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Glasgow Function" The national aspirations of Scotland andIreland have much in common and thereis vast scope for co-operation between thetwo nations," said Labhras 0 Murchu, NationalPresident of <strong>Comhaltas</strong> CeoltoiriEireann , at a tourist promotion functionorganised by Bord Failte in co-operationwith <strong>Comhaltas</strong> in the North British Hotel,Glasgow." Many voices may be raised ," he continued, " in praise of international ism to theexclusion of national identities th roug hdistinct national culture, but how many willindicate what is the ultimate meaning of" internationalism." Does it mean that wewill use the cu lture of one particular nationas a guideline? Which nation will thisbe, and are we sure that all other nationswill accept the privileged one as an example?Such a process is not possible, asany man who values freedom and individuality will not accept carbon-copy statusat either personal or national level. I believethat the different races who are rootedin tradition and who can boast of strongcultural foundations should co-operatemore fully and bring about a union of allthose who cherish their own distinctivenessand help each other to maintain it. If thisis " internationalism" then I will be a strongadvocate.INDIVIDUALITY OF NATIONS" Recently in Ireland we had some Scottishguests on a late-ni ght television programmeand because they, like the vastmajority of the Irish people, believed inthe individuality of nations they were subjectedto an insulting and trivial barrageby an uninformed and biased element, insteadof the dignity which befitted theirsincerity and standing. These fine Scottishguests do not need my defence as theyacquitted themselves in a dignified and5DEPUTATION TO TELEFISTh e <strong>Comhaltas</strong> Liaison Committee (Labhras0 Murchu, Uachta ran , Seamas de Brunagus Liam Mac Gleanain, had a threehourmeeting with representatives of Telefis Eireann (Michae l 0 Garbhaigh, Controllerof Programmes; Lelia Doolin, Headof Light Entertainment, and Liam 0 Murchu, Head of Iris h Programmes) at Donnybrookon February 28th . A full report willbe placed before the next meeting of theCEC.Further discussions will take place betweenR.T.E. and An <strong>Comhaltas</strong> on April28th.~\Ic!;wt~~~tFllllm tl'l.l~~IW1wam'COMORTASSCORAIOCHTAThe final of the Comortas Scoraiochtawhich will be held in the Marian Hall, Birr,on March 30th , will be attended by TelefisEireann representatives.q:jm~fi:I'1W~Wt1 j HltHt1H~1t1'$11t11llll$l l +I$jt11!$.#1$i jconvincing manner. The attitude of whatwas obviously a prejudiced and "fixed"show was a source of embarrassment toal l fair-minded people." <strong>Comhaltas</strong> in Scotland can de muchto strengthen the ties between our twocountries. It is encouraging to know thatthis ye ar a Provincial Fleadh Cheoil will beheld in Glasgow and that the winners inthe various competitions will compete inFleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Cashel. Weare looking forward to meeting you all atthis event in Ireland and I can assure youof a Cead Mile Failte. We believe in thebrotherhood of man and that one must notdenude oneself of national personality toAT GLASGOW FUNCTIONachieve this fraternal state. We believealso that visitors to a strange country wantto find something different than what theyleft at home and surely this is the essenceof any good holiday."OUR BRANCH(Le MAIRTIN MAC GAMHNA)Our branch, Killeshandra, promoted atraditional music class to cater for theyouth of West Breiffne and 60 enthusiasticboys and girls enrolled in October last. Weprovided extra classrooms and appointedfour well-kn own music te?chers to giveinstructions. Our first objective is to forma Juvenile marching band and this ideafairly roused the enthusiasm of the youngsters.Instruction on drumming and drillis also given by the committee, and theband is expected to get off the ground byCorpus Christi.Music classes are held every Thursdaynight from 7,30 to 9.30 in the C'y.M.S.rooms, followed by a music and singingsession of the members. In this cois-natineatmosphere is kindled a love for ourbeautiful Irish music among the younggeneration,The Co. Cavan Vocational Committee attheir January meeting acceeded to our requestto give financial assistance to ourclasses and our work in promoting theIrish music among the youth. We are indeedvery thankful for their unanimousdecision to give this active branch, locatedin an area rich in the heritage offol k music and local ballad, a