ENNIS FLEADH NUA - Comhaltas Archive

~EIREENNIS FLEADH NUA

TreolrIris Oifigiuil Chomhaltas Ceolt6iri EireannThe Book of Traditional Music, Song and DanceIml 19 Uimhir 3 & 4 41 SSN 0790-004XE A G ARF HOCA L . .. . .. ... . . .. . . .... .. . . . .... . . . . . . . .. .... . . ... • .. . 1G E NERA L MOTORS TO SPONSOR IRISH TOUR ....•• • . . . 3ROSE MAKES IT THREE IN A ROW . . ....... . ..... .. .... . .... 3A MUSICAL SON O F KNOCKNA SKA .. .... . ............... . . 4KILKENNY T O HOST 1988 ALL -IRELAND ........... .. .. . .. 5130,000 E NJOY THE " GREA TEST FLEADH OF ALL" .... . 6WHAT'S IN A NAME ................... . .... .......... ... .. ...... 7M A RCHING BANDS ....... . .... . .. . . .. ..... . .. . ................. 76M6s DO PHIL ROONEY ...... . ...... .. . . . . .. .. .. . ..... . •.. ... 8THE THATCH - WEAVERS OF SUCCESS . ....... . .. . .. . . . . 8FIDDLERS, E XILES AND BROADCASTING .... . . . . . ... .. . 9F L E ADHFACES ........ . .... . ..................... . ....... . ...... 10THE SPIRIT OF IRELAND IN COPENHAGEN ........... . .. 14CEOLANN - A CULTURAL SUCCESS STORy ..... .. .... . . 16A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE pADRAIG 6 GRioFA ... . . .. .. 17R E M E MBERING GEORDIE ............... ..................... 17LEO WAS A TRUE ARTISTE ...... .. .. ... ................ .. .... 18JIMMY WARD ............ .. ..... . ...................... . . .. . .. . .. 18BOSTON TO HOST CONFERE NCE .... . . .. . . ... ... . . . . .. .. .. . 19SOLUS LILLIS ............ . .. . ........................... . ......... 20TRIBUTE TO MARTIN MUL VIHILL . . ... . .•.•............. ... 20A STAMP OF APPROVAL .......... . .. .. .. . .. ................ . .. 2 1FLEADH N U A ' 88 ' .. ... .... . ............................... ...... . 2 2MELODEON TITLE F OR DIARMA ID ... . . . .. . .... . .......... 2 2 .THOUSANDS OF ACCORDIONS AND J E WS HARPSIN AUSTRALIA .. ........ .... .... . .. . .... . .......... . .......... 23A WEE K OF MUSIC ............. ........... . .... . ..... . .. . ....... 24PIC TORIAL ROUND-UP .. .. ............. . . .... .. .... ... ... •.... 25CON O 'SULLIV AN OF CASEYVILLE .. ....... . ......... . ..... 26COMHALTASAGUSANGHAEILGE ...... .. . ............... 26i L E MO CHROi .. . .......... . ... ................. . .............. . .. 27A SON OF MILL TOWN HONOURED IN HARTFORD . .. .. 28AG DEANAMH CEOIL . . .................. . .... . " .. Centre pagesTHE BREAKING OF PUNCH ............ . .... .. .. ........... . .. 30LEOHRA THIOBRAID ARANN AMHRANAGUS FiLOCHT ..... . ..... . ................ .. .. ..... ....... . .. 33cEnLi AT CROSSROADS .. . ....... . ......................... ... 37THE BIRDS A RE SILENT IN DRIMNEEN .... .. ..... . . .••.... 38JIM LYNCH: MUSICIAN AND PUPPETEE REXTRAORDINARY ..... . ... ... . . ... . .. . . .. .. . .... . . .. . . . . .... 39MORE WEXFORD BALLADS . . . . . ..... .. .... .. .......... . . .... 42SOUL SEA RCHING MUSICIANSHIP ...... . •... .......... . ... 4 3MELOS ... .. . ............ .. . ...................... .. ...... .. ........ 44SUPPORT FOR TORY ISLAND . " . . ..... .. ..... ... ... . ... ... ... 45A CALL FOR LOCAL ARTS COUNCILS .......... . ........ . . 45THE BARD OF OUL' ARBOE ............... . ........ .. ...... . 46DROGHEDA CELEBRATES . . . . . . . .. . . .... ... .. . .. .. . .. . . . ... .. 46THE CElL! BARN AND THE BOTTE BLOWERS ... . .. . . ... 47CHURCHTOWN TO CELEBRATE THEIR 10th YEA R ..... 48UTV CONTRIBUTE TO CLE .............. . ..... . ............... 48POLKA SETS AT LISTY CROSSROA DS .............. .. ...... 49THE GENIUS OF CHRISTOPHER O ' CONNELL ............ 50AUST RALIA N MARRIAGE ... .. ............... .. ........ .... ... 51TION6L TIME........ .... . ....... . ... .. . ... ... ....... ..... . .... ... 