the Walls of Limerick which wepulled down brick for brick.With the ice been broken we settleddown to enjoy the evening. No onehad rehearsed anything special and weinvited our guests to kick off: this theydid with a rousing selection of jigs andreels; this was followed by some lovelysinging in Irish; a quick change of shoesand we were ya- ho-ing to a Clare Set.The music and song flowed like milkfrom a churn as the Liverpool Branchentertained as only they can. A shortbreak was called and a chance to get toknow each other around a cup of tea;a chance to compare notes and discusssets and ballads, and being internationalYouth Year a chance for our youngmembers to get acquainted in a nicefriendly fashion.The hosts started the second halfand although not as experienced as ourguests nonetheless put on a marvellousdisplay and we were treated to somefine dancing by champion dancersDebbie Garvey, Kevin Madden and AnnUsher; this was followed by somelovely singing by Ann and TheresaMullins. The O'Carolan Grupa Cheoilwere our next entertainers and put on adisplay which their teacher CarolineUsher and our Branch can be veryproud and so it went on and on: PatSweeney popped in for five minutes andstayed three hours. He remarked onthe talent on display and was quite sureour culture was in good hand. He isright, without a doubt this variety ofIrish traditional entertainment is due tothe great efforts of so many people whovalue our culture, non more so than ourown organisation, Comhaltas Ceolt6iriEireann, who have been at the front ofthe line for so long in promoting ourmusic, song, dance, etc. and have helpedto spread our culture worldwide. Iwonder if we know what we have insuch an organisation and if in fact,we appreciate what it does in the fieldof Irish tradition.The true meaning of Comhaltas wasdisplayed here at Manchester w.hen twogroups of people from different citiescame together to entertain each otherand the common factor being Irishtraiditional music.The only conclusion one can drawfrom tonight's display is that our cultureis very much alive and will remainso for a very long time to come and iffurther proof of this is needed a visitto any branch session or ceil{ will notbe amiss. When you see the C.C.E.emblem your traditional entertainmentis guaranteed. So with a host of cheerygood nights we bid our visitors adieuand God speed and a promise to returnthe compliment, we put the lights outon yet another O'Carolan (Manchester)night .....THAT REGIONAL RULEM. McKENNA25 Fairfax Avenue,Luton,BEDS.Now that the All-Ireland Fleadh isout of the way, it gives me the chanceto bring you, our readers, into the discussionof the "regional rule'~. It is, Ifeel, something which must be lookedinto.The question of entering outside ofone's Region during the lead-up to theAll-Britain was raised by a number ofpeople at this year's All-Ireland inListowel. It appears that, at the time asRegional Fleadhanna were taking place,they coincided with youngsters beingaway on Educational visits abroad.Now I don't mean holidays, let us notconfuse the issue: holidays are one'sown choice, educational visits are a differentkettle of fish.A number of children involved wereprevious 'All-Ireland champions', butbecause of the trips - which the EducationAuthorities have informed me, arepart of their school curriculum - youngmusicians missed out the Regional andcouldn't enter in another Region, due tothe rules.Now, at the same time, it was drawnto my attention in Listowel, that three'non' members of Comhaltas were ableto enter in another region, after failingto qualify for the Al l-Britain in theirown region. If this is true, it looks as ifthe rule is too tight for our own members,while at the same time it is failingto stop 'non' members slippingthrough the net.Is the rule too tight for our ownmembers? If our talented musicianshave no choice but to attendeducational trips (not holidays) and areaway at the time a Regional Fleadh isstaged, should they be allowed to enterinto another Regional Fleadh?Two points for discussion, let usknow what you think. Write to Treoirnow.WELL DONEROY BUSHBY4 Knockmena Park,Portadown,Craigavon,Co. ArmaghJust a few lines to say thanks for a veryenjoyable Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann inListowel. I attend a lot of fleadhannathroughout the year and have beendoing so for quite a number of years .now. I was able to attend Fleadh Cheoilna Mumhan in Limerick this year tooandI must congratulate you on yourfine handling of that particular fleadh.I must say that your Organisation hasdone a great job with all of our culturetheactual running of all the events atthe larger fleadhs is 100% I myself havea very keen interest in ceili dancing andit was good to see that the ceilithe werewell run - proper fear a' ti', good ceilibands and plenty of Irish dancers todo our dances properly. The improvementat these events was highly commendable.I'll finish off by saying thanks aBainfor such a fine Fleadh Cheoil na hEire~ann.PEN PAL FOR LAURA, "DAITIn 0 LUSLAI32 Prime Road,Grey-Lynn,Auckland 2,New Zealand.My name is Laura.Rainsford. I amten years old, and I live in New Zealand.Could you please get me in touch with agirl, my own age, who could be mypenpal, or give me the address of someonewho could? My interests are: writing(mostly poetry), acting, dancing. Iplay a bit of the penny whistle, andhave just started to learn the Irishlanguage.LAURA RAINSFORD23

NEW ZEALAND NOTESIn Wellington, New Zealand's capitalcity, there is a dedicated number of musiciansof all ages, members of the WellingtonIrish Society, who continue tomaintain the tradition of live musicwhich was brought to this country byour Irish forebears.Because of our isolation from therest of the world it is difficult to maintainthe oral transmission of the musicand consequently much of the Irishmusic that is played live in New Zealandhas been taken from records and tapesand the occasional visiting traditionalmusician . There are several groups andceili bands which play regularly at theWellington Irish Society's clubrooms,the youngest of which is the InnisfailCeili Band who can be seen in the accompanyingphotograph. Threemembers of the band, Patricia (violin),John (piano) and Kieran (tin whistle)Newell have recently been visiting Irelandin December and January duringthe long (antipodean) summer schoolholidays.We found an instant welcome whereverwe went with many branches ofComhaltas in Cork City, Birr, Glengarriff,Bantry and Borlin. During ourtravels around Ireland we took part inmany music sessions and gathered animmense amount of fresh materialwhich will be played and passed on inNew Zealand in the years ahead .(L-r) JOHN NEWELL (piano); MARY ANNEWINKELS (accordeon); P ATRICIA NEWJ;:LL(fiddle); . MIRIAMA WILLIAMS (fiddle);KIERAN NEWELL (tin whistle); and SU­SANNA WINKELS (tin whistle).There are four main centres in NewZealand which have active Irish Societies:Auckland, Wellington, Christcchurchand Invercargill and they gatheronce a year in October, in the Spring,for a national Feis of Irish Dancing,music, speech, camogie and football.The judges for the dancing are broughtfrom Ireland, America or Australia andthis helps to exchange ideas and keepsthe local dancing teachers abreast oftrends in Ireland and elsewhere. Unfortunately,the strength of the music inNew Zealand is not sufficient to allow asimilar invitation to musicians but wehope to keep our contacts and strengthenthe bonds between musicians in NewZealand and Ireland as a result of ourrecent winter visit.- T. P. NEWELLTbe sbapers of DreamsExtract from Address by Labhnisb MurchU, ArdstiurthOir of Comhaltasat the opening of F1eadh Cheoil nahEireann in Listowel, Co. Kerry:The commitment of young people toIrish traditional music as revealed in theLandsdowne Market Research Survey"Audiences, Acquisitions & Amateurs"is one of the great pherlomena of thiscentury . It is also one of the rays ofhope available to us on an otherwise .glo omy national landscape. For traditionalmusic to achieve this prominence,as confirmed in the Survey, it had tocompete with the syndicated, plastic industryof commercial music backed bymillions of pounds.One of the main reasons for this successstory is the work within the communityby Comhaltas Ceo1t6iri Eireannover the past 34 years. This approachwas based on the concept of helpingpeople to help themselves in the matterof community and national identity. Agreat deal might be learned from thisstructure in other spheres i.e. employment,reconciliation, etc. The ingredientsof enthusiasm, local pride andidealism are vital to the solving of ourproblems and, without which, WhitePapers will only cover over the cracks.It is worth recalling also that in the60 branches of Cornhaltas in NorthernIreland both communities can find commonground. This is another ray ofhope on a landscape where division, violenceand suffering are the headlinematerial. Anything which is .positiveand constructive must be a virtual lifesaverfor people who have suffered somuch for so long.I would appeal to those of vision,who occupy positions of power and influence,to have the courage to identifythe real shapers of dreams and buildersof bridges between communities on thisisland and to assist them accordingly.The record in this regard to date hasbeen dismal and discouraging.25

The Ghost of O'ConnorRisteard DonaI MacAodhaMy job was explained to me quit,esimply. The house owner, Uaitear 0Reagain , wanted me to move the doorentry into the second floor bedroom toa new location between the self sameroom and its adjacent hall. While movingthe entrance way from one locationon a wall to another location a few feetaway might seem to some to be "makework", the concept was sound. Thenew door location would allow morewall space and allow a practical solutionas to where the bed could be placed inthis small room with an open fire .Uaitear simply said: "I want you to takethis door and put it over there and thenI want you to fill in the hole".Sound! The second floor in this 60year old house was divided by timberframed lath and plaster walls. Technicallynot difficult a job, but a little messywith the dust.To my surprise, when breakingthrough the wall I discovered two paperSacred Heart of Jesus medallions facingeach other on opposing studs within thewall. What a strange place for suchreverence, I thought. At floor levelstuck in the plaster slag which hadpushed through the lath I discovered sixsilver tea spoons.Connecting the spoons with the protectionof the Sacred Heart my mind attemptedto dust free all the knowledgeof folklore and spiritual superstitionthat I'd read and forgotten in twentyyears of the study of my advocation. Itwas no use. I knew about pence piecesunder corner stones and letting fowlblood on thresholds, horse shoes withthe open end upwards above doors, butI knew not of silver spoons sealed "permanently"inside the walls.Under the guise of offering a cup oftea, Uaitear returned to check the progressand 1 pointed out my discovery .While officious and authoritarian in hismanner about questioning me as to justwhere was the medallions found andjust where were those spoons found ; 1noticed that he was agitated and actingnot unlike a creature of the sciob61 whohad been " spooked".He mumbled something about the"Troubles" and asked if it was possibleto shift the lot to the new wall that I"I KNEW ABOUT PENCE PIECESUNDER CORNER STONES ANDLETTING FOWL BLOOD ONTHRESHOLDS, HORSE SHOES WITHTHE OPEN END UPWARDS ABOVEDOORS, BUT 1 KNEW NOT OFSILVER SPOONS SEALED PERMAN­ENTLY INSIDE THE WALLS"would have to build to close in the olddoor space. After answering to the affirmative, Uaitear became almost abusivein his insistance that everything beset "exactly the way it was".Not wishing to upset your man, 1merely stood in waiting for his retreat,but 1 must have had a questioning lookon my face for he continued on: "Iwant it exactly the way you found it.If Mrs. O'Connor hears tell of this, 1don't want to have to go explaining toher what 1 did with her spoons or why 1moved them so".To my relief and comfort he turnedand retreated down the stairwell withno further mention of the cup of tea.Still with tools in hand, but without yetstriking a further blow, 1 listened toUairear addressing himself more than tomyself as he descended the stairs: "Idon't want to be. seeing that womannow" and thinking that was that, 1lifted the hammer to break some moreplaster and heard Uaitear, a few stepsbelow mumble: "Now that she's beendead these twenty years".27

BRITAIN SECOND TO NONEAn Cloichin,Co. Thiobrad Arann.A friend of mine sent me a copy ofthe "Irish Post" from Britain. This is avery fme newspaper but it had an extraordinaryarticle about the Fleadh Cheoilin Listowel by a Roy Bushby. This"Connoisseur of Irish traditional music"seemed to be suggesting that arrangementsshould be made to make awardsto musicians simply because they residein Britain! No such arrangements arenecessary-Irish traditional musicians inBritain can hold their own with anycountry as they proved (contrary toMr. Bushby's assertion) at the Fleadh inListowel. The statistics show that competitorsfrom Britain secured no lessthan 28 "firsts"-this was greater thanthose secured by Connacht, Ulster orLeinster.THE PLACE TO BEAOIFE Ni MHUIRioSAParade Grounds,Arklow,Co. Wicklow.I was up in the Culturlann for aweek-end (2 weeks ago) with my cousinRaisin and I just felt I had to write toyou to say it was just wonderful. TheCeili on the Friday night was just out ofthis world and we met up with some ofthe Thurles Set dancers. It was great tosee such a big crowd at it. I only wish rcould get there every Friday night.Early September I will arrange agroup for the Ceili from here and I amlooking forward to another good night.CAIT KINSELLARosaleen McAuleyRosaIeen McAuley who comes fromKilkenny, is one of the many youngpipers who have come on the Comhaltasscene over the last decade. Being amember of a family of four traditionalmusicians Rosaleen knows how to mixher piping with other musicians whileretaining her individual style of pipingfor solo playing. This style showsinfluences of the great pipers of the pastwhile achieving an effective balance betweentight and open piping.Rosaleen was a member of the Cornhaltas group which entertainedPresident Reagan at Ballyporeen andprovided entertainment as part of theG.A.A. centenary celebrations. She alsotravelled with this group to Dom Pierrein France and to Baden-Baden inGermany to perform on Germantelevision. She is a member of the KilkennySeisiun Group which performedat Kilkenny Castle this year. She hastravelled with this group to Scarboroughin England and to Waldkratburg imdOberwesel in West Germany. She wasone of a small group that travelled toJoensuu in Finland this year torepresent An Comhaltas and Ireland inthe 150th anniversary celebrations.Rosaleen learned her early pipingfrom Tommy Keane, a Waterford mannow living in London. She values veryhighly the advice which she constantlyreceives from Tommy Keamey, a Dunmore-Eastman with whom she has regularpiping sessions, and Martin Carrigan,a Kilkenny man who keeps a watchfulWinner of 12-1 5 Uille~nn Pipesat Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann1985eye on her pipes and ensures that they"are giving of their best". She plays ahalf-set in concert pitch with other musiciansand it was this half-set that sheplayed with her brother Michael on concertinato win the 12-15 Duet competi!ionat thisy.ear's Fleadh Cheoil nahEireann. This half-set was made byAlan Froment of Kenmare as was alsothe full 'flat' set which she played in thesolo competition. She is extremelyhappy with both products of Alain'scraftsmanship. She claims that he is'turning out' good sets of pipes.Ceol an GheimhridhCEOL, RI~CE , ~HRANAiOCHTAGUS SCEALAJOCHT.29