wonderfuland deserving fillip.Killeshandra branch is one of the earliestaffiliated units of C.C.E. and it organised in1954 the second Co. Cavan Fleadh Cheoil,wh ich attracted 6,000 enthusiasts (note thepopulation is just under 500) . A uniquefeature of the Fleadh was the colourfulparade and pageant based on GeneralOwen Roe O'Neill in period costume, inwhich over 50 officers and bodyguard onhorseback were depicted. The O'Neillcastle and stronghold ruins may still beseen on an island base on nearby LoughOughter,I wish to congratulate C.C.E. on thepublication of the new magazine " Treoir."Of!icers elected at our annual meeting:PreS ident, Rev. Fr. V. Duffy, C.C.; Chairman, Mairtin Mac Gamhna; Vice-Chairman ,Padra ig 0 Dubhthaigh; Joint Treasurers,Sean 0 Sorahain agus Tomas 0 Currain;Joint Secretaries, Sister Mary Gonzalesagus Miss Patsy Fox. Auditor, Mr. G. D.Geddis.~j : lj ·ij~~~*IIWFmlI$l*il~'CRUINNITHECUIGESeated: Lena Tierney and Una Ui Mhurchu - From left to right: Chris Kane (BordFailte Manager for Scotland) , Owen Kelly, Fr_ O'Neill, Leon 0 Clumhaln (Gael-Linn),Labhras 0 Murchu (Uachtaran), Denis O'Connell (Irish Travel Officer, Manchester)The following officers have been electedfor the coming year:Cuige Mumhan:Cathaoirleach, Salbheastar Mac Conn mhaigh; Leas-Cathaoirleach, Peadar 0Carruin; Runai, Brid Ni Chraith; Cisteoir,Padraig 0 Cathain; Auditors, Conchubhar0 Riain agus Eamonn 0 Meachair.Delegates to C.E.C., Salbheastar MacConnmhaigh agus Sean 0 Ceallanain.Cuige Laighean:Cathaoirleach, Mrs. C. Mulally; LeasCathaoirleach, Denis O'Connor; Runai ,Padraig 0 Dufaigh; Treasurer, PatrickCorry; Auditors, Ruairi 0 Cinneide agusBreandan Mac Eachrain; Delegates toC.E.C., Criostoir 0 Cearnaigh agus LiamMac Gleanain.Cuige Uladh:Cathaoirleach, Brian O'Donnell; Runai,Mairtin Mac Caba; Runai Cunta, Mrs, M.McCabe; Cisteoir, Paddy Rafferty; Delegatesto C.E.C. , Mairtin Mac Caba agusPaddy Rafferty.
7This fine elegy was written on the execution of Sir James Cotter in 1720. He was a son of Sir James Fitzedmond Cotter, whohad been commander-In·chlef for King Jam9S 11 in Munster. The subject of the elegy was the Idol of the Catholic Irishin Munster, and a generous patron of Irish poetry. A false charge of rape was brought against him by the Quakers of Cork. Onthe false evidence of a Quaker girl, whom he never met before his trial, he was fou nd guilty and hanged. His real crime washis adherence to the Jacobite cause.~ /.:- ~ '9Id~.t!I_l-Jlr_rrtrO'trlttrmiE j!J1J ~kj4~~kur-~~~~~I)iiU7twDzt~(CA
Cork County BoardConventionExtract from address by Mlchael 0 Lochlalnn,Chairman, Cork Co. Board <strong>Comhaltas</strong> CeoltolrfElreann, at the Annual Convention at Carrafgna bhFear." It is my privilege once again to welcomeyou to this the 9th Annual Cork Co.Convention. In keeping with our establishedpractice of visiting a different Branch eachyear, we assmble to·day as guests of ouryoungest Branch, Craobh Carraig nabhFear. Its formation here during the pastyear ideally befits the traditional spirit thathas existed in the parish through manycenturies and the members who have madeit possible can justly be proud that theyadd their own chapter to the annals ofthat historic seat of learning at Faitche nabhFilf." The contribution made in the literaryfield by men of this parish over the pastthree hundred years has earned internationalacclaim. Even during the PenalDays, the most difficult era of our history,the poets and scholars here continued toflourish and the true Irish way of life waspreserved. The protection afforded themby the McCarthy family, landlords of Carraigna bhFear, was their inspiration. Theywere always welcome in the McCarthyhome at the Big House, where the Irishlearning, customs and habits enjoyedunbounded respect, and indeed manychapters and many verses were added tothe manuscripts here. Yes , here! It is inthis very same house we meet to-day. Eventhough ownership has since changed tothe Missionaries of The Sacred Heart thesame spirit of goodwill and co·operationwith the surrounding community still existsand the same Irish influences emanatefrom here too." You may say that this is history super·fluous to our aims. Nevertheless, we havevery close ties with the Irish literary heritagein the proper management of our ownaffairs, and the good work now being doneby the local Branch members in the musicalfield stands on a par with that of thegreat scholars of other days." During the past year <strong>Comhaltas</strong> CeoltoiriEireann has grown into a vast concern. The introduction of week-end