52CHA MPIONS OF NOTE 1987 . . .. .. . ... . . . ... . ................ .. 53BUDWEISER BACK TRIUMPHANT TOUR . . . .. . ... . .. . . .. .. 56CLUDACH - TREOIR wishes to acknowledge the kind permission of An Post toreproduce the Fleadh Nua stamp on the cover of this issue.Single copies 70pSubscription Rates: Ireland and Britain £5Other European Countries £6U.S.A. and Canada $10Australia and New Zealand £12Treoir:Orders in the U.S.A. to be forwarded to:Treoir, 70 Westminster Dr., West Hartford CT 06107Second Class Postage paid at Hartford, Conn. V.S.P.S. 062-790Orders in Canada to be forwarded to:Ms. Sally Carroll , 891 Coxwell Ave. , Toronto M4C 361.cornbal"tosceOl"tOIRfelRearJrJCearnog Be!grave , Baile na Manach ,Co. Bhaile Atha Cliath . Ireland . Fa nEagarfhocalWe regret to announce that due to fmancialrestrictions TREOIR was curtailed to three issues in1987. However, we are making this issue a specialbumper one which we hope you enjoy. We are indebtedto all those who support our journal and we promise tokeep it alive come what may!It is timely to note that even though our movementhas been subjected to unprecedented financial deprivationin the last six or seven years we have not "goneunder". We have rallied with each new onslaught -strengthened in our detennination but, nevertheless,puzzled as to why we have been singled out for suchpunitive treatment. There are some who would treat usas beggars in our own land but it would seem that theIrish people at large hold us as kings in their estimation.We find it difficult to say "no" when our services arerequested not only throughout Ireland but worldwide.Our enthusiasm - yes, our patriotism - knows nobounds when it comes to cultivating our nationalidentity. Being denied the meagre fmancial resourceswhich we require will not force us to place a boundaryto the cultural march of the nation. This follows in thebest traditions of our race. ¥e we wrong? The glorythat was Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Listowel is ananswer in itself: 130,000 people gathered in the nameof Ireland and her ancient heritage. Ignored we may bein many ways and victimised unashamedly but, yet, weare totally undaunted.The Fleadh Nua blossoms in Ennis, Co. Clare, andearns the prestigious stamp of approval of An Post. Ouryoung people are exposed to and educated in ourtraditions through 600 classes. Over 40 fleadhannacheoil proclaim the good news each year that our nativeculture is alive and well. International concert toursspread the message far afield while Culturlann nahEireann is a beacon of hope and stability for the wholemovement.We have not "gone under" because we have a loyalmembership and generous friends. Each time when wewere on the brink and another push was threatened oursupporters rallied and the flag was hoisted even higher.Our music was more vibrant in defiance while we continuedto spread friendship, reconciliation and nationalpride in the villages, towns and cities of Ireland and tothe far corners of the earth.Some day the full story will be told. Many will havea place of pride in this chronicle: others a place ofshame. In the meantime, we may have to brace ourselvesonce more for even further deprivation in 1988. Butwe are fortified by the knowledge that 1987 has been agood year - a great year - and the cultural harvest wasbountiful. We are buoyant and ready for the challenge.We will respond with even more music, song and dance.We will quicken the pulse of the nation - as we did inListowel - and set feet tapping as never before. We willconfuse the begrudgers: this will be our legacy to ourpeople.Your continued support will be required. We are confidentthat you will respond positively as in the past. Goraibh mile maith agat - thank you.