DAN KEANE'S TRIBUTEThey Conquered all MunsterThis group of set dancers, all membersof Craobh Bhaile 'n Chollaigh, haveachieved quite a height of success in thepast few years. They won the Cork Co.Final in the ' under-IS set dancing forthe past four years and were placed inthe Munster Final on each appearanceas well as receiving the Munster Trophyin 1984 and repeated their win this yearin Hospital, Co. Limerick at the MunsterFinal.They were also placed in the Ceol anGheimhridh National Finals in theJunior Set in Belmullet in April, havingwon the Munster title.The successes gained are surely dueto the hard work of the group under thewatchful eye and expertise of Leo andMarie Hickey.Cork Co . Board promotes Juniorceili competitions and at this year'sCounty Final at Crookstown many titleswere taken by Ballincollig members inthe Fallai Luimni, Ionsai na hinse ;Cor Ceathrar and Port An FhOrnhairfmals.You lovers of dance on the Banks of theLee,Let your voices ring high and the chorusrun free ;'To praise our young dancers who'vewon high renown,They conquered all Munster and nowwear the crown,They did proud to their county thatwonderful day,To Ballincollig to Aglish to Clash andKilcrea,The love of the Lee was the source oftheir PridePlus a gradh for that dear little river -the Bride.Cheer long O'Mahony! Mary and Louise,Likewise the other whose name isDenise,Their figures and movements your heartwould beguileLikewise our two Kierans that'sBrennan and Doyle.Miss Susan O'Riordan she danced withdelightLike Diannuid {) Cathasaigh her partnerthat nightAnd Morrissey Martin we'll never forgetCompleted in brilliance our young. Champion Set.Lond may they perform to delight everycrowd,Upholding traditions of which we areproud,Long may they dance to brighten thehourWith musicians Miss Cuddihy, theHickeys and Power.Long may their music guide and harnessthe feetOf many a dancer t~ give us a treat,And many another again may we seeTo bring further glory to the Banks ofthe Lee.MARTIN DONOHOE, ,College Street,Cavan on accordion and DA YID MOLWY,Behey, Cavan on banjo, winners of theAll-Ireland Chmpionship at. the P.T.A.A.Readoiri Competition held recently atCarrickmore, Co. Tyrone. Both these musiciansare well known in Comhaltas Ceo1toiriEireann circles, having represen ted Ulster atseveral All-Ireland fleadhanna.31

15-181st. Carmel Dwyer, St. Alban s2nd. Nuala Cagney, Limerick3rd.OVER 181st. Noel Battle, Mullingar.2nd. Jack Small, Longford.3rd. Donald Kavanagh, Quebec.BANJOFaoi 121st. Clare Halloran , Luton.2nd. John Morrow, Leitrim.3rd. John Dooley, Wexford.12-151st. Barry Kennedy, Luton.2nd Brenda Smith, Armagh.3rd. Andrew Dinan, Manchester.15 - 181 st. Sean 0 Lo rchain, Limerick.2nd. Eamonn Coyne, Dublin.3rd. Pat Bass, Wexford.OVER 181st. Noel Birmingham, Clare.2nd. Mary O'Connell, Luton.3rd. Francis McCormack, Armagh.PIANOFaoi 121st. Liam McDaid , Manchester.2nd. Mary Kelly , Clare.3rd. Sinead Egan, Offaly .12-151st. Francis Coil, Galway.2nd. Padraig McBride, Leitrim.3rd ~ Joseph Brady, Cavan.15-181st. Miriam Collins, Clare.2nd. Sinead Ni Dhincin, Monaghan.3rd. Mary Kavanagh, Glasgow.OVER 181st. Brendan Moran, Leigh.2nd. Gerry Conlon, Glasgow.3rd. Aileen Cantwell, Offaly .MELODEONFaoi 121st. Alan Nevin, Birmingham.2nd. Timmy O'Sullivan, Kerry.3rd. Mary Henry , Mayo.12- 151st. Tomas 0 Dochartaigh, Mayo.2nd. Mary Reidy, Kerry.3rd. Colette O'Loughlin, Mayo .15 - 181st. John Bass, Wexford.2nd. Michael Sexton, Clare.3rd. Bernadette O'Loughlin, Mayo.OVER 18I st. Padraig 0 Coill, Cork.2nd. John Bass, Wexford.3rd. Thomas Quinn, Tyro ne.BODHRANFaoi 121st. John Joe KellY,Manchester.2nd. Liam McCorm ack, Westmeath.3rd. Kevin Mitchell, Manchester.12- 151 st. Verena Commins, Coventry.2nd. Geraldine Dignam, Dublin.3rd. To ny Quinn, Monaghan.A HAPPY ENDINGIt was a shock for LISA MORLEY Ol) ayoungster competing with .one of the groupswhen she found her piano accordion in bits.It wasn't as bad as it looks however. Thecompetition was held up while a helpful adjudicatortried to fix a key on the instrument,which had stuck fast. Another musicianhowever lent Lisa an instrument. After thecompetition, Lisa had to wait for some timebefore the accordion was back in use.(Photo-ROY BUSHBy)15-181st. Bernadette McMahon, Antrim.2nd. Noreen Keville, Galway.3rd. Anna Corr, Dublin .OVER 181 st. Maurice Griffin, Tipperary.2nd. Michael Lawlor, Wexford.3rd. Damien Quinn, Kildare.ROGHA GHLEASFaoi 121st. Claire Halloran, Luton.2nd. Catherine Cunniffee, Mayo.3rd. Theresa Larkin, Tipperary.12- 151st. Tara McBride, Louth.2nd. Barry Kennedy, Luton.3rd. Leo Fitzgerald, Lu ton.15-181st. Gerard Horgan, Cork.2nd. Mary Shannon, Clare.3rd. Mark Mohan, Tyrone.OVER 181st. Coleman Nugent, Waterford.2nd. David James, Indiana.. 3rd. Michael Meere , Clare.DRUMMINGFaoi 121st. Martin Ely, Luton.2nd. Brendan Meaney, Clare.3rd. Niamh McGrath, Kildare,12-151st. Shane Buggy, Offaly.2nd. Michael Sheridan, Sligo.3rd. Ian Thompson, Merseyside.15-181st. Mark Maguire, Glasgow.2nd. Aiden Burke, Middlesex.3rd. Carol O'Kane, Derry.OVER 181st. Debbie Connolly , Manchester.2nd. Ivan Camier, Cork.3rd. Billie Dwyer, Wexford.FIDDLE-SLOW AIRSFaoi 121st. Eilis Ni Lionnain, Dublin.2nd. Niamh Ni Charra, Killarney.3rd. Dona McRory, Donegal.12-151st. Aiden Lennon, Louth.2nd. Helen O'Connor, Limerick.3rd. Valerie Marsh, Dublin.15-181 st. Mairead Nesbitt, Tipperary.2nd. Ann O'Connor, Limerick.3rd. Donal Lennon, Dublin.OVER 181st. Francis Nesbitt, Tipperary.2nd. Geraldine Webster, Tipperary.3rd. Annette Coleman, Wicklow.UILLEANN PIPES-SLOW AIRSFaoi 121st. Tiarnan 0 Dincin, Monaghan.2nd. Peadar Langan, Mayo.3rd. Emer Maycock, Mayo.12-151st. John McSherry, Belfast.2nd. Ivan Goff, Dublin.3rd. Diarmuid 0 Muineachain, Cork15-181st. Brian McNamara, Leitrim.2nd. Tina McSherry, Belfast.3rd. Clar Ni Chonchuir, Cork.CONCERT FLUTE-SLOW AIRSFaoi 121st. Blanaid Flanagan, Tipperary.2nd. Liam Duggan, Galway.3rd. Emer Maycock, Mayo.12-151st. Marianne Browne, Kerry.2nd. Veronica Murray, Galway.3rd. Grainne McKeown, Antrim.15-181st. John McNulty, Mayo.2nd. Kay Webster, Tipperary.3rd. Thomas McElvogue, Newcastle-o n-TyneOVER 181st. Julia Nicholas, St. Helens.2nd. Claire Burke, Offaly.3rd. Turlough Boyland, Derry.TIN WHISTLE-SLOW AIRSFaoi 121st. Tomas 0 Neachtain, Galway.2nd. Emer Morris, DUblin .3rd. Rosemarie Ni Cheilleachair, Cork.12- 151st. Avri! Bowler, Kerry.2nd. John Myers, London.3rd. Co ra Smyth, Mayo.15-181st. Kathleen Forde, Donegal.2nd. Martina Bree, Sligo.3rd. Kay Webster. Tipperary.OVER 181 st. Michel Sikiotakis, Paris.2nd. Noreen Murphy, Cork.3rd. Turlough Boylan, Derry.DUETSFaoi 121st. N. Ni Charra & T. O'Sullivan, Kerry2nd. F. Fogarty & T. Larkin, Tipperary.33

Faoi 131st. Diarmuid 0 Cathasaigh, Corcai.2nd. Domhnach 0 Duilleain, Laois.3rd. Ruairi 0 Conchuir, Chiarrai.Faoi151 st. Fiona Ni Roinsigh, Portlaoise.2nd. Noirin Ni Chorcora, Ciarrai.3rd. MichealO Cuillin, Rath Coille.FAOl181st. Louise Breathnach, Gaillimh2nd. Maire Ni Niallais, Doire Beaga.3rd. Breandan MacConormhaoile, Luimni.WAR PIPESFaoi 121st. Seamus 0 Fiach, Limerick.2nd. Desmond Smyth, Armagh.3rd. Maurice Morrison, Cork.MUNSTER 39CONNACHT 18ULSTER 18LEINSTER 27BRITAIN 28U.S.A. 3CANADAFRANCE 1ANALYSIS OF RESULTSFIRSTS SECONDS TIDRDS TOTAL13434 29 10228 23 6924 21 6326 33 8815 17 684 1 81 11 2131 126 39112-151st. Michelle Minogue, Middlesex.2nd. Suzanne Curran, Middlesex.3rd. Sean 0 Fiach, Limerick.15-181st. lames Morrison, Cork.OVER 181 st. Sarah Fitzpatrick, Wexford.AMHRAN NUA-CHEAPTHA1st eolm MacConfhaola, Wexford.2nd. Searnus 0 Baoghaill, Monaghan.3rd. Padraig 0 Muiri, Galway.NEWLY COMPOSED BALLAD1st. Paddy Blake, Wicklow.2nd. Paddy Berry, Wexford.3rd. Michael Rafferty, Galway.CNUASACHT DE CHEOIL TUAITHE.Ist. Tony Kenny, Offaly.2nd. Vera Craughwell, Galway.CNUASACHT DE AMHRAlN TUAITHE1st. Pat Brosnan, Limerick.2nd. Daithi 0 Riordain, Limerick.3rd. Michael l . O'Reilly, Wexford.ACCORDION BANDFaoi 181st. Convoy Accordion Band, Donegal.2nd. Kilcoo Accordion Band, Down.3rd. Clane Accordion Band. Kildare.OVER 181st. St. Patrick's Accordion Band, Down.2nd. Mayorbridge Accordion Band. Down.FLUTE BANDOVER 181st. Cloney Flute Band. Antrim.2nd. St. Patrick's Flute Band, Derry.BUlON ROGHA GHLEADFaoi181 st. Dungloe Marching Band, Donegal.2nd. Westport Girls Band, Mayo.3rd. Claremorris Marching Band. Mayo.BUlON ROGHA GHLEASOVER 18.1st. Lisnaskea Marching Band, Fermanagh.2nd. Convent of Mercy Marching Band, Mayo.PIPE BANDS1st. O'Neill Pipe Band, Armagh.2nd. St. Joseph's Pipe Band, Glassdrummond.A StrangeEncounterSome of the stories I heard when Iwas a child would put the hair standingon your head. I remember "98", a manI would describe as a prophet. I recallmany of his stories. One such was asfollows:"98 was returning from a Wake inCoolagown around 2 o'clock one mor·ning, with a friend, Bill Dowling fromBallintocher. The deceased woman'sname was Mary Ann O'Connell. Thenight was fierce cold, there was a terriblewhistling wind , and the Gods werevery cross. They decided to take ashortcut along the River Feale and crossthe river, but, unfortunately, the riverwas too high to cross so they went onfoot along the bank to Finuge Bridge,which wasn't complete at the time.They held the lantern high to showthem the way. They took the bore endown St. Brigid's Road, a quarter of amile from where I live now. "98"stopped and pointed his stick to a blackthornbush. No word came from hisThe Monks Homelips" ; he was as white as a sheet. Billsaid "you look like life boiled over".Suddenly a gush of wind came and blewtheir hats off. Bill gave him a shake andsaid: "did you see Mary Ann, she wasstanding there." Bill told him he onlyimagined it, but "98" said "No, I don'tbelieve in ghosts or anything like that,but I did see her standing there with herhabit on, as we saw her in the coffin beforewe left the wake." Bill said toMike that she must be a fair old runnerto get there before them. Suddenly, heheard a whispering voice saying "Prayfor my Soul. I have betrayed theMonks." She didn't have a Priest orMinister before she died as the Priestwas tlung from his horse and left On theroadside. The voice said: ''I'm troubledover the Monks as I did nothing to hlepthem at the time". She knew what hadhappened to the Monks who were hungoff the trees. One of the Monks escapedoff the tree and went over to DysartChurchyard. He remained there for along time until help came from Dublin.He died shortly after in the Monkshome in Dublin. All the trees rotted tothe ground in Ennismore except the onefrom which Father Ambrose escaped.The remains of the Monks Home is stillstanding there today in McCarthy's farmand the Church Bell is still in the townland.-MAIRE Ni hARAGAIN viBHEASLAoi35