seminars,each convened to discuss specialisedsubjects-administration, organisation, adiudication,to mention but a few-hasproved to be well worth the effort involved .The issue of records and tapes of traditionalmusic from selected top class artistesis a major step towards the establishmentof an authentic library of traditional musicavailable to everybody. The production ofthe news magazine " Treoir" and the first<strong>Comhaltas</strong> Annual are other aspects of theexpansion programme undertaken. Theventure has been most successful sofar, and I am confident that our membersin Cork City and County will strive to as·sist in effecting the programme envisagedfor the future. In our own domain the institutionof classes for the teaching of traditionalmusic at five centres is well underway. We are indebted to Cork Co. VocationalEducation Committee for its adoptionof our proposed scheme for theseclasses."FLEADHANNA CHEOIL DATESFleadh Ulaid at Clones .... .. ...... April 6-7Fleadh na Breataine at Glasgow ... Apl. 20Fleadh Chonnacht at Boyle ... April 26-27Fleadh na Mumhan, Dungarvan, May 10-11Fleadh Laighean at New Ross ... May 17-188Piobairi Uilleann(We feel that the following list of Uilleann Pipers may still be incomplete,and further information wou ld be welcomed)Cuige Laighin:Micheal 0 h-Almhain, 97 , Ascal Cnoc Muirfean, Carraigh Dubh, Baile Atha Cliath.Sam Atkinson, Moneudurthlene, Ferns, Co. Wexford.Brendan Breathnach, 47, Frascati Park, Blackrock, Dublin.Ivor Browne, Marathan, Killiney Avenue, Killiney, Co. Dublin.Garech Browne, Baile Atha Cliath.Peter Carbery, 1, Derrybawn, Kenagh, Co. Longphorl.Patrick Cartan, Camolin, Gorey, Co. Wexford.Dan Cavanagh , Ballybawn, Screen, Co. Wexford.D. Clery, Ballinamere, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.Thomas Connick, 3, The Place, Oxmantown Road , Dublin 7.Andy Conroy.Michael Crahan , 39 , St. David's Terrace, Naas, Co. Kildare.Jack Devereaux.James Dolan, Co. Longford.Jim Dowling, 65 , Herberton Drive, Rialto, Dublin.Donal 0 Dubhda, 153, Malahide Road , Dublin 3.Seam us Ennis.Criostoir Mac Gearailt, 81, Shannon Road , Santry, Dublin 9.Brian Gallagher, 8, Ballygall Road , Finglas, Dublin 11 .Piaras 0 Greagain, Feichin na Manach, Dun Laoire, Co. Atha Cliath.Matt Kiernan, 19, Offaly Road , Cab ra, Dublin.Malachy Kealy, 27 , Ashdale Road, Terenure, Dublin.Sean Mac Cormac, Baile Bhaltur, Atha Luain, Co. Westmeath.Seamus Mac Mathuna, Teach an Bhun Srotha, Cui Ri , Co. Loc Garman.Tomas Mac Eoin, 1, Ceide Coillcaise, Ard Aidh in, Baile Atha Cliath.Joseph Mac Kenn , 26 , Thomas Street, Dubl in 8.Peter Mac Kenna, 26, Thomas Street, Dublin 8.Eamonn Mac Siomoni, 72 , SI. Alban 's Park, Sydney Parade, Dublin 4.Patrick Mitchell, 97, North Circular Road , Dublin 7.Paddy Maloney, The Stores, Miltown Bridge, Dundrum Road, Dublin 13.Terence Mohan, 6, Whitworth Row, Saville Place, Dublin 1.Tom Mulligan, 94 , Cabra Park, Phibsboro, Dublin 7.Cornelius Mulligan, 94, Cabra Park, Phibsboro, Dublin 7.Tom Nolan, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.Seamus 0 Broithe, 2, Bothar Chill Dara, Crumlin, Dublin 12.Micheal 0 Broithe, 18, Cnoc Risteamoinn, Dublin 6.Antoin 0 Ceallaigh, 83, Capel Street, Dublin 7.Patrick O'Connor, 53, Anne Street, Dundalk, Co . Louth.liam Og 0 Floinn, Kill, Co. Kildare.Sean 0 Floinn , 17, Greenhills Road , Walkinstown, Dublin 12.John 0 Neill, Hempsfield, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford .Michael Power, 49, New Park Road, Kilkenny.Michael Power, Tacumshane, Broadway, Co. Wexford.Denis Quigley, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.Tosog Quinn, Bravellan, Raheny, Dublin 5.Leo Rowsome, 9, Belton Park Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9.Helena Rowsome, 9, Belton Park Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9.Leon Rowsome, 92, Kilmore Lodge Estate, Coolock, Dublin 5.Willie Reynolds, Waldertown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.Sean Seary, 13, Darling Estate, Navan Road, Dublin.Paddy Tyrrell, 5, SI. Malachy's Villas, Dundalk, Co. Louth.Se an Ward, Corr, Walderstown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.Thomas White, Newbawn, New Ross, Co. Wexford.Ted Keane, c/o. Knockmeal Creamery, Ballinamult, Co. Wexford.Michael Lacey, North Parade, Gorey, Co. Wexford.Dr. T. Brereton, c/ o. An Foras Taluntais, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.Eithne Carey, 25, Northumberland Road , Dublin 4.Micheal 0 hAonghusa, Baile Atha Cliath.Eoin 0 Duigneain, Baile Atha Cliath.Harry Mullen, Baile Atha Cliath.
Cuige Uladh:Wilbert Garvin, 86, North Circular Road , Belfast.Michael Keenan, Glasleach, Shercock, Dundalk, Co. Cavan.John McCann, 18, Railway View, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.Sean Mac Aleen, 95, St. James Road, Belfast 12.Peter Mackey, 6, Emania Terrace, Armagh.Finbar Mac Laughlin, 40, University Avenue, Belfast 7.Kevin McLaverty, Quintin House, Kilclief, Strangford, Co. Down.Ed Mac Namee, Townhall Street, Co. Down.Francis Mac Peake.Jack 0 Rourke, 17, Broadway, Belfast 12.Brian Vallely, Cnoc Aluinn, 50, Newry Road, Armagh.Dara Vallely, Cnoc Aluuinn, 50, Newry Road, Armagh.Niall Vallely, Cnoc Aluiunn, 50 , Newry Road, Armagh.Hugh Devenny, Killea, Co. Donegal.Cuige Mumhan:Sean Aherne, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.Joseph Barry, Railway Road, Templemore, Co. Tipperary.Peadar Broe, 11 , Patrick Street, Fermoy, Co. Cork.Andy Casey, The Rock, Killeens, Co. Cork.Willie Clancy, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.Michael Falsey, Seafield, Quilty, Co. Clare.Johnny Galvin, Ballycorree, Ennis, Co. Clare.Thomas Kennedy, St. John's, Clifton Road, Montenotte, Cork.Michael Lenane, Main Street, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.Padraig 0 Loinsigh, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork.Seamus Mac Mathuna, Cuil Aodha, Machromhtha, Co. CorcaLAine Bean Ui Mhurchu, Con Amore, Bothar Glaisin, Corcaigh.Tomas 0 Canainn, Ard Barra, Gleann Maghair, Corcaigh.Tomas 0 Cearnaigh, 126, An Ce, Portlairge.Thomas Sheridan, 67, Bothania House, Ocean Estate, Harford St., London, E.1.Michael 0 Fogartaigh, Baile an Daingean, Baile Mhisteala, Co. Corcalgh.Peadar 0 Lochlinn, Fairyhill, Kilmaley, Co. Clare.Padraig 0 Guillighe, Spa Glen, Mallow, Co. Cork.Michael 0 Riabhaigh, St. Anne's Drive, Montenotte, Co. Cork.Reamonn 0 Se, 8, Sydneyville, Bellevue Park, Co. Cork.Mairtin 0 Tailtigh, Sraid na Cathrach, Co. an Chlair.Martin Rothford, Bodyke, Co. Clare.Sean Reid , Gort Road , Ennis, Co. Clare.J. C. Talty, Quilty, Co. Clare.Cuige Connachta:Muintir Ceannabhain, Cill Ciarain, Conemara, Co . na Gaillimhe.Thomas Flynn, Cuilmore, Gurteen, Co. Sligo.Michael Hession, Loyola, Salthill, Co. Galway.Paddy Lavin, Ballyglass, Ballinagar, Co. Roscommon .James Lavin, Ballyglass, Ballinagar, Co. Roscommon.Tomas 0 Duibhir, Ceard Scoil , Cluainin Ui Ruairc , Co. Liathroma.Michael Padian.Tommy Reck.Martin Tracey, Ballydonnellan, Spiddal, Co. Galway.An Bhreathain:Felix Doran, 54, Mornington Street, Manchester 13.Thomas Mac Carthy, 36, Warham Road, Harringay, London NA.M. T. O'Malley, 24, Argyle Square, King's Cross, London, W.C.1.Pat McNulty, 49, Roslea Drive, Glasgow, S.E.DID YOU GUESS WHO?AN9CEOLThe subject of our " Guess Who" competitionwas Willie Clancy portraying Gar- Go raibh ceol geal meidhreachrett Barry, " The Blind Piper of Inagh," at Gan sos ag seinnt annthe Clare Co. Fleadh in 1960. The first I ngach teaglach in Eirinn ain;correct answer opened came from Miss Go raibh laochra groidhe annHelena Rowsome, 9 Belton Park, Dublin, Le n'a chosaint go foidhneachwho will receive two free tickets for theGo bhfeictear straidhn ar lucht a gcaint.Prize-Winners' Concert at Fleadh Cheoilna hEireann.-So Mac Connmhaigh.Educational RoleOf An <strong>Comhaltas</strong>In Dec., 1967, An <strong>Comhaltas</strong> organisedits first week-end Seminar in the CountyArms Hotel, Birr, and in the first issue of" Treoir" which followed the headline ap..peared: " New Train of Thought In Birr."The article mentioned the success of theweek-end venture and that those presentfelt more such undertakings should be organised.The C.E.C. accordingly planned fiveprovincial seminars and seven nationalones which covered such subjects as:' Iri~~ ..Traditional Music and Song ," "PipIng , An Fleadh Cheoil," " Adjudication "" Administration," " Sean-nos Singing" and" <strong>Comhaltas</strong> 1969." Nine of these seminarshave already been held, and the remainingthree will be held on schedule before theend of March.These seminars were designed to givemembers at different levels of the organisati?nan opportunity of expressing theirviews on specific subjects without anyhindrance of official protocol. That such~iews were expressed honestly and openlyIS now well known and much useful informationhas been collected by C.E.C.,Provincial Councils, County Boards andbranches. In other words it was a two-wayprocess: branch representatives advisedC.E.C. and C.E.C. representatives advisedbranches; County Boards had dialoguewith Provincial Councils and vice versa.It was a completely open shop and music-as it should be-was the dominantfeature. The effect of this scheme of edu-. cation may not be immediate, but it willundoubtedly provide a foundation, as didthe 1967 one, for increased understanding,efficiency, and progress.The Irish MinstrelsIn GlasgowThe Irish Minstrels Branch of <strong>Comhaltas</strong>Ceoltoiri Eireann was founded on