CEOL AN GHEIMHRIDH '85-861''1:.:'.. " .~-~AIMS: (a) to establish standards: (b) to provide inter-branch activity: (c) to involve asmany ~ s possible of the branch members; (d) to present a ll aspects of Comhaltas activitieso n th e same sta!(e so that all members of An Comhaltas are exposed to those facets ofAn Cumhaltas other than those in wh ich they are particularly interested.COMPETITIONS: ~ (a) wind: (b) reed: (c) st ring and (d) uilleann pipes (this meansthat a ll the wind instruments constitute one competition, all the reed constitute a not he r,a nd so un): (d) Duets: (r) Quartettes (o ne age gro up only): (g) C~ili Bands (onc agegroup o nly requiring a minimum of six perfo rmers and a maximum o f te n). ~ - (a)r:u ur-H~nd Ceili Dance: (b) Eight-Hand Ceili Da nce: (c) Traditional Set-Dance : (d) TraditionalHalf-Set (for o ther than those who have competed in the Full Se t). All teams indancin~ competitions including sets and half-sets should be co mprised o f mi xed coupleso nly : Competitors in this section should note that the objective of the competition is top rovide a platform and a n outlet fo r o rdinary branch membe rs involved in Ceili and setdancing a nd it is not deSig ned for dancing schools. The emphasis sho uld be on th e trad i­t iunal approach tu dancing in costume a nd footwear. Sing ing - Ca) Amhranaiocht ar anscan-nos: (b) Traditional so ng s in English. Scealaiochtj StgrYIXllig¥·AGI·> C ROUPS: T here will be three age g roups-under 14, 14- 18 years and over 18years (C~ ili Band s a nd quartettes wi ll be open age groups). In duds an under 14 or 14-18 competitor may opt for a higher age group but may u nl y co mpe te in that catego ry forthat co mpetition. In O!ili and Set Dancing competitions dancers under 14 years mayco mpete in the 14- 18 age group but again may only compete in that catc!(ory for thatco mpetition. In a ll other co mpetitions for o ver 18 years co mpetitors must qualify by agefur that pa rticular compet ition. January 1st of the year in w hich the competitionco mmences w ill be re!( ard ed as the qualify ing date in respect of age limit.PIECFS: Mu sic - 2 pieces I'o r under 14 and 14- 18 and 3 pieces for over 18 (these piecesas li sted in the FJcadh CIar): Dancing-the number of figures as decided by th e adjudicatorson the night: Sin!(ing-2 so n!(s in each of the competitions. (No te: in the case of theli ngli sh section, a song from the competitor's own county may earn a bonus of 5 marks atthe adjudicato r's discretion): Scealaiocht a nd Storytelling - a minimum o f four minutesand a maximum of eight minutes.FORMAT: The early rounds within a County could be o n a relatively informal basis: say,four or fiv e branches compe ting in an of-stage type se tting (with a session atmosphere).The Semi-Finals a nd Final in a County, and up to national level would be on stage-p roviding a shop window display of our talent.TIM1: : County Finals over by th e end of December : Provincial Fi nals over by the end ofFebru a rl' . All-Ireland at FJeadh na nGae!.FLlGIBILlTY . (a) Confined to members of a branch (N.B. Comp etitors must be reg isteredmcmbe rs of the particular level of competition): (b) Each branch may have thrL'ce ntries in each category ( i. e. a branch may participate in a ll co mpetitions and in a ll agegroups but may not e nter more than three in each o ne).STRUCTURL The Cou nty Board is responsible w ithin the County; th c Provincial Councilis rc sponsible w ithin the province: and the Ard-Chomhairle is responsible at national !ev e!.The Co. Board may decide to have regional competitions \vithin the County (say, three orfour branches or whatever the Board may decide) leading to e ither a Count y Semi-Finaland/or County Fina!. Likewise, the Provincial Council may decide on Semi Finals leadingto a [: ina]; and the National competitions w ill be held at Fleadh na nGae !.QUALlrILRS: 1st and 2nd go forward from a County Reg ional F inal to" County Semi­I.' in al and /or County Final (i.e. in ot her words 1st a nd 2nd go forward from ea ch levelw ithin the County) : Competitors representing a County mu st perform and qualify with inthe County prior to th e Provin cial competition. "Nominations" are not permissable.I st and 2nd go forward from the Cu unty Final to the Provincial Semi-Final and /or Provinciall:ina!' I st and 2nd go forwa rd fr o m the Provincial Final to the All-Ireland .SUBSTlTUTLS: Substitution is a llowed as follows: Quartettes, 4-hand c~ il i dance andhalf-scts- ONI' substitute a llowed. Cei li ba nds, 8-h~nd ceill d a nce, full sets-maximumTWO substituks a llowed.I: INANCF' No entry ke is p ayable b y a ny unit in respect o f it s co mpetitors but a lleO lllpetiturs w ill pay an adm issio n fee at the cO lllpetition venue. Under 18 = sap:O V L'T 18 = £1. Fach u nit wi ll rece iv e the duor proceeds 0 1' it s respec tive: fin a l and theprofits of RL'g ional Semi-finals w ill [:0 tu the unit uf w hi ch that reg ion is part.ADJUDICATION : At Cou nt y Re!!ional level o nc reco mlll e nded in e:3c il case: twu recummended at all othe r lev els. It is also recolllm e nd'cd that adjudicators be drawn fromuutside the cU lllpL,tition area (th is to apply up to Provinc ial level) i. e. from uutsid e theref!iun in the ease u f a Cuunt y reg iona l competit io n : from outside tll() Cou nt y in th e caseu f a L'() unty competition.OBJI T TION : Any objL'etiun on the grounds of non-comp liance w ith th e rules shu uldbe l od~ed in writin~ w ith the secretary of the o rgan ising unit w ithin 3 d~ ys of the co m­pe titio n.PRIZI' S: Shields and Ilw dals (which w ill be purchased from Head-On'ice) will be awardeda t County. Provincial a nd Natiunalleve l. Only thesc officia l prizes to be u sed.

---------------------------------- --- -~~-- -- -Ceiynfnf An Cbombaftais

Kerry's Michael Moynihan, T.D.,Minister of State for Tourism, spokeeloquently and forcefully at the 9fficialOpening of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireannin Listowel. The main thrust of hisspeech was the importance of tradition- .al entertainment for tourists. Hepraised the work of Comhaltas and suggestedgreater ties between this movementand Bord Failte. These sentimentswere expressed against the backgroundof the Arts Council's threat to axe theNational Entertainment Scheme in1986, and Minister Moynihan's speech isthe first glimmer of hope that the axemay not fall on what has proved overthe last 14 years to be a boon for na- .tives and tourists alike. An Tanaiste,Mr. Dick Spring, T.D., was present onthe Fleadh platform during the TouristMinister's speech. The big question nowis will the Arts Council facilitate thetransfer of the National EntertainmentScheme to Bord Failte?• • • • •Michael Baynes, a relative of the formerPresident the late Dr. Brian Galligan,who now lives in East London put hisshoulder to the wheel recently in theComhaltas fundraising campaign by organisinga local draw. His effortsresulted in a handsome contribution forthe cultural fund. Michael has been anactive worker for the movement overthe years and has helped to organisemany Tour concerts in his area.• • • • •Moate is a small village in Co. Westmeathwhich has come to prominence inrecent times in the field of Irish traditionalmusic - this is due to the hardwork of the local Cornhaltas branchand, in particular, that of FrankBracken, producer with the local SeisiunGroup. It is not so long ago that Frankset his sights on having a Teach Cheoiland he set about his task withdetermination . . The result: one of themost beautiful Tithe Cheoil in thecountry now adorns the legendary moatjust outside the village of Moate. Thisexceptional achievement was broughtabout with the co-operation of AnCO,and throughout the Summer · the newTeach Cheoil hosted the local Seisiun.It is rumoured tha( 'tJie '~little people"living in the moat~lsoco-operated andapproved the new Teach where the36MICHAEL MOYNIHAN, T.D., Minister ofState for Tourism, with Comhaltas officersMICHEAL b LOCHLAIN and LABHRAS bMURCHU, ,at the official opening of FleadhCheoil na hEireann,(picture. ROY BUSHBy)MAURA GmBONS receeiving the WaterfordCrystal from Bank of Ireland Official RAYW ALSH. The Bank sponsored the Prize forthe East London Draw .ancient music, song and dance of theGael will be revered and practised. Theco-operation of the little folk isrecognised in the name of the newbuilding - Dun na Si.• • • • •Bishop Drury of Texas returned tohis native Sligo during the Summer tocelebrate the Golden Jubilee of his ordination., Having attended FleadhCheoil na hEireannin Kilkenny last yearthe Bishop has become a staunch supporterof Cornhaltas. While in Irelandthis year he visited Culturlann na hEireannand celebrated Mass there. He wasaccompanied by his relatives includinghis nephew Tom Brady of the St. LouisBranch of Cornhaltas. Bishop Drurywas particularly moved by the preformanceof Fonntral. His visit to the Culturlannwas marked by a presentationfrom Cornhaltas.• • • • •Flute player Seamus McMahon ofEnnis, Co . Clare, was selected for the1985 North American Concert Tour andwas looking forward eagerly to theevent. Now, however, he'll have to waitfor another occasion as his second pieceof good news this year is that he hasbeen called to the Gcirdai - a careerthat he had hoped for for so long.Seamus will be only one of a long lineof musicians who served in the Gardaiand this trend is not confined toIreland: the Chicago Chief of Police, thelate Capt. Frlmcis O'Neill of musicalnote, was said to have a preference forIrish traditional musicians in the force .Certainly those oflIrish extraction wereprominent in the ranks.• • • • •Healy, Healy, mighty foe;Starve the Cornhaltas of its dough;If it squeals don't let it go;Prop up your pal from Old Mayo.• • • • •Fiddle player and composer JoeLiddy, formerly of Leitrim and nowlivipg in Monkstown, has another 100tunes ready for publication. His lastbook of tunes published by Cornhaltasunder the title The Leitrim Fiddler hasearned the respect of traditionalmusicians at home and abroad. Ex-GardaJ oe, spiritual leader of Craobh PhiaraisUi Ghreagain, is to be found at theSaturday night sessions of the branch atthe Culturlann.