Jan. 21 ,1957, and had as its President Se an McGuire of Belfast. To spread a knowledgeand love of Irish traditional music, the newbranch held weekly " round the fires" andorganised concerts and music classes.Now 12 years later it will sponsor Britain'sProvincial Fleadh Cheoil on April20th in St. Mary's Parochial Hall, Orr St.,Glasgow.Recently <strong>Comhaltas</strong>, Gael-Linn, and AnBord Failte joined forces to organise anIrish night in the North British Hotel, andthe demand for tickets was so great thata second one had to be arranged, andagain there was a capacity attendance.Labhras 0 Murchu, Uachtaran an Chomhaltais,and Leon 0 Clumhain (Gael-Linn)attended the functions which proved to beoutstanding successes.During the night entertainment was suppliedby the Glasgow musicians (seephotograph). singers, and dancers and theprize-winning Fleadh Cheoil film wasshown. Gael-Linn provided a recital ofI rish records.The present officers of the branch are:President, Fr. Sean O'Neill; Vice-President,Fr. Denis Hurley; Chairman, Owen Kelly;Vice-Chairman, Hugh McDonald; Treasurer,Michael McNulty; Secretary, Lena Tierney;Asst. Secretary, Una Boyle.
10An Maistir agusa DhaltaiSee Leo Rowsome's .notes on some tuneswhich are beingincorrectly played.We Intend to Includea number of thesefrom time to time.Information or tunesfrom our readers willbe welcome for thisseries. Write to:An tEagarthoir," Treoir," 6 SraidFhearchair,Baile Atha Cliath 2.Leo Rowsome demonstrating traditional airs for Micheal 0 hAonghusa of Glasnevinand Peadar Mac Cinna, Thomas Street, at the Second Annual Tion61 Pfobaireachta,sponsored by An <strong>Comhaltas</strong> in Longford recently.(photo by courtesy of " I rish Times" )
11SWEET MUSIC IN I(ILNADEEMAI. . h' . h t h'(Le " FEAR NA SUIME" ) ~d It was during t IS time e me ISlovely wife (who was then Kathleen Go 1-Joe Burke, the 29-year-old accordion lins) at a concert in New York.wizard from Loug hrea " like hi~ counterpart KATHLEEN BURKEIn M'Jnster, Paddy 0 Bilen, IS qUiet and Iretiring and is never so fo rceful as whenhe is captivating an audience with hismusical gen ius." What do you think of Paddy O'Srien ,Joe? " I asked directly. His boyish face litup with delight and his prompt reply revealedthe true character of a great musician." Paddy O'Brien is the best pl ayerI know on the accordion." he answered," and the first time I heard him he made atremendous impact on me. "Joe Burke was born on the family farmat Kilnadeema (two miles from Loughrea ),on April 11th, 1939. He was born into amusical family. His father (MichaelBurke) plays the flute and his mother (thelate Annie Burke) was a melodeon player.HIS FIRST TUNEAt the age of four, before he went toschool, Joe learned his first tune on theaccordion from his uncle, Pat Burke, wholived in the house with them. I enquired ifhe could remember the name of the tune." I can well ," he replied, " it was 'Let ErinRemember,' and he taught it to me phraseby phrase. Next evening when my unclearrived Ihad learned a second tune on myown. From there on I listened to recordsof the Sallinakill Geili Band, the KincoraGeili Band, and Michael Coleman andlearned their tunes." "You know," continuedJoe profoundly, " no one has ever improvedon Michael Goleman 's playing.There are qu ite a lot of things written aboutGo le man which aren't factual. I would loveto see the true facts collected and published,and I would help you ." I promisedto take him up on his offer and realisedthat we were no longer talking about Joe-he would much rather talk about othergreat musicians than himself.TWO ROWSJoe played on the one row up to the ageof nine or ten, and then one day MartinGrace (who played with the Sallinakill CeiliBand) arrived for a threshing at the Burkehomestead. Luckily for Joe the day turnedout wet and Martin passed the time playingthe accordion, and Joe noticed he usedthe two rows and followed his example." After Martin Grace I learned quite alot from the Downey brothers of Leitrim(Mick, Maurice, and Jack) and also fluteplayers Jack Goughlan and the late StephenMoloney of the old Ballinakill GeiliBand . I ioined the Leitrim branch of' <strong>Comhaltas</strong>Geoltoiri Eireann in 1956 and I amnow a member in Ballinasloe."LEITRIM CElL! BANDJoe, who also plays the tin whistle andflute, won the senior accordion competitionat Fleadh Gheoil na hEireann in 1959 and1960, but he was reluctant to talk aboutsu ch things, so I brought him back to theLeitrim Ceili Band which Paddy Downey(Jack's son) and himself formed in Downey'shouse in 1955 and which won theAll-Ireland competition in 1959 and 1962." Th ere was Ned Goleman, Paddy Garty,Tony Molloy (flute players) ," Joe told me," Jack Derwin, Paddy Doorly (fiddlers) andSean McGlynn (accordionist) , who is nowin America."Joe himself went to America on a sixweeks tour with Sean 0 Siochain in 1960Kathleen was born in New York of Irishps rents. Her father, Bill, who played the'idcle. came from the Newmarket area of: or l