3rd. Deirdre & Michael Rooney. Monaghan.12-15Ist. R. & M. McAuley, Kilkenny.2nd. D. 0 Murchu & B. Ni Churtain.,Limerick.3rd. Tracy Ely & L. Fitzgerald, Luton.15-181st. M. & C. McDonagh, Luton.2nd. P. McAloon & B. McGinn, Tyrone.3rd. Breda & Cora Smyth, Mayo.OVER 181st. E. Minogue & M. Cooney, Nenagh.2nd. S. Ni Chinneide & A. Dawe, Dundalk.3rd. Michael & Ray McNamara, Leitrim.TRIOSFaoi 121st. E. ConweU, K. Ryan & T. Heanue,London.2nd. A. Mawhinney, R. & C. Boylan, Derry.3rd. E. ConnoUy, D. & M. Rooney,Monaghan.12-151st. 1. Wynne, A. & 1. Kelly, Roscommon.2nd. C. Ryan, C. & S. Meaney, Clare.3rd. T. Ely, L. Fitzgerald & M. Halloran,Luton.15-181st. S. Craddock, J . Murphy & C. O'Leary.Dublin.2nd. John, Geraldine & Collette McNulty,Mayo.3rd. M. Sexton, C. & A. Tubridy, Clare.OVER 181st. Catherine, Anne & Fiona McEnroe,Cavan.2nd. Geraldine, Sarah & Kay Webster,Tipperary.3rd. Michael, Brian & Ray McNamara,Leitrim.CEILIBANDSFaoi 121st. Ennis Ceili Band, Clare.2nd. Croc an Oir Ceili Band, Manchester.3rd. Ormond Ceili Band, Nenagh.12-151st. Lackagh Ceili Band, Galway .2nd. Shamrock Ceili Band, Offaly.3rd. Ormond Ceili Band. Tipperary.15-181st. Cluan Tarbh Ceili Band, Dublin.2nd. North London Ceili Band.3rd. Dunloy Ceili Band, Antrim.OVER 181st. Pride of Erin Ceili Band. Fermanagh2nd. Loughmore Ceili Band, Tipperary.3rd. Shamrock Ceili Band, Offaly.GRUPAI CHEOILFaoi 121st. Tulla Group, Clare.2nd. Inis Eoghan Group, Donegal.3rd. St. Eunan's Group, Letterkenny.12-151 st. Grupa Cheoil Baile Mhisteala, Cork.2nd. Inis Eoghan Group, DonegaL3rd. Loughmore Group, Tipperary.15-181st. O'Carolan Group, Manchester.2nd. Cluan Tarbh CCE Group, Dublin.3rd. Ceoltoiri an Ghleanna, Clare.DEBBIE CONNEAL Y (20) of Manchesterholds the senior drums title. While KEVINWEBSTER was placed 1st on the 15-18 tworowButton -accordion.(Picture: ROY BUSHBy)OVER 181st. St. Albans Group. Herts.2nd. Tyrone CCE Group, Tyrone.3rd. Ceoltoiri Cois Sionna, Clare.AMHRAIN -CAILINIFaoi 121st. Maire Ni Laoire, Portarlington.2nd. Kathleen Nector, DonegaL3rd. Emer Ni Mhuiris, Dublin.12-15Ist. Niamh Ni Mhathuna, DUblin.2nd. Brenda Ni Churtain, Limerick.3rd. Deirdre Bonner, Donegal.15-181st. Aine Maire Ni She, Cork.2nd. Caitriona Ni Mhaolain, Mayo.3rd. Eibhlin Nic Shuibhne, DonegaLOVER 181st. Karen Breathnach, Listowel.2nd. Mairead Ni Oistin, Dublin.3rd. Mairead Ni Chathasaigh, Cork.AMHRAIN -B UACHAILLIFaoi 121st. Padraig Mac an Ultaigh, Mayo.2nd. Micheal 0 Runai, Monaghan.3rd. Padraig Walsh, Lyrecrompane.12-151st. Barra 0 Connaill, Cork.2nd. Damien Keaney, Sligo.3rd. Thomas Doorley, Dublin.15-181st. MichealO hEineachain , Mayo.2nd. Noel Daly, Offaly.3rd. Gearoid 0 hArgain, Cork.OVER 181st. Martin J oyce, Leeds.2nd. Donncha 0 Laoire, Cork.3rd. Peter Smith, Tyrone.ENGLISH SINGING-LADIESFaoi 121st. Deirdre Scanlon, Tipperary.2nd. Vanessa Beglane, Sligo.3rd. Emer Morris, Dublin.12-151st. Deirdre O'Dea, Clare.2nd. Verena Commins, Coventry.3rd. Deirdre Bonner, Donegal.15-181st. Martina Ryle, Kerry.2nd. Cathy Mullen, Mayo.3rd. Annette Bracken, Offaly.OVER 181 st. Rose Daly, Offaly.2nd. Karen Breathnach, ListoweL3rd. Mary Dillon, Derry.ENGLISH SINGING-BOYSFaoi 121st. Padraig McNulty, Mayo.2nd. Jason Carthy, Wexford.3rd. Richard Hayes. Wexford.12-151st. Barry McLoughlin, Tyrone.2nd. Adrian McKenna, Derry.3rd. Sean Ffrench, Wexford.15-18Ist. Brendan Coleman, Leicester.2nd. John O'Sullivan, Kerry.3rd. Gearoid 0 hArgain, Cork.OVER 181st. John Furlong, Wexford.2nd. Donie Nolan, Limerick.3rd. Des O'Halloran, Galway.WHISTLINGFaoi 121st. Padraig McNulty, Mayo.2nd. David Grogan, Kildare.3rd. Richard Hayes, Wexford.12-151st. MichaelO Gliasain, Cork.2nd. Ulick McIvor, Luton.3rd. Alan O'Dwyer, Wexford.15-181 st. Michael Neville, Wexford.2nd. Maeve Geraghty, Mayo .3rd. Mairead Ni Chonaill, Cork.OVER 181 st. Paddy O'Donnell, Galway .2nd. Waiter O'Hara, Wexford.3rd. Michael Enright, Limerick.LILTINGFaoi 121st. Rosemhu·ire Ni Cheilleachair, Cork.2nd. Padraig McNulty, Mayo.3rd. Seam us 0 Conaill, Cork.12-151st. Fintan McCabe, Monaghan.2nd. Helen McCabe, Monaghan.3rd. Breda Donohue, Wicklow.15-181st. Sharon Horgan, Cork.2nd. Brendan Coleman, Leicester.3rd. Billy O'Donnell, Nottingham.OVER 181st. Michael J. O'Reilly , Wexford.2nd. Paddy Rafferty, Galway.3rd. Oliver Kearney, Baas.COMHRA GAEILGEFaoi 101st. Aine NicNiallain, Doire Beag.2nd. Alan Co is~eala, Thiobrad Arann.3rd. Colm 0 Mcaloid, Co. na Mi34

FLEADH CHEOIL NA hEIREANN 1985Champions of NoteFIDDLEFaoi 121 st. Des. DonneUy, Manchester2nd. Karen Cormican, Middlesex.3rd. Thomas Morrow, Leitrim.12-151st. Denis McCarthy, New York.2nd. Siobhan Peoples, Clare.3rd. Barry Kennedy , Luton.IS-IS1 st. Eilish Byrne, Middlesex.2nd. Siobhan Harper, Donegal.3rd. Breda Smyth, Mayo .OVER IS1st. Cathal Hayden, Tyrone.2nd. Anthony McAuley , Kilkenny.3rd. Kevin Madden, Manchester.TWO ROW ACCORDEIONFaoi 121st. Brian O'Connor, New York.2nd. Victor Alexander, Mayo.3 rd. Martin Ely, Lu ton.12-151st. DonalO Murchu, Limerick.2nd Michael McAuley, Kilkenny .3rd. Tommy Deignan, Birmingham.IS-IS1st. Kevin Webster, Blackburn.2nd. Martin ConnoUy, New Jersey.3 rd. Sharon Shannon, Clare.OVER IS1 st. Willie Fogarty , Nenagh.2nd. Bernadette Mooney, New York.3rd. Seam us Heneghan, Mayo.CONCERT FLUTEFaoi 121st. Emer Maycock, Castlebar.2nd. Amanda Mawhinney, Derry.3rd. Dominic Shiel, Galway.12-151st. Sharon Bourke, London.2nd. Veronica Murray, Galway .3rd. Deirdre Nic Gabhann. Dublin.IS-IS1st. Kay Webster, Tipperary.2nd. Seam us O'Donnell, Sligo.3rd. Sean 0 Broin, Dublin.OVERIS1st. Claire Burke, Offaly.2nd. Pat Fitzpatrick , Wexford.3rd. Gary Shannon, Clare.TIN WHISTLEFaoi 121 st. John KeUy, Roscommon.2nd. Amanda Mawhinney, Derry.3rd. Emer May cock, Castlebar.12-151st. John Wynnc, Roscommon.2nd. Rosaleen McA uley, Kilkenny.3rd. Cora Smyth, Mayo.IS-IS1st. Breda Sm yth, Mayo.2nd. Martina Bree, Sligo.3rd . Kay Webster, Tipperary.BRENDA O'DOWD (14) is from Limerickand the winner of the 12-15 year Harp competition.(Picture: ROY BUSHBy)OVER IS1st. Padraig Donlon, Longford.2nd. Tom Hanafin , Kerry.3 rd. Michell Sikiotakis, Paris.PIANO ACCORDIONFaoi 121 st. Niall Coakley, Cork.2nd. Hilda Moynihan, Cork.3rd. Christopher O'MalJey, Leeds.12-151 st. Siobhan McCabe, Bolton.2nd. Alan Kelly , Roscommon.3rd. Mildred Gill, Kildare.IS-IS1st. Colette O'Leary, Dublin.2nd. Michacl McDonagh, Luton.3rd. Christopher McGrory , Dublin.OVER IS1st. Elaine McDermott, Tyrone.2nd. Gerald Co nlon , Glasgow.3rd. Sheila Cagney, Limerick .CONCERTINAFaoi 121st. Michelle McG uane, Meath.2nd. Maura O'Gorman, Clare.3rd. Michael Rooney, Monaghan.12-151st. MichaelO RaghaJIaigh, Meath.2nd. Avril Bowler, Kerry.3rd. Tomas 0 Dochartaigh, Mayo.IS- IS1st. Miriam Collins, Clare.2nd. Michael Sexton, Clare.3rd. Elaine Commins, Coventry.OV ER IS1st. Francis Droney, Clare.2nd . Michacl Flanagan, New York.3rd. Tadhg Collins, LimerfckUlLLEANN PIPESFaoi 121st. Tiarnan 0 Dincin , Mo naghan .2nd. Peadar La ngan, Mayo.3rd. Emer Maycock, Mayo.12-151st. Rosaleen McAuley, Kilkenny.2nd. John McSherry, Belfast.3rd. Ivan Goff, Dublin.IS-IS1st. Christopher McDonagh , Luton.2nd. Brian McNamara, Leitrim.3rd. John Kennedy, Luton.OVER IS1 sI. Fergus Finnegan, Dublin .2nd. Eamonn Walsh , Dublin.3rd. Michael Lawlor, Wexford.HARPFaoi 121st. Emily O'Dowd, Limerick.2nd. Karen McDaid , Donegal.3rd. Michelle Jordan, Mayo.12-151st. Brenda O'Dowd, Limerick.2nd. Tracy Fleming, Roscommon.3rd. Rosemary McCabe, Monaghan .IS-IS1st. Kim Fleming, Roscommon.2nd. Mary Keenan, Kildare.3rd. Sharon Horgan, Cork.OVER IS1st. Kathleen Gilday, New York.2nd. Elizabeth McG uinness, Monaghan.3rd. Tracy Brown, Ohio.Manchester lad DES DONN ELL Y with histrophy for winning the under 12 years fiddlecompetition.(Picture: ROY BUSHBy)MOUTH ORGANFaoi 121st. Niall Quigley, Luton.2nd. lames Kinsella, Birr.12-151st. Rosarie Cagney, Limerick.2nd. Thercsa Cagney, Limerick .3rd. Catherine Coogan, Accrington.32

Cutting the Sugan in LixnawSaturday, July 27 was a very importantday in the long life of octogenarian-Mrs. Catherine Browne from theBronx, New York. On that date shereturned to her native Lixnaw, Co.Kerry, to witness the official openingof Ceolann-the new Comhaltas culturalcentre, which was once her home. Itwas here that she was born at the turnof the centruy, and it was here she livedwith her schoolmaster father, hermother and the other members of herfamily, until she boarded the emigrantship for the U.S.A. in 1925. Christened'Catherine Marie' she was known to herfriends in Lixnaw as 'Molly,' and sixtyyears on, she still remembers life in Lixnawwhen she left it. She can vividlydescribe every nook and corner of theold home. She recalls the old built-indresser with its serried rows of rungs tokeep the dishes upright, but with asmile she says she can never rememberthe dishes being placed there, but shecan remember their cat squeezingthrough the rungs for its siesta. Sheremembers that the concrete tiles on thekitchen floor 'parlour' where the visitorswere entertained, and the old rangein the kitchen now almost ninety yearsold, for 'Molly' it was a nostalgic occasion,but she was thrilled to find thatthe old building had been completelyrenovated and extended and that henceforthit would become- or perhaps continueto be an oasis of culture.Prior to the official opening, this finelady sat demurely on the platform withthe other dignitaries. She did not courtthe limelight, and chatted with theother members of the platform party.Comhaltas Uachtanin-Micheal ()LochIain lent an ear, as did Stiurth6ir­Lablmis b Murchu. An Tanaiste- DickSpring, T.D., was there, ni nach ionadh,seeing that he is half a Lixnaw man anyway,and he was accompanied by hischarming wife Kristi. Father PatAhern of Siamsa Tire fame was thereand it was acknowledged that he wasone of the driving forces when Pat subsequentlyperformed the official blessingi nGaeilge . Comhairle na Mumhanwas represented by CathaoirleachSeamus 0 Conchubhair, and Coiste Cho.Chiarrai by Runai- Micheli.l b hh-Allmhuniin,. Representing the hostbranch Leac Sna were Leas' Cathaoirleach-Dan Buckley, Runal- MaireadBreathnach and Projects Officer- Diarmuid0 Cathain who was fear a' ti forthe occasion.All speakers paid due tribute toCraobh Leac Sna for its initiative inacqurrmg this imposing building.Uachtanin-Micheal b Lochlain- addedhis words of praise and went on to expoundthe value of the tithe cheoil in~he cultural life of the country. I t wasleft to Mlcheal to unveil the name plate"Ceolann," but on the suggestion of thebranch he gave to Mrs. Browne the taskof cutting the ceremonial tape. On thisoccasion again, as in the case of theoscailt oifigiuil of Geantrai, the usualtape was replaced by the more traditionalsugan rope again ex per tlywoven by dancing stalwarts Dinny Lenihan,Ballintoher and Jirn O'Shea,Ballinagar. Well 'Molly' did the job,watched by a gathering of over two hundredpatrons, including her son-in-lawMartin Power, a native of Kilmore,B ally duff, who had accompanied herfrom New York. One wondered whatwent through her mind as she again enteredthe home she had left sixty years. ago. Patrons were subsequently entertainedwith a celebrity concert, whichfeatured excerpts from the LixnawSeisiun programme, and guest artistesfrom Tipperary and Clare . Ceolann isanother example of what can be accomplishedby a branch with ambition, thatcultivates the goodwill of the neighbourhood.30