AnBosca Cheoil(As " NOTAl DO MHOLTOIRI)There are many styles of producingtraditional Irish music on this instrumentbut in the main two direct styles, let ussay "X" and " Y"."X" STYLEThe older style, in which good rhyt hm ismost prominent. Usually this style is achievedwithout much access to the secondrow. In one key, let us say " 0 ," the styleis on the press, in another key, let us say" G," the style is on the draw, still withlittle access to th e second row. This stylemay be frowned upon by the more modernaccordeon player, but often it is the mo reaccu rate of the two styles in reproducingtraditional music as the ornamentation isnot too cilromatic (i.e. bringing in toomany notes foreign to both the tune andth e key) . and is very often clearer music.Th is style ought to be encouraged moreas a ve ry good musician could producemusic closer to that of pipes, flute orviolin. (Accordeon usually used 0 / 04) ."Y" STYLE(Accordeon usually used B / C)Th is is a style in which access to thesecond row is most prominent in bothkeys " 0 " and " G." It is usually termed as" pl aying on the draw " which really doesnot accu rately describe the style. It isusua lly easy to detect this style, playedon the insid e row using one to two noteson the outside rows to complete the scaleand many others outside as ornamentation.Th is styl e can also be an accurate im itationof traditional Irish music but to-day musicians tend to over-u se the outside row fororn amentation . hence producing gracenotes, triplets, etc., qu ite foreign to themusic. also contributing to muffling of themelody and losses of time, etc.Having satisfied himself as to the stylebe ing used the adjudicator must satisfyhimseJf that the melody produced is traditional,only an adjudicator steeped inthis music can differentiate. Howeve r, itought not to be difficult to weed out a nontraditionalbook-reader as his music isusually not very well adorn ed in traditionalman ne r (su ch a one should be encouragedto pursue th e proper style but heshould be told that in his present state hebecomes elim inated) .COMMAND OF INSTRUMENTTh is will be seen straight away fromthe ease with wh ich a musician producedhis music. Other factors to watch for areeveness of bellows-work an d changes ofdirection wh ich may take place at thewro ng t ime and break the flow of music.Now may be the time to consider a musician'sleft hand . He need not lIse one toproduce traditional music. but he may useit as his instrument is equipped with suitableharmony (most times) . One mustre member th at even though the music isprimarily melodic, melodic music can beenhanced by careful use of harmony aswas in a way used in Harp pl aying , pipes,etc.. with out in any way destroying thecontex t. A fact also to remember is thatinstruments used in ancient times were notequipped with this form of accompaniment.The things to watch here are, a musiciansup plying harmony completely foreign tothe music. much better not to use a lefthand at all in this case. Also a musician'sleft hand may tend to upset the rhythm ormuffle the melody. The percentage ofweight given by an adjudicator ought tobe very small on use of left hand (as lowas 5% maybe) to elim inate the chances ofa good traditional musici an with no lefthand being beaten by a lesser qualifiedtrad it ional mu sician with good left hand.SECOND OR12THIRD ROWAnothe r small point to consider is thedi fference between second row and thirdrow accordeons. Provided the instrumentis chromatic there is usually very little difference; may only be an advantage to themusician if he knows his instrument (thirdro w) well, then he deserves an extra considerationfor his efforts to better the musicif he does so. but most often the heavierinstrument is cumbersome and tendsto break the flow of the music with heavierleft side. Al so bear in mind that there canbe 60 basses on the third row accordeonand a musician must be marked on thevalu e of his results on these 60 basses(out of say the 5) wh ich may not be ashigh as the musician making good use ofhis 4 or 6 basses.RHYTHM AND PHRASINGRhythm is the manner in which a musiciangroups his notes in the production ofa melody, say, in each bar of music;phrasing is the manner in which these barsare grouped together. Most usual in phrasingof Dance Music is 4 bar ph rasing ,with sub-divisions of two bar phrasing. ItIS usually easy to detect bad phrasing ofthese dance tunes if there are breaks afterbars 1 or 3, etc., or bad rhythm when thereis wrong grouping of notes or unnecessarybreaks within any bar itself. Bear inmind , also, th at there are various styles ofrhythl!' as is easily seen in Hornpipes,whe re notes may be of equal value or unequalvalue, as both can be correct. Toa lesser degree, this can happen in othertunes also. but an adjudicator can onlytell If rhythm and ph rasing are incorrect