More Irishthan ... !Extract from Address by Miche31 6Lochlainn, President of Cornhaltas,wheJ} he officially opened Fleadh Cheoilna hEireann in Listowel, Co. Kerry :The good name of Ireland has beendeeply scarred by the unprecedentedvictimisation of Comhaltas and traditionalculture by the Arts Council. Notonly has this body adopted a policy intendedto bring our movement to itsknees, but it blatantly misrepresentedthe level of annual funding beingreceived by Comhaltas from Statesources. Somehow, some day the goodname of Comhaltas must be vindicatedby a public apology from those whosought to belittle u s, and the ArtsCouncil must be restructured to ensurethat never again will the powers of sucha statutory body be abused as they havebeen against the traditional culture.The Minister for Art and Culture, Mr.Ted Nealon, T.D., seems to be verybadly advised on the issue if one is tojudge by his Art Advisor's comments inthe press, that commercial "rock" concertsreally are no different to the educationaland entertainment programmeof Comhaltas, which is rooted in thecommunity nationwide and abroad.This same point was made by Mr. PaddyGlackin, Traditional Music Officer, whosees Irish traditional music and the Irishlanguage being no more Irish than nonnativeart forms. These two statements,taken together must be interpreted as anindication that State policy on ournative culture has either been changedor is about to be changed in the nearfuture .In 1985 was European Music Year,then 1986 could be designated Anti­Traditional Music Year. It will see theending of the National EntertainmentScheme of 14 years standing. The TitheCheoil and other Seisiun venuesthroughout the length and breadth ofIreland will have their doors closed bythe new Arts Council policy. Touriststo our country will be denied this networkof "Musical Treasures ofIreland".One can only wonder when will sanityagain prevail.We would again exhort Mr. Nealon toaccede to the request of Comhaltas fora meeting with him with a view to resolvingthe present impasse . It is time forhim as the appropriate Minister to put astop once and for all to this nationalscandal.Pro Fide et PatriaTelex 747170 . DONEGALL STREET BELFAST Phonp. 222226Friday, July 26, 1985.Sts. Joachim and Anne, Parents of Our LadyWelcome tothe FleadhTHIS weekend the scenic resort of Warrenpoint, onthe shore of Carlingford Lough will host thatliving exposition of Irish music and song An FleadhUladh, organised by the local branch of ComhaltasCeoltoiri Eireann.The gathering, tomorrow and Sunday hasattracted 1,500 competitors of all age groups, whosecommon cause is not a triumphalist celebration, but alove of music, true Irish culture and the sheerenjoyment of sh.aring this with fellow afficianados.This is only the third time that the Ulster Fleadhhas been staged north of the border, which is noreflection on the wealth of support for the traditionalmusic in the Six Counties, as any examination of thesubject will attest. Sadly, this great testament to ourheritage, suffered the legacy of our troubles.But our culture has reflected that great Irishtradition of survival and of even flourishing againstthe tide of adversity. We can be grateful toorganisations such as Comhaltas for the opportunityof displaying the gentler, saner side of the Irishtemper~ment.The Fleadhanna since the formation ofComhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, back in 1951, havepresented the people with the opportunity to share ina feast of music, singing and dancing at its best. Theycan find their true identity, devoid of vain glorious flagwaving or rabble-rousing.May those participating in Warrenpoint, ascompetitors or supporters, resist any temptation to usethis Festival of'Music for political ends. Surely ourbeloved North has been subjected to a plethora of suchdisplays this month.28

The Emigrant Music of the Irish in TexasJ oan E. MoodyIrish music has been known in Texas since the establishment of the Irish coloniesof Refugio and San Patricio de Hibernia in 1829. Irish martial music was amongthe melodies played by the band of the infant Republic of Texas at the Battle ofSan Jacinto. History has documented that the melody of "Will You Come To TheBower" as the song that was played as Santa Anna surrendered his troops to the ragtag Texian army of General Sam Houston. Pipe music was played at the Alamoshortly before its defenders met their fate at the hands of the Mexican army. Onecan only assume that since a great number thirty-three Irish Americans of whichtwelve were Irish born, were Irish that our fiddle music was heard echoing to thewinds in those fateful days before the fall.1986 will see the 150th anniversaryof the beginnings of Texas as we knowit and the Irish have indeed played theirpart far better than most. Many of oursongs have their roots in an Ireland ofthe 17th through 19th centuries. OurCotton-Eyed- loe is a melodic takeoffof a 16th Century tune called the"Mountain Top" while "Streets ofLaredo" is an actual descendant of thetune "Bard of Armagh." It is also saidthat the "Yellow Rose of Texas" iswritten in jig time. Whatever its origins,Irish music did indeed provide early .Texans with the beginnings, rudimentarythough it is, of modern countrywestern music, much of which was developedhere.In South Texas the military wasalways a way of life and it would not beunusual for songs such as "I'll T3.keYou Home Again Kathleen" , "OldFenian Gum", "Garry Owen" andothers to find their way into popularparlance at the end of the last centuryand this one's beginning. Where themilitary was, the Irish were sure togather and in the case of San Antonio toretire and settle. San Antonio's Irishcommunity was quite considerable inthe late part of the 19th Century andsettled enough to have the equivalent ofseisiuns and ceilithe at which bothsoldier and civilian were invited and encouragedto participate. There are extantphotographs of fiddlers, bodhranplayers and accordionists playing at alate 19th centiry gathering. St. Patrick'sDay, then as now, provided seriousqualities as well as frivolity . In the latepart of the last century there wereactive Irish music and language societiespresent under the directorship of boththe Irish National Alliance (cir. 1898)and the old Ancient Order of Hibernians.Both organizations encouraged theteaching of Irish history in the CatholicSchools of the city.Currently the State of Texas has noless than 18 ceili bands under the jurisdictionof the Southwest Celtic MusicAssociation headquartered in Dallas.SCMA, as it is known, is a ComhaltasCeolt6iri Eireann like organizationgoverning Celtic music in the .SouthwestUnited States. Many of the betternamed bands include " Rakish Paddy"(Dallas), St. 1 ames Gate (San Antoiuo),Hadrians Wall (Houston), Tinkers Dam(Dallas) and Renerdyne (Austin). TheTexas bands gather each year in Marchfor the North Texas Irish Festival heldon the State Fair Grounds in Dallas.The quality of Irish music is growingin Texas owing to two factors: one, emigrantscoming from the American northeastand two Texans learning to appreciatetheir northern European based musicaltradition. However, there is still alot of work to be done in terms of thesemusicians teaching others and holdingworkshops. The standards are high butin terms of bettering ones own music isvery low. There are not the opportunitiesfor fleadhs in this region.Irish dancing has made a comebackas well from the period of its greatestenergy at the beginning of this century.When Ireland's sail training shipAsgard 11 visited New York, Cornhaltas~ponsored 2 days of traditional Irishmusic at the South Street SeaportMuseum Pier. More than 10,000 peopleIrish dancing was unknown in this state,except for a few families who kept itgoing, until the late 1960s when theHouston Irish Dancers were started.This organization has since disbandedbu t has been replaced by the TynanSchool of Irish Dancing and the GeorgeSteele School in Houston. The TynanSchool also teaches just ceili dancingunder the title The Phelan Group underthe direction of Tynan assistance,Maxine 01sen, who became in 1984 thefirst native Texan to receive the covetedTCRG rating.San Antonio is host city to threeschools, Dennehy under the directionDennis Dennehy of Chicago, Maoileidghunder the direction of Emer MaoileidghDonnellan whose father is the head ofInis Ealga in Dublin and San AntonioIrish Dancers under the direction ofEmer's brother Colm. Colm alsoteaches the Irish language classes thatare offered in San Antonio. Dallas ishost to only one school, the TouzinSchool under the direction of EmilyTouzin.This gives one a rough idea that NewYork, Chicago and Boston are not theonly centres of Irish life in the UnitedStates. It has often been felt that thegrowing Irish presence in the south hasbeen neglected by those who are awareof Irish activities in the United Statesand Canada. This neglect can be seenwhen our musicians travel to other partsof the country and people express surpriseand amazement of the activitieshere.visited Asgard and listened to the freeconcerts. With Asgard at the left in thisphoto, an RTE Film crew tapes All­Ireland champions J oan Madden (tinwhistle 1984); John Nolan (1982 2-rowaccordion) and Eileen Ivers (1984 fiddle)as New York CCE Regional co-ordinatorJim McGinty listens from hehind. Fundingfor the concerts was provided by 'Bord Failte and Guinness Corp. Theprogramme was produced by JimMcGinty and CCE member Ira Goldman,Co-ordinator of the Asgard visitto New York, with the help of" Rent-a-crowd ink". More than twodozen musicians took part, includingseveral other All-Ireland medal winners.26

Wedding of the YearRoy BushbyIt seemed as if anyone who was anyonein Comhaltas and the traditionalmusic scene was at the wedding ofmusicians Catherine Maria O'Neill fromLondon ' to Sean James McSkean fromLuton.The wedding was held at the St.Francis De Sales Church in the HighRoad, Tottenham, London. The servicewas conducted by Parish · Priest, Fr.Francis Hegarty, with assistance fromLuton Priest, Fr. Bemard Hughes.There were so many top names withinthe traditional music scene and a vastcontingent from Comhaltas that thiscould be classed as the 'wedding of theyear'. There were far too many musiciansto mention coming from London,Luton, St. Albans and Ireland all gatheringfor the reception at the Irish Centrein Camden Town, London.The evenings events concluded withan impromptu concert provided onstage by the happy couple, much to thedelight of the other appreciativemusicians.CATHERINE and SEAN McSKEAN makemusic together after their wedding. Thecouple entertained a distinguished gatheringof Comhaltas people and top traditionalmusicians.(picture:ROY BUSHBy)Young musicians and dancers from the Lea·grave branch of Comhaltas are pictured takingpart in a display of their talents during anElectrolux sports day event held in Lutonduring June. The youngsters are all pupils ofMARGARET McSKEAN froin Sundon Parkin Luton.(picture: ROY BUSHBy)Some of the distinguished guests at the wed·ding of CATHERINE MARIA O'NEILL toSEAN JAMES McSKEAN in London onSaturday 27th July: they are (I·r) PATJUDGE, PETER McAULEY, JIM TEEVANand PAT HANNIGAN. Jim Teevan, as we allknow is on the road to recovery from a longillness. Jim received a warm welcome fromhis many long-standing friends in Comhaltas.(picture: ROY BUSHBY)24

RORY MITCHELL, an accomplished harpplayer and teacher. The sign was the creationof TREVOR COOMBES. Carved harps by T.Coombes and M. O'Moore.skilfully carved into the wood byTrevor, giving his harps their specialqualities by t¥ing them to the Celticrealms of ancient times.Michael, Ruairi, Trevor and Mary allfind common interests and social enjoymentin Comhaltas, and in Brisbane allthose interested in harps, harping, andall things Celtic, can contact CCE byringing 07- 578968.So we leave the Harp of Erin,Newly made and newly strung,Playing the ancient music inBrisbane.JIMMY POWERLitreacha7 Duppas Ave.,Croydon CRO 4BX16 July, 1985 . .I thought there would be manymusicians and friends back home whowould wish to learn of the sad newsthat Jimroy Power died at his home inLondon this morning. In spite ofprogressively debilitating illness andmajor swgery he remained deeply involvedin the music and played hisfIddle in public only three weeks ago.RETURN OF THE TALLYSTICKREGHALLGniiseach Mor,Caiseal Mumhan,Co. Thiobrad Arann.Ruth Ryan's letter in the "IrishTimes" complirnenting the ArtsCouncil's Paddy Glackin f9r "standingup to Comhaltas CeoIt6iri Eireann" willbe supported by all the anti-traditionalmusic elements in the country.The Arts Council's decision not tosupport native music entertainment atcommunity level will in years to comebe regarded as a classic in the samemould as the tally stick method of discouragingt4e Irish Language.The incredible bulk system wherebythe Arts Council adds together eightyears' grants paid to Comhaltas to makeit seem respectable.is an insult to our intelligence.Mr. Ted Nealon, Minister for Art andCulture, seems to have approved thisprejudiced treatment of our native traditionsand has belped .tQ . pell?~tuJrte . agigantic misrepresentation of a movementwhich has done so much for Irelandat home and abroad. Those of uswho were fortunate to witness therecent Tour of Europe by Comhaltas arekeenly aware of the debt the nationowes to this fine movement., ,DONNCHA 0 CINNEIDEPHOTOS REQUIREDScarvy,Clones,Co. Monaghan.I would like anybody who has oldphotographs of the All-Ireland FleadhCheoil which was held in Clones Townin 1964 to contact me . I would appreciatethe loan of such photogrpahs tomake copies of them.All photographs will be returned. Iam planning a photographic exhibitionto coincide with the late Jack Wade'sAnniversary Mass in August, 1982.DERMOT McCABEDavy SpillaneUilleann pipe makerFull sets/h.tf sets/practice setsFurther information from:12 BrookviUe Park, Blackrock, Co.Dublin. Phone: 895437.Maker of frne Uilleann Pipes and FlutesDA YE WILLIAMSThe Old School House, West Keal,Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 4BDTel. Spilsby (0790) 52806CONCERT & FLAT PITCH PIPES OFEBONY & BRASSPrice in £(Sterling) from:Practice SetHalf SetFull Set£175£395£845Eh & CONCERT FLUTES INAFRICAN BLACKWOOD & SILLERFrom: £110RTE TELEVISION PROGRAMMESPerformance and Quality Guaranteed.Oct. 15 7.30p.m. CEOL-Fleadh Oct. 29 7.30 p.m.Cheoil na hEireann1985 Nov. 5 7.30 p.m.Oct. 22 7.30 p.m. CEOL-FleadhNua 1985CEOL-TionolCheoil1985CEOL-Seisiim naSamhna 198422