byknowing all these various styles.TIMETh is may easily be explained as thespeed at which these bars of music areevenly put together. Variations of time, ifsudden, are easily detected. A musicianmay start in good time and then speed upas he progresses with the melody. A musIcianmay have good rhythm and still takehis melody too slowly or too quickly. Lesseasy to detect are subtle, minor variationsof time when a melody is well under way.Thl~ ag ain draws on the adjudicator's expenenceand alertness. A good basis fora standard time is its suitability to dancingin tra d itional manner.An ad judicator must know these speedswith reaso nable accuracy, but there is leewayboth sides of this standard at whichthe music can still be in good dancingtime . . Most trouble arises from playinoreels In fast hornpipe time, taking set dancesmuch too s!owly, and taking marchesIn a time In which the spirit and forcefulnessis lost.VARIATION& FLEXIBILITY OF TIME. Th is may be termed as use of approp:Iate dynamics, i. e. intermixing soft playIng With a louder type of playing. A musicianwho can sit down and use the sametone or expression of music without variationfrom beginning to end can showvery little feeling for his music no matterhow mechanically well he is equipped.It IS not enough to over-emphasise phraseendings to qualify here, he ought to becapable of varying his balance of soundthroughout his melody.MARKING SCHEMEStyl e and Ornamentation .. .......... .. .Command of Instrument ............. ...Rhythm and Phrasing ...... .. ...... .. .. ..Time ............ .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .." .. .. .. ..Variation and Control of Tune ..THE REAL COLEMAN-continuedplay for two years with Keith's TheatreCircuit in many cities throughout the U.S.Many of the record ings on this album. includingNos. 1, 2, and 3, were not recordedfrom a violin, as we know the instrument.They were played by Coleman on a specialacoustical device equ ipped with violinfittings, and a horn like speaker, having abig diaphragm directly connected to thebridge. It must be remembered that thoserecordings were made in 1921 . This wasseveral years before the era of electronicrecording. While the first sound recordingdevices gave a good reproduction of thehuman vo ice. they failed to do as muchfor voilin tone, because of the differencein frequencies.Th e four violins which Coleman usedwhen he recorded for the Columbia Co.are now in possession of Messrs. Jamesand John O'Beirne and Paul Ryan of NewYork. and the " Cosgrove" violin now inpossession of Mr. Hugh Gillespie, Donegal, Ireland. Coleman 's Decca recordingswere made on the violins of Mr. StanleyParker and on Hugh Gillespie's de Nicholasviolin. and on Coleman 's own violin,now in possession of his niece, Mrs. McGovern of Sligo. Th is last violin and the" Cosgrove" violin are the only voilinswhich Coleman's family accept as havingbelonged to Coleman. They reject all 'other claims. His family respectfully requestsall those other "Coleman fiddle"claimants and Coleman story tellers toplease honor his music and his memorywith the truth instead of gross misrepresentationof facts which have been publishedin Ireland during the last five years.Signed: James ( Lad) O'Beirne, PatrickSweeny, Thomas Finn, JohnO'Beirne. Tim Hart, JamesCawley.Note : Record ings 1. 2 and 3 refer to 'TheBoys of the Lough ,' 'Murray's Hornpipe,'and 'The Humours of Ennistymon.'~ t:IIU1UIt:IIU!U IUl$llI-lmIUtHIt.I I1*t!l$Il$IlHlHlHH1j$IJBorrisokane BranchThe following report was received fromThomas Nevin , Secretary of the BorrisokaneBranch:" The Borrisokane Branch of <strong>Comhaltas</strong>Ceoltoiri Ei reann was formed in Feb .. 1967.by Sgt. John Scan Ion . In the year it wasfounded the Branch took on a big responsibilityin holding their first Feile Ceoil, inwhich they had very little experience, andit proved to be a grea t success. Sincethen they hold . mus ic sessions in the LegionHall every Tuesd ay night and alsohave run a number of Ceilithe." The Branch are now looking forwardto thei r second Fei le Ceoil in Easter (7thApril) and it is hoped that it will be evenbigger an d better than last year. Competitionswill be opened to all traditional instrumentsand ballads. both in English andIrish. Entry forms can be had from theSec., Thomas Nevin, Curraghmore, Borrisokane. Co. Tipperary." Competitors please note that all prizewinners will receive their prizes on sameday. The Branch hopes to have a recordentry. It has 25 members, including officersand committee - Mr. Philip Hayes.50 Chairman; Thomas Nevin, Sec.; Brid Houli-15 han, Ass!. Sec. ; Seamus Conlon, Treas.10 Committee: Patrick Conlon. Frank Kelly,10 Tadgh Slevin, T. J. Cahalan, P. J. Gavin ,10 Miss M. Quinn and Miss E. Gleeson.Use ~ Le ft Hand .......... ...... 5 " The Branch extends a hearty welcometo all who visit the town on Easter MondayTotal 100 and hope they will enjoy their stay."
From AnotherYoung Musiciana.fter a night's music (which was definitelyworth it ), and an outstandingly clear ins;ghtinto the aims of C.C.E. and what itreally means.FRIENDSHIPFriendsh ip is the chain,that links true friends together,And If you never break a linkWe shall be friends forever,To me the members of C.C,E, are likean unbreakable chain when in the eventof linking up the link is never broken.C.C.E. can also be compared with alarge circle, with in whieh there are manyyoung and experienced, dedicated members.Though a circle, it welcomes to thefold all those who are genuinely interestedin the fostering and promotion of ourmusic, language, and culture. In so doingthey wi ll inevitably further the aims of<strong>Comhaltas</strong>.CO-OPERATION" Co-operation is th e best kind of *operation."There is a great sense of co-operationand dedication between members atbranch. county, provincial and all-Irelandlevels. All four are indeed important, but *the most important of all is co-operationat branch level. This is the true foundat:onof C,C.E. If co-operation is lacking atbranch level then it would be impossibleto expect it at any other level.No matter what the occasion be itFleadh Ceoil na hEireann or simply a Feile *Ceoil, every member is willing to assisthis fellow-member in every way, to ensurethat no stone is left unturned to makewhatever is in hands a success.This has been proved since the organisa-13HOPE FOR FUTUREMy hope for the future is that C.C.E. willgo from strength to strength and will progressfor the betterment of our traditionand culture.There is a difficult time ahead but Iam convinced that with more co-oper-ationfrom each and every member, C.C.E. willundoubtedly achieve its aims.C.C.E. is a democratic organisation andI would hope that it will continue to progressIn a democratic fashion , as it hasdone so successfully in the past... Ba . mhaith liom me bhuiochas a ghabhalllels an eagarthoir as ucht an seans athug se dom chun na habhair seo a churos bhur gcomhair.-Mairtin de Paor(Baile an Mhlslealaigh)~jlll I11 1fflttf1~t1'il~ill*fI1tU*I:tWV.'l!l'UmwJ;tm1$Hjtl~mFLEADH CHEOIL NA hEIREANNNOTESThe dates of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireannwhich will be held in Cash el, Co. Tipp"are Saturday, May 31, and Sun-M on .,June 1 and 2.Those requiring accommodation areasked to contact Miss Teresa GrantTour!st Office, Cashel, as soon as eve;pOSSible.:I: An official camping site with light, water,toilet and fire facilities is beingprovided.Anyone who is willing to assist at theFleadh is asked to contact An RunaiUna Ui Mhurchu, Cashel (phone No:Cashel 245) .* Branches and groups are asked to ortionfirst came into being. If this were not ganlse a street session and make earlyso I would not be attempting to write this preparations for same,a ~ticle in " Treoir." . . * Overshadow the cyn.ic by examp.le ..·~ ·~lt1ItIII1ItlItI!I1*I'II1411111 111 111 1 111IHI*mtlmI*II4~H*I11~BORD CHONTAE CHORCAII have recently had the pleasu re of attendingtwo Seminars - The MunsterSeminar held at Cashel and the Leinster,at Mullingar. Briefly, a Seminar consistsof a series of lectures given on varioustopics concerning C.C.E.All those who attended can say truthfullythat every lecture given was excellentlyprepared beforehand. Those who wereselected to lecture lived up to expectationsand gained for themselves a very attentive,deeply interested, and co-operative audience.The lecturers are dedicated and experiencedmembers of C.C.E. They prefertheir lecture to be regarded as a talk. Theydo not wish to be compared with superiorbeings mounted on pedestals, but ratheras " one of the gang." In this way thereexists an air of friendship and a relaxingatmosphere between lecturer and audienceAt the end of the day's lecturing anddiscussions a session is held. The " session"to me is the very life and spirit ofC.C.E. It is the time when all little differencesof opinion are completly forgotten.All get together and enjoy a good livelyentertaining evening of music, song anddance.Every member of C.C.E. should at sometime or other fi nd the time to attend aSem inar. Speaking as a young and , sofar , inexperienced member in the affairsand administration of the organisation, Ican now say in all sincerity that I left bothSeminars with two things-a sore headLabhras 0 Murchu, National President, speaking at the Annual Convention ofBord Ch.ontae. Choreal. Also included are Diarmaid 0 Cathain (Reachtaire) , Padraigo Catham (Clsteoir na Mumhan), Mlchael 0 Lochlainn (Cathaoirleaeh), Cristin NiChonalll Runa!.