Mammy Goes to the OperaRisteard DonaI MacAodhaRapidly improving economic conditionsbring about a resultant disorientationwithin society, a thing which wasexplained to us by Alvin Tolfer's book'Future Shock'. Basically, one borninto a world and reared in a culture withroots and traditions is captapulted intoa world of shifting, changing values andover-stin1ulated with the esotericchoices of fashion; gadgetry ; ever newer,flashier, louder, forms of entertainmentand , of course, is glas iad na cnoic ibhfad uainn, the pernicious assumptionthat somehow things "foreign" have"class" and "value" . Post-Lemass Irelandis certainly a case of these changingvalues.From the pulpit on Oileann BealInse, the parish priest extolled: "I canremember in this parish if someone stolea bag of turf there'd be talk of it fo rthree months. Today, a bank is robbedand a Garda shot and there's no morethan a blink of an eye". Is fior sin donsagart! The world of yesterday is nottoday. Virtually every summer streetfestival prominently displays thesponsorship banners of some foreignbrewmaker and the latch-key of thestring has gone the way of the half-dooras crime has unfortunately become oneof Ireland's fastest growing industries.Fortunately, this island, on thewestern edge of Europe, is possible alittle behind the times. slower, perhaps,but certainly it still has more of "yesterday"to be savoured, to be grasped,to be embraced so that we might knowour origins, our roots, so that ourhumble backgrounds might make us lessproud and that the knowledge ofprevious struggles might make us moredetermined. The fact that Ireland isboth racing ahead and still looking backat the sa)TIe time can be attested by thepopularity of Liam Blake's 'Real Ireland'photographs and the resurgence ofinterest on a national scale in the likesof Denis Dooly and Johnny O'Learyand their Sliabh Luachra music.Still, within every family the changingvalues within generations is all tooapparant. No longer are the young onesat the charge and keep of their grandparents.No more do you have 6 yearold children with seventy year old philosophiesas you would in the days of Ant-Oileannach and Fiche Bliain ag Fas.Today, some of the more interestingand amusing life situations are theyoung house-proud offspring trying toshower their material wealth and possessionsback to their aged parents."Sure what do I want for with allthis fancy crystal they keep bringing meeach year? It's only the water in theglass that I have any interest in. Andyou know right well, they'll only befighting over it when I'm gone". Thedistractions and diversions of fancyrestaurants fare no better with thosewho did without gas or electric cookers,indoor plumbing or even the wirelessfor most of their lives. "Maise , it's allwasted on me: all that fancy surroundings,the rich foods and all.The Lord save us, it' s only them,themselves, and the children that I'dbe wanting to see. Sure, couldn't I bemaking them a meal right here in myown kitchen without throwing all thatmoney out the window?"J ane took her mother to an opera inAthlone not too long back. This was abig event, at least for] ane and her husband,as the old woman had only beenbrought to the pictures once in her life,something that she slept through. Andthis would be the first time ever she hadbeen to the likes. of a musical play. Theevent was all the more of heightened importancebecause it required driving herin some forty miles from her home, thelongest journey in her life.Because of a mix-up in the tickets,Peter, J ane's husband, took the one seatin the hall and Mammy and Jane satnext to each other in the balcony. Nosooner had the play began than outcame the rosary beads to the mortificationof J ane. Somewhere in the fourthdecade quite audible for all to hear wasthe prayer: "My God, I hope Sarah rememberedto put in the chickens". Andduring the climatic pause on stageduring the second act, Peter was able togrin in the comfort of his solitarytheatre seat when all heard coming fromthe balcony: "Oh, I don't know now,did I put the lock on the door?"Big Draw ResultsDRAW 11st. F. MeCrory, Dunmoyle, Sixmileeross,Co. Tyrone.DRAW 21st. T. Higgins, 73 Lownde's,Bolton, Lancs. England.2nd. John Francis, Ballamon,Ferns, Co. Wexford.3rd. Julie MeMeel, 52 RaphoeRoad, Dublin, 12.4th. Mgt. Higgins, Ballytarsna,Gorey, Co. Wexford.DRAW 31st. Nora MeDarby, 20 ForestAve., Kingswood, Dublin 24.2nd. Cardine MeArdle, 9 Ave. 1,Yellow Batter, Drogheda.3rd. T. Todd, Strand Pine, Kilkee,Co. Clare.4th. Vinee Hearn, The Willow,Seardenmore, Co. Sligo.5th. Jane Beeker, 8045 Winstont,Phila. Pa. 19118. U.S.A.20

CRAIGIE HILL:It must be twenty fiveyears since I first heard Paddy Tunneysing this song; like many more ofPaddy's songs it · has become steadilymore popular over the years and is nowsung by singers from all four provinces.It is a very comprehensivekind of song, embracing such themes as·emigration, the parting of true lovers, acrack at unjust landlords, the prospectsof better days in America and thetraditional 'conversation' motif.Internal vowel-rhyming is also liberallyused, e.g. :She said my dear don't leave me foranother ~son --Though fortune may be pleaSing etc.n..J-............ 1\I '~ ,~f, ":o-j~ J ••...... •• ..l •Shesaid:-" -iI.~M; y dear.1'\.'.- ../ -.........::!don't leave me for1\ -~-.-01 I' I'I'> ......I. ~1-••L\-~another season"Though fortune may be pleasing, I'll go along with youI'll forsake friends and relations, and quit this Irlifi nationAnd to the bonny Bann banks forever I'll bid adieu.CRAIGIE HILLIt being in Spring, and the small birds were singingDown by yon shady arbour I carelessly did strayWhere the thrushes they were warbling, the violetswere charmingTo view fond lovers talking a while I did delay.She said "My dear, don't leave me for another seasonThough fortune may be pleasing, I'll go along with youI'll forsake friends and relations, and quit this Irish nationAnd to the bonny Bann banks forever I'll bid adieu."He said: "My dear, don't grieve me or yet annoy mypatienceYou know I love you dearly, the more.I'm going awayI'm going to a foreign nation, to purchase a plantationTo comfort us hereafter, all in America.Then after a short while , if fortune does be pleasing,'Twill cause them for to smile at our late going-awayWe'll be happy as Queen Victoria all in her greatest gloryWe'll be drinking wine and porter, all in America.The landlords and their agents, the bailiffs and theirbeaglesThe land of our forefathers we're forced for to give o'erNow we're sailing on the ocean, for honour and promotionAnd parting with our sweethearts, 'tis them we do adore .If you were in your bed lying, and thinking on dyingOn sight of the bonny Bann banks your sorrow you'dgive o'erOr if you were one hour down in yon shady bowerPleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more.Then fare you well sweet Craigie hill, where oftentirnesI've rovedI never thought my childhood days, I'd part you any moreNow we 're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotionAnd the bonny boats are sailing, way down by Doorin shore.

MAC SNAP'S JIGI {f,. fJ J[, J 11] ~ I12- to 1C(rIW rA iJJ J. :11~I eri rrr r ILfm.., ,~ •f- t I , {I Erf'Itu I E~-,.Fa1-,.ItzJ;4J.; 1IAN BRlANACH 6

VEC reject minister's letterToo many foreign influences' arebeing "pumped into Ireland", thoughtelevision and ' the Press and a big numberof Irish people are ashamed of theirculture and tradition and inclined toknock it.This opinion was voiced by Mr.Michael Keogh (Taughroaconnell), anewly elected member of the RoscommonVocational Education Committee,at ' the fIrst meeting of the body lastweek when the issue of grants paid bythe Arts Council to Comhaltas Ceolt6iriEireannarose.At the June meeting of the Committeea resolution was passed condemningthe Arts Council for reducing thegrants to Comhaltas this year. In areply the Private Secretary of the Ministerfor the Arts, set out · the varioussources of funding from public fundsfor Comhaltas.When the reply was read to themeeting last week Mr. Terry Leyden,r.D., said that other organisations weregetting grants from the Arts Council farabove their identity and cultural content.He hQped that the pressure fromComhaltas would eventually succeedwith the Arts Cciuncil.Mr. 8eamus 8cott- Other organisationsare getting allocations awayabove their membership. When Irelandwas chosen for the staging of the EurovIsionduring the interval of theprogramme ballet was shown. Ballet hasnothing to do with the culture ofIreland. When President Reagan washere the show put on in Ballyporeenwas something Irish people should beproud of and could be proud of. Hehimself had played with the leader ofthe group for a number of years.Chairman (Mr. Pat DooneY)-Ourcomplaint was to the Arts Council fortheir treatment of Comhaltas.Mr. Keogh-A lot of people of thiscountry are ashamed of their cultureand traditions and seem inclined toknock it. Irish music, Irish dancing andthe Irish language was part of our tradition.Too many foreign influences arebeing pumped in through television andthe Press.Mr. Tom McGarry then gave alengthy contribution to the meeting inEnglish and Irish. He said that he hadspent many years endeavouring topromote everything Irish. It was sadtoday that it.took Bob Geldof "withoutanything Irish" to do what he had done.In the decades past men had come fromthe " far ends of Connemara" to teachIrish. People had become cynical asthey got on in years about the death ofthe language. In the course of his Irishcontribu tion Mr. McGarry referred toquotations from Thomas Davis andPearse.Cultural invasion alarms ArabsARAB INTELLECTUALS in thePersian Gulf are up in armsover a "cultural invasion" ofthe region by alien ideas andpractices.Many talk of ,a conspiracy to denigratetheir heritage, erode their traditionalprincipleS and prevent Gulf and otherArab states from contributing to worldcivilization.At the root of their fear lies rapid s0-cial change throughout the region in thefew decades since oil brought unexpectedwealth and an influx of foreigners.Traditional occupations like pearl~ivingand camel-breeding have all ,but disappeaTed.Asian maids now are in chargeof rearing children in many homes andtelevision serves a vast audience dailydoses of sex and violence through Americanseries. '.In response to thiS onslaught, Inteltectualsand men of religion in the PersianGulf are using terminology more oftenaSSOCiated with all-out war against anoccupying power. "Cultural invasion,""neo.colonialism," "intellectual slavery"and "enemy attacks on Arabic"were just some of the phrases heard at arecent conference in Muscat."People displeased with our attemptsto make progress are working indefatigablyto strip us of our values, our identityand our characteristics," Dr. Mohammedal-Rahseed, director general ofthe Arab Gulf Education Bureau, told theconference.Some ordinary citizens apparentlyshare the anxieties of the intellectuals.Letter-writers complain in newspapersof overt symptoms of cultural change,such as dance music, hairstyles likeMichael Jackson's and foreigners whoflout dress restrictions.Persian Gulf governments are takingsteps to insulate their peoples from unrestrictedcontact with the rest of theworld.Lists of banned Jilms and videos appearregularly in newspapers, alcohol isbanned or severely. restricted in allstates except Bahrain. In the UnitedArab Emirates, the Government is proposingto restrict the number of marriagesto foreign partners.The UAE's labor and social affairsminister, Khalfan al-Roumi, has said thepractice of marrying foreign girls is ,approaching alarming proportions, caus- ,ing a high divorce rate, a riSing numberof local women who remain unmarriedand dangerous social problems.The problem of foreign maids is frequen~lydebated, but no state has yetacted to reduce their influence on theyoung. In Kuwait, one official has calledfor strict measures to reduce the numberof nannies, mostly Indians, Pakistanis orFilipinas.In Bahrain, a woman wrote recentlythat her maid had been exposing herchild to non-Moslem worship and thehead of a drug rehabilitation centre saidan un-Islamic upbringing could lead todrug abuse in adolescence.In Saudi Arabia, the Government decidedlast year against non-Arabicspeakers holding certain jobs, and Bahrainiauthorities are thinking of makingArabic the official language for privatebusiness as well.In Oman, the only Persian Gulf countrywhere the number of foreign workersis still growing, citizens complain thatthey have to resort to pidgin Arabic tocommunicate with Indian bus driversand other migrant workers.18

Thoughts on language learningCaoimhghin b BrolchainWith a growing sense of alann, the Education Authorities in England havegradually woken up to the fact that they no longer hl)ve a 'Monoglot' society. Ithas been estimated that in London alone, over one hundred foreign tongues arein daily use, whilst Bradford and Birmingham have something in excess of sixtyeach. The enormous influx of peoples from abroad and the tendency of 'ethnicminority' groups to live in the same neighbourhoods has meant that there areareas where English is a 'Minority Language' itself. The task of educating childrenwhose 'Home' language may be anything from Chinese to Greek to Hindustanior Gugerati is a daunting one.There are further unlooked for complications.How do you provide dinnerswhen beef may be on the menu andsome children regard the cow as a sacredanimal? How can schools insist on 'NoJewellry' for English children, whenmany of their companions wear braceletsand ear rings as part of their nationalculture? How can you insist on childrenchanging for PE or swimming, whensome Eastern religions insist on girlsnever showing their legs and wearingtrousers to the ankle at all times? Childrenweak with fasting at Ramadan havingto be let home early and ChineseNew Year falling in the middle of aschool week can disrupt timetables andexamination schedules. That their offspringmust learn English if they are tosurvive in this alien society, the parentsrecognise-but they are very aware thatlanguage is the main channel of cultureand they have shown determination topreserve their own national distinction.They will co-exist but they will not be'absorbed'. There is no question of"Thank God who has made me a happyEnglish child!" being force-fed to pupilsas it was to our own people long ago.On the contrary, the children wear theirdistinction with pride.Last year I visited a school in Brent,N. London, where they had a 'NationalDance' day. It was fascinating to seebeautiful Indian girls putting on displaysof intricate dance rituals to be followedby West Indian drum rhythms-andfinally, an extremely well-receivedgroup of Irish children who performedand played selections from our ownmarvellous heritage. The benefit for ourown side has been a renewed consciousnessof Irishism whether it be language,music or dance. There has also beenoutspoken comment on the extent towhich Catholic schools in England havealways suppressed any elements of'Irishry' - most especially noticeable inthe almost total neglect of Irish historyand literature in syllabi and the discouragementof treating St. Patrick's Day asanything beyond a normal school day.It is being voiced loudly that Irish childrenmay be better served by their beingsent to multi-ethnic schools, where theirsense of nationality will be enhancedrather than their being made ashamed orinhibited about ' it. Certainly Irishpeople in England have long sensedantagonism towards 'Irish Catholicism'in Catholic Church functions and thishas permeated the schools-where, Godhelp us, surely half the names on theregister will be of Irish origin.ABSORBING THE SOUNDSAll this is by-the-way. The main outcomeof this polyglot invasion of 'TheMainland' (sic) has been an urgentinterest in the process of 'LanaguageAquisition' and a complicated businessit turns out to be. Modem linguisticsexperts have identified several 'stages' inthe language learning process and thefIrst is, surprisingly, the 'Silent stage'.The learner spends perhaps 6 monthssimply listening to and absorbing thesounds of the 'Target Language' and noattempt is made to communicate. Suchcommunication as there is is 'one-way',i.e. . to the learner-not back to thecommunicator. This stage gives way tothe 'Partial two-way' stage, where thelearner may respond, but not in the 'TL'(Target Language). Responses may benon-verbal or even in the learner'smother tongue. He may nod to showunderstanding-or pass the sugar, or cutanother slice of bread- or even say,"Sugar? - Certainly." Full 'Two-way'communication is achieved where thelearner acts as recipient and sender ofverbal messages.The conclusions here are that,initially, the language learner should beexpected only to listen-not to attemptto speak but to indicate comprehensionnon-verbally. Exposure to the 'TL'(Target Language) should, ideally, be inthe form of "natural discourse" supplementedby short visits and stays in areaswhere the target language is spoken asthe mother-tongue. It is a well-recognisedfact that more language teachinggoes on in the school playground thanever in the classroom. Immersion in a'bath' of the target language is the mostvaluable learning environment. Ideally,also, the topics of conversation shouldbe about things that can be seen,touched or heard - 'concrete' topicssuch as the colour of a bus or car,money or food. 'Non-concrete' topicssuch as tonight's TV programme orevents next week or year should beavoided 'Here and Now'principle is theideal.TOO MUCH MONITORINGThere is so much more to languagelearning than we ever suspected. Mistakes,such as were frowned on yearsago are examined for 'patterns of error'with a view to correction. 'LI' (FirstLanguage) interference is frequentlyidentified- which I suppose is where ourown Gael/Bearla originated. There areeven 'levels' of language absorbtion togetherwith an inbuilt 'monitoringsystem' which subconsciously or evenconsciously checks the correctness ofour grammar and pronunciation accordingto some internal list of rules taughtus. Too much of this 'monitoring' andwe begin to stumble and hesitate.Thus-to turn to our own learning ofIrish-the ever insistence on grammarinitially is a killer. We should concentrateon 'Communication' -emphasisethe 'content' rather than the 'form',rather like a child trying to get amessage across. Our reward is the lightof comprehension in the eyes of whoeverwe're talking to.In his grand little autobiography, Fr.16

A Funny Thing Happened toTraditional ArtMICHAEL J. McCULLOUGH OF BELFAST HAS SUPPLIED THESE CARTOONS DEPICTING THE UNFAIR TREAT­MENT OF COMHALTAS IN THE MATTER OF STATE GRANTS.IJHAT! t-iEMJ TO SAY IS, wE Will1'Rt~T A~\.. W),.w~f\~ E.FfORTS,~ Il,$£RIOUS NIHJJJf..R - ~ur ·EXPfCT ·PI.)r

Of Dogs and DivilsCaoimhghin 0 Brolchainhere can be no doubt but thatGranda was well versed in everyTbranch of divilment but to thedoubtful science of measures toensure desired performance of racinganimals he brought his own flair. Nowmost 'Dog Men' will have a more thanpassing acquaintance with magical'bottles', dieting, training and generalnecromancy associated with the propulsionof hounds around a track, but th'oul fella added genius to what, in youraverage addict is merely an obsession.With him, it wasn't so much the winningof an extra couple of quid from thattribe of sharks given to wearing loudcheck suits and 'trading under signsshowing the odds offered by 'HonestJ oe', so much as the delight he took incircumventing the rules and regulationsof the track authorities designed to see'fair-do's' amongst thieves. Such stratagemswere, to the 'seanathair', merelyhurdles to be tunnelled under, crawledaround or climbed through.Take, for example, the demand thatdogs be handed over to kennelmaidsconsiderably in advance of any race inorder that the effects of doping may benegated by a time lapse and vet inspection.Now this rule took a lot of the'sport' out of the dog game - even theforce-feeding of a dozen or so pork piesfollowed by a bottle of lemonde, couldnot be guaranteed to slow down an animalwhich had had time to sleep it offoreven regurgitate the load, withoutleisure _ to re-ingest it. Th'oul ladshowed creative thinking. You can betoo close to a problem. There is a needto stand back and view things detatchedly,to avoid 'tunnel-thinking'.We arrived, by taxi, shortly before'handing over time', but the car was haltedin a back alley , some distance fromthe track. Granda told me to 'Hould th'animal', then produced three eggs froma bag he had been carrying carefully .He broke the eggs and played the contentsback and forth until he had theyolks in one half shell and the whites inthe other. The yolks he drank, but thewhite, he carefully 'smathered' all upand down inside the dog's thighs. I waswatching this procedure with gob andeyes open to their fullest extent. 'Whatin-the-name-o-God-Granda??'I enqured.'Hould your whisht, boy!', was allthe reply he would make.NOw I was aware that it is necessarythat a hound should performmiserably on several occasions.in order that the handicappersbe lulled into thinking that ananimal might safely be accorded a good'mark' - a few yards start on the othersso that a race should not be too farcicalif there happened to be a 'flyer' involedand you had to time the rest of the fieldwith a calendar. I was acquainted withsome of the strokes pulled to ensurethat your entry did not 'shine' too soon.There was the 'Three-Beat Trick' -which bordered on the blasphemous.For this scandalous procedure, youneeded three small beads. Rosary beadswould be ideal- hopefully not blessed!You threaded them on black darningwool and entwined the 'necklace' in betweenthe dog's toes in such a way thatit was 'Bead-Toe- Bead- Toe-Bead-Toe'and smoothed the hair down over thethread. When the dog walked normally,there was no bother, but racing was adifferent order of things entirely. Inrunning the toes are bunched togetherand the beads made this difficult, not tosay impossible.In the old days, before the 'kennelrule' , a swiftly applied postage stamp -or even, ingeniously, a toffee paperunderthe tail just before the dog wouldbe put in the traps, would adhere to theanus and provide sufficient distractionto the animal until dislodged by a questingnose , so that a fast exit at the startof the race was out of the question.Even a partially-chewed toffee shovedinto the dog's mouth and the jawsswiftly clapped shut so that the teethwere well embedded in it, could takethe entrant's mind off the job in hand.The white-of-an-egg smathered uparound the ' toin' and inside the legs,however, was a new one on me, but I'held me whisht' as instructed and dulyhanded the dog over to the kennelmaidfor incarceration and vet inspection.Well, we watched the first races withmild interest until it came time for ourentrant to be brought out. A long line12

eturn · bout with Kerry , Paddy mighthave been excused had he slipped awayquietly on a Sunday morning train fromTralee. But no, the call of the music,and of comrades of many anotherFleadh, not to mention duties to be attendedto and decisions to be made, dictatedthat Paddy Mack should be inListowel for the full duration with afirm handshake for all the old friendsand a ready ear and encouraging wordfor many a young musician. Paddy isone of those good listeners who make agood tune, even in a noisy atmosphere,worthwhile from the performers pointof view. He listens for the littlepersonal touches, the discreet notes andsubtle variations which portray the performanersreal musical personality andso he gets real satisfaction from listeningto a true musician or singer. Paddy hadbeen working very hard all Summer andthe Fleadh came as a welcome and wellearnedbreak. 'A great Fleadh' was hisverdict 'the older ones are as good asever and the young ones are gettingbetter all the time . A reassuring verdictfrom a critical but candid and totallyhonest poin t of view.Incidentally, I know of no one elseto equal Paddy's record of 35-in-a-row,except possibly Jim Dowling the piper.I'd say too that Willie Reynolds or JohnKeenan couldn't be too far behind. Arethere any others out there who cancom-pete in this division? If SO, I'msure the Editor of Treoir would like tohear from you.riding a bicycle through the Fleadh. Iconcluded that like many others he wastrying to be in two palces at the onetime, for mastery of the art of bi-location-orpreferably multi-location- is theonly way to enjoy all the fun of theFleadh. You are no sooner finished describingthe crack you've had at A ......... swith Eddie Kelly and John Carlos andJoe Burke and Mike Rafferty and twolads from Connemars stepdancing onthe counter, when your listener startstelling you about the one he was at thatdidn't finish until seven in the morningand that there were seven flute players- "big mountainy fellows from theWest with caps, man, and the woman ofthe house gave us poitin punch and friedegg sandwiches" - I'm telling you-thefisherman's story of 'the one that gotaway' is only in the ha'penny placecompared to the Fleadh tales of thesession you missed.Footnote: Honest-to-God I met somany great people at the Fleadh thatI'm only starting but the Editor has justcalled a halt, telling me to leave the restuntil I am writing my memoirs- nowthere's an idea! So apologies to allthose whom I haven't mentioned so far,especially the many friends from Britainwho were our hosts during the Tour ofBritain in Spring and who played such abig part in making my Fleadh a truly enjoyableone.musicians braved the threatening cloudsto provide many excellent streetsessions by day and night - and indeedfar into the early hours too.Even allowing for the success ofmany other events in the traditionalcalendar there is no doubt but thatFleadh Cheoil na hEireann is still TheBig One, the one where you can be sureof meeting all those great musicalfriends that you met - or missed - lastyear. Handshakes, how do's and 'whatare you havings' .. ..... .1s there any otherevent that draws our exiles and theirfamilies and friends in such numbers asFleadh Cheoil na hEireann? The trickleon Thursday swelled to a flood onFriday, busload after busload fromevery centre in Britain that boasts anIrish community ...... London, Liverpool,Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham,mums, dads, whole families, bands,groups ...... St. Albans .... Northampton,Leicester ..... Motherwell ..... Cheltenham ..My God, if we could run a secondFleadh Cheoil it would not alone rescuethe tourist trade it would save theblooming economy .... Garret where are ·you!!!. Busloads from Newcastle,Coventry, Luton, Merseyside, Leeds,Groups and Bands from Chicago, NewYork, Ontario, Detroit, St. Louis, Montreal,New Jersey. Musicians fromFrance, from Italy, from Germany,Sweden, and of course, the musicians,groups, ceili bands and MarchingBands from all over the 32 counties -Listowel is bursting at the seams and themusic is flying .. ...There is yet no animosityNo matter what persuasionBut failte and hospitalityInducing fresh acquaintance .PADDY McELVANEYYOU MISSED A MIGHTYSESSION!I remember seeing a photo-from aFleadh in Listowel in the seventies- ofthe one-and-only Diarmuid b CathliinD1ARMUID 0 CATHAINCOME RAIN OR SUNSHINEAs the Fleadh week-end approachedwe kept our fingers crossed , hoping fora drastic change in the weather, recalling1978 when, after several weeks of rain,the skies had cleared on Friday morningto leave Listowel sweltering in the sunfor the Fleadh. This year we were notto be so lucky, but still, apart from afew heavy showers, conditions were nottoo bad, and numerous groups of. THANK YOU FROM SERGT.·RENKOI want to thank you and all the membersof Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireannfor the wonderful evening you showedmy friend Ricky Scaggs and his bandthe night of May 30th. None of uspresent will forget the magic of universalmusic 'crossing the Ocean' back and .forth between the Irish and the AmericanAppIacian Mountain musicians.We are very grateful to you for yourkind hospitality - a true reflection ofthe great spirit of the Irish people.CHARLES HAlO(Hill Street Blues)10

Memories of Listowel '85RAYMOND AND LIAMRoland and Farrell, names to savournames remembered with pride andnostalgia by many an Irish emigrant inLondon in the Sixties and through theSeventies. The word had gone aroundon Thursday and Friday that the famedduo were on their way and the onlyquestion bothering the fans was "wherewill they be playing?" I met- not onebut- three men on Saturday, each ofwhom grasped my hand as if I had donehim a special favour because I was ableto tell them 'they are in .. ........... .'s rightnow and playing mighty music! Oneman had not seen Raymond Rolandsince returning from London in 1964,but his most cherished memory was ofgreat nights of music around FulhamBroadway. There were tears in his eyesas he surveyed the scene as Raymondand Liam, aided and abetted by half adozen musical friends, literally'blashted' music through the roof.During an interlude that brilliant multiinstrumentalistJohn Carty , picked upthe fiddle to play a lovely duet withSean Carty- senior- a grand fluteplayer and like his son, all too modestand unassuming about his fine musicaltalents. Aye, the musicians from acrossthe Irish sea kept many a session goingand none more so than those greatyoung minstrels from Luton and St.Albans who were always amongst thefirst to strike up and the last to putaway box and bow.Seamus MacMathunaand delightful settings of a tune oftengoing back through layers and generationsof time and music-making. It is adescription I associate with just a fewselect musicians ; one of those whosprings to mind is West Clare's JohnKelly of Capel Street (John didn'tmanage to get to Listowel, though hewas in mighty form at the Tion6l in ,Gormanston and later at the WillieClancy week in Miltown Malbay). Butin Listowel it was Paddy McElvaneywho used the term as we sat, enchanted,listening to Paddy Cronin, home fromBoston for the Fleadh and fiddling athis very best. Paddy Cronin's musicranges from the lovely old tunes that helearned as a young lad from PadraigO'Keeffe of Glountaun, through thebest of Coleman, Morrison and theother 'old masters', to the finest tunesof Ed Reevy and other composer~.Each tune bears his personal stamp;grand variations and gracings, nowsubtle, now lonesome, now rollickipg,each performance displaying an artistIythat very few co uld hope to emulate,even after years of concentrated fiddlemastery . In between the tunes hetalked about Coleman, about DenisMurphy, P. J. ConIon, about FrankNeylon of Kilfenora with whom he hadrecorded two great 78s back in thefifties, about Seamus Connolly his closefriend , of many a Boston session, whohadn't come this year but who seldommisses an "All-Ireland" .SINGING SESSIONSThe Singers turned out in strength inListowel too and there was no one morepleased than Donncha 0 Laoire of Corkwho counts his achievement there- 2ndplace- in the Amhranaiocht ar an seannos-hisbest to date. Considering thatit's only a few years since Donncha tookup singing as Gaeilge he deserves everycredit for his progress. Paddy Harkinwas a hard working Fe~r a Tl at one ofthe singing sessions I attended, and fromseveral hours of great songs and 'crack'I recall in particular the performances ofRose Stewart, Seamus 0 Baoill, RoisinWhite, Mairtln Seoighe and PaddyBerry. At other singing sessions we metPaddy Tunney, Sean 'ac Dhonncha,Nora Butler, Des O'Halloran, Peadar bRiada agus Muintir ChUll Aodha, andSeaD b Conaire. Sarah Anne O'Neillwas in great voice and Geordie Hanna allthe way from the Lough Shore, withthat other great Tyrone troubadourDaniien Molloy singing 'til morning, butI missed my usual bit of 'crack anddivarsion' with John Kennedy of Ballybackey,fo r I never laid eyes on him allweek-end, and more's the pity.SEAN 'AC DHONNCHATHERE'S WO RK TO BE DONE!LIAM F ARRELLPADDY CRONIN'A GREAT DEPTH OF MUSIC''A great depth of music' now there isa phrase with a depth of meaning inIrish music terminology. It is the connoisseur'sway for describing themusician who can conjure up many oldRA YMOND ROLANDBut of course the business of theFleadh had to be attended to-a colossalprogramme of 130 competitions withentries from each of the fo ur provincesfrom Britain and the U .S .A. and variousother parts- the prize winners' listwould also include Canada and France.There were 15 venues to be mannedwith adjudicators, call clerks, stewards.In charge of this army of workers were8

Truly the Pride of ErinWhen the Pride of Erin Ceili Band fr:om Northern Ireland won the coveted All­Ireland Ceili Band Championship at the Fleadh Cheoil in Listowel it was theirsecond in a row after 27 years competing. The audience of almost 1,000 peopleshowed that it was a very popular decision and in ways the tenacity of this bandwas synonymous with the history of the Fleadh Cheoil which has gone fromstrength to strength over the years. The 1985 Fleadh in Listowel was no exception- it was an event which was truly the pride of Erin.The Pride of Erin Ceili Band from Co.Fermanagh receive the winner,s tro'phy fromComhaltas President MICHEAL 0 LOCH­LAIN after the senior Ceili Band competition.(Picture: ROY BUSHBy)The mood for the successful FleadhCheoil this year was well dictated andestablished throughout the week-longScoil Eigse which preceded the "All-Ireland".At the Scoil Eigse the talentedpupils combined with their masterfultutors in cultivating standards of performanceof which any country in theworld could be justly proud. This wasthe curtain-raiser for another greatFleadh at this popular Fealeside venue.The weather threatened but couldn'tdominate. The music flowed strongerin every corner and at every opportunityand, indeed, from every nationality.It was a great world gathering all celebratingthe authentic Irishness of thehost-country. The venues were packed-an indication that the truefollowers have come into their own andwill listen for hours on end with rapt attentionto the musical offerings of thechampions and their pacers. In truththey are all champions whether they,A typical street session at the Fleadh inListowel.win the,.. hearts at a street corner, in acompetition, at a concert or discreetlytucked away in a backroom.The Official Opening ceremony introducedby Cliodhna Dempsey of theLuxembourg Branch of Comhaltas wasan indication of great things to come.Here we had the European Tour groupwhich electrified the atmosphere withtheir skills and sheer professionalism.(Picture: ROY BUSHBy)The audience loved it and wanted more,and more, and more. Cliodhna, whowas the presenter of the tour conert,spoke to the multitude in diverse tongueshelping to underline once again theinternational nature of Comhaltas. Thispoint was not lost on Tourism Minister,Mr. Michael Moynihan, T.D., who referredto it in the course of a veryworthwhile speech.Listowel is a good town for a Fleadh.This is the general concensus from thosewho were fortunate enough to attendthe 1985 event. The town has atmosphereand the local people welcome theFleadh as they would a family reunion.They are close to the roots that apawnedComhaltas and the Fleadh and theiris a feeling of warm welcome and camraderie.It is the kind of town intowhich one settles quickly and easily onarrival and from which one is loth to departwhen the festivities are winding·down. One is tempted to shorten asmuch as possible the point of departureand that of return. There is an urgencyabout musicmaking in Listowel as ifthere might be no tomorrow or that itis too far distant. This urgency createsthe excitement which is to be found inListowel at Fleadh time.The standards at the competitionsare soaring each year. This is theharvest which is reaped from years ofpatient toil by teachers, organisers,adjudicators and, of course , enthusiasticparents. The knockers and theirinfluence fade into the insignificancealongside the phenomenon which ismanifested at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.6

Musicians of Sliabh LuachraNickie and Anne McAuliffeMuch has been written aboutSliabh Luachra in the last half-century,but the origin of some of the music ofSliabh Luachra dates back to the mideighteenthcentury, to the time ofEoghan Rua b Suilleabhain (1748- 84).Eoghan Rua was born in Meentogues inthe heart of Sliabh Luachra. Many ofhis great poems were set to music andare, today, regarded as some of the best'Sean-n6s' songs and slow airs. Some ofthese great songs would be 'In AonarSeal', 'An Ciarraioch Mallaithe', 'AnSplealad6ir' , 'Ag Tai~teal na Blarnan',etc. The jig, 'Bimis 01', which was recordedby Willie Clancy, was the air to asong written in 1780 by Eoghan Rua.Sliabh Luachra is best known for itsfiddle players, but one of its mostfamous sons of that era was a piper­James Gandsey- who was known as theKillarney Minstrel (1767- 1857). J-amesGandsey was the son of an English manwho was attached to Ross Castle. Hismother was from Killarney. His fatherand mother went to Gibraltar and leftJames in his grandmother's care. Anattack of smallpox in his infancy ' lefthim almost blind, but he lived a longlife and only died .in 1857 at the age ofninety years. Gandsey was, for manyyears, Lord Headley's- piper. He playeda set of uilleann pipes given to him byhis friend and instructor, ThadyConnor, who asserted that Gandsey wasthe only musician in the countryworthy to inherit the precious gift. Heis said to be buried in Muckross Abbeyin Killarney, though no trace of thegrave now remains.From the beginning of the nineteenthcentury onwards, we hear of thetravelling fiddlers who wernt fromhouse to house teaching the music.'Taidhgin an Asail' spent his life travellingthe countryside on a donkey. Oneof his most famous pupils was TomBilly Murphy (1879- 1944) of Glencollin s Upper, Ballydesmond. TomBilly was blind and partially disabled.He took up teaching the fiddle and healso travelled around Sliabh Luachra ona donkey. He was said to be a mostcapable tutor, who used alphabeticalnotation- which is much used today.Among Tom Billy's best-knownpupils were the late Dan Leary (whorecorded an LP, with accordion playerJirnmy Doyle, some years ago forShanachie Records), Jack O'Connell ofLighthouse, Ballydesmond; Mrs.JIMMY DOYLEDENIS McMAHONMurphy of Glencollins, and the late Mrs.Gleeson of Gneeveguilla, mother of TimGleeson, well-known singer.A contemporary of Tom Billy, ofwhom much has been written, was thegreat fiddler and teacher, PadraigO'Keeffe of Glountane (1888- 1963).Padraig devised his own method of 'penning'the music for the fiddle. He regardedthe four spaces in the stave asrepresenting the four strings of thefiddle. He then wrote in the spaces '0 'for open string and ' !', '2', '3', or '4' forthe four fingers. It was an ingeniousmethod and simple to read with a littlepractice. Padraig had a distinctivebowing style which he passed on to hispupils and which is quite evident intheir playing to this day . Padraig hadmany pupils who became famous musiciansin their own right in later years.These included: Denis Murphy and JuliaClifford of Lisheen, Paddy and JohnnyCronin of Reaboy, J erry McCarthy ofScartaglin', Mickie Duggan of Knockrour,J ohnny O'Leary of Gneeveguilla,Terry 'Cuz' Teahan of Glountane who isnow in Chicago, and the late JohnnyClifford.There are a host of perhaps lesserknown but, nevertheless, fine musiciansround the Sliabh Luachra area who'learned from Padraig' , such as PaudieGleeson of Gneeveguilla, Paddy O'Connellof Cordal, Mary Brosnan O'Sullivanof Ballahantourigh, Jim O'Keeffe ofKanturk, Francie O'Connor ofDromulton, Tim O'Keeffe of Rathmore,Paddy J ones of Cordal, Willie O'Connellof Cordal, Sonny O'Riordan of Gneeveguilla,and John Collins of Gneeveguilla.Sliabh Luachra also had, and stillhas, a fairly strong tradition of flute andtin whistle playing. The late Bill 'TheWeaver' Murphy (father of Denis andJulia) was a well-known flute player inhis day . The family tradition has beenrevived in the present generation byJulia' s son, Billy Clifford. Dan Croninof Gneeveguilla plays the tin whistlewith a lovely local style and has a vastrepertoire of unusual slides and polkaswhich are rarely heard nowadays. Thelate Mick Cronin of Reaboy was also agrand flute player. The tradition offlute playing is alive and well today withsuch talented exponents as SiobhanCollins of Gneeveguilla and KathleenO'Keeffe ( also fiddle) of Ballinahulla,Ballydesmond. John P. Brosnan ('TheTailor') of Scartaglin, is a fine tinwhistle player. He founded theScartaglin Pipers' Band in the 1940s.He has an amazing store of anecdotesand folklore gathered from his extensivetravels around the country. John'sdaughter, Sheila Hewitt, is a talented tinwhistle player. Another tin whistle' player of repute is Art O'Keeffe ofGneeveguilla. Art it was who gave a renderingof 'Napoleon's Grand March' atthe graveside on the occasion of his4

Memories of a PipemakerEamonn WalshAt the age of 87 years Matt Kiemanis one of the last of the old pipers andpipe-makers still with us and turning outone of our proud national instruments,the uilleann pipes. Matt caused muchconcern to the piping world recentlywhen he had to undergo a serious operationbut thank the Lord he was sparedand he is active once again in his workshopand home at 19 Offaly Road,Cabra in Dublin.Through the years, Matt has beenone of the key men responsible for therevival of the piping when he has unfailinglycarried on the difficult craft ofmaking pipes for young people from allcorners of the earth and teaching themby his fireside. He has also passed onthe craft to scores of young people nowmaking pipes and has restored many ofthe old sets to their former glory, manyof which are to be found in the hands ofvarious pipers throughout the land.Matt is unique in that he is the onlypipe-maker to be found turning outpipes on an old foot threadle lathe.Matt' s craft as a pipemaker cameabout as a result of experimenting withold sets which he sought in antiqueshops and he had the satisfaction ofplaying for Radio Eireann in 1936 in abroadcast from Mount Sion College,Waterford City on a full set of pipesmade by himself.When asked how he was bitten bythe bug he first of all recited the followingpoem, a poem well known to pipersin particular:"A piper in the street todaySet up, and tuned and started to playAnd, away away away on the tideOf his music we started on every sideDoors and windows were opened wideAnd men left down their work andcameAnd women with petticoats colouredlike flameAnd little bare feet . that were blue withcoldWent dancing back to the age of goldAnd all the world went gay, went gayFor half an hour in the street today"Now Matt takes up his own story: Iwas attending a cattle fair in my hometown of Athboy, Co. Meath with myfather in 1906 when I saw and heard thefirst piper in my life. He was playing onthe main street kerb with a short stickunder his leg to keep his leg raised intothe proper position for popping etc.,One of the many sessions by Matt's fireside:pictured are members of the Keenan familyPADDY -pipes, JOHN SNR-pipes, JOHNJNR-banjo.MATI Playing his own pipes made by him in1930.but the music was charming and Iinstantly caught the bug. The piper wasindeed the famous Jim Byme of atravelling family from Rathmoylan.My father told me several stories ofmusicians he knew and met in NewYork at 142 Second Street known asthe "Pleasant Hour House" owned by apiper from Granard named Thomas Kerriganand he would play the pipes andcoffey pot for his customers. His coffeypot act was a silver tlagolette solderedinto a coffey pot through which the performerwould put his fingers inside toplay on the flagolette much to theamazement of his customers.I have had a varied career. I was inthe RIC police and packed it up as thecountry was in serious political troubleand joined the army where I remaineduntil the formation of the Garda in1922. It wasn't until 1932 whilestationed in Dublin that I became moreactive in pipe-making and playing thepipes. I joined a newly formed pipersclub in a premises in Molesworth Streetwhere I met several other pipers andpipemakers like Leo Rowesome whowas chairman of the club ; TommyReek, Tom Mulligan; the Brophy's,Andy Forde, Tim Rafter, Pat Flanagan,Tommy Brasil, Christy Crothers and hisdaughter who was one of very few ladiesplaying pipes at the time ; Jim Seery,Peadar Flynn, and his wife Maggie andDan O'Dowd, but sadly many of thosegreat people are now deceased.I have two daughters Nancy andMaureen and a son Simon a keen allround musician. I have several grandand great-grandchildren but one whois also named after myself is a policemanin London and he described in aletter to me some time back of an amusingincident which occured to him inthe course of his duty:CLUDACHMATT KIERNAN at work on his footthreadle lathe.2

A TYPICAL STREET SESSION AT THE FLEADH IN LISTOWEL