GENERAL MOTORSTO SPONSOR IRISH TOURA prestigious sponsorship for their Irish Concert Tour has been secured by Comhaltas.General Motors, who manufacture the OPEL range of cars, have agreed tounderwrite the Irish Tour which is now one of th e most successful elements in theComhaltas range of projects. Th e announcement of the association between thetwo organisations was made by Mr. Arnold O'Byrne, Managing Director of GeneralMotors.The success and potential 0 f the IrishConcert Tour, which services the fourprovinces, can be gauged by the factthat it is now operating for ahnost adecade. Artistes for the Tour are drawnfrom all over Ireland and Britain and theshows, which play to capacity attendances,have been lauded for their highstandards of talent and presentation.The 1988 Tour will have 15 concertsserviced by a top rate group of 20artistes, the dates are February 27 -March 13 and with the new OPELconnection it is planned to make thisTour one of the most memorable todate.Comhaltas depend very much on projectssuch as the Irish Concert Tour togenerate revenue for their vast ·programmeof cultural activities worldwide.With the ever increasing demandfor their services and the economicconstrictions under which they mustoperate, the movement have expressedtheir delight with the General Motorspatronage.Already plans are well advanced forthe 1988 Tour and venues are busilymaking arrangements for reception ceremoniesfor the group which havepromised to provide a "mobile fleadhcheoil" par excellence.The sponsorship by General Motorsmeans that all Comhaltas Tours nowhave sponsors. The Tour of NorthMR.ARNOLD O' BYRNEAmerica is sponsored by Budweiser withthe co-operation of Aer Lingus andWaterford Glass. The Bank of Irelandand the B & I Line sponsor the Tour ofBritain.CAIRDE AN CHOMHALT AISMEMBERS' DRAW£ 100,000 IN PIDZESincluding 6 OPEL CARSSUBSCRIPTION: £60 ($90) - OR SIX INSTALMENTS OF £10 EACHROSE MAKES IT THREE IN AROWOne of the outstanding achievementsof Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann '87 wasthe success of traditional singer RoseDaly from Ballycommon, Ballinagar inretaining th e All Ireland Senior LadiesBallad Singing Title for the third successivey ear. This is a remarkable achieve­. ment for this y oung Singer and so far ascan be recalled it is the first time it hasbeen accomplished in this particularevent The senior ladies Ballad Singingcompetition is one of the highlights ofthe Fleadh and her selection as winnerwas greeted with unanimous acclaim bythe very large attendance. Rose is amember of a very musical family andher late fath er Jack was one of thestandard bearers of Comhaltas in Offalyfor many y ears until his untimely deathsome y ears ago.LISTOWEL '87Listowel in the sunshine ready for the. Fleadh,Bright lights, announcements, gayclothes, fun, everywhere.Music alive in doorways and pubsNobody wanted a night at the 'club'.Happy laughter, smiles are all you seeon the streets,Nobody cared about what to eat!Day turns to evening, then to midnightWho cares about bed or daylight.The people of Listowel have won ourapplauseFor carrying the " Banner of Comhaltas"and its cause;For promoting the music, song anddance -For giving each competitor an equalchance.Thank you, Listowel, for a wonderfulFleadhAnd the happiness you shared witheveryone there.EILEEN O' BRIENNorthern Region P.R.O., and C.C.E.Liverpool Branch3

the branch has gone from strength tostrength and marked a particularly importantmilesto ne in its histo ry when ithosted the Connacht Fleadh Cheoil lastSumm er.One of th e las t ph otograph s taken of thegreat Sligo fiddle maestro JOE O' DOWD,(second from left) at the unve iling of the FredFi nn memorial, with from, left: N9ELTANS EY, Gurteen , P. J_ 0 hI A ~AIN ,Ca rna and Joe's so n, fiddler SEAMASO' DOWD , Strand hill.(Photo MARCAS b MURCHO , Beal Feirste)The family and wid ow of the late Sligo fiddlerFRED FINN at the unveiling of themonument in his honour. Fred 's widow,ROSE (SMITH) FIN N, is next to the monumenton the right o f the photograph, originallya native o f Belfast and now living inKn ockgrania, Killavil.(Photo: MARCUS b MURCHO, Beal Fcirste)KILKENNY TO HOST 1988 ALL-IRELANDKilkenny City has been selectedby the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltasto host the 1988 Fleadh Cheoil nahEireann on the 26/29 August.This will be the third occasion onwhich the Fleadh has been allocatedto Kilkenny.The selection was a closely contestedone between Kilkenny andListowel with only one vote dividingthem. Liverpool, which hadalso applied for the event, withdrewtheir application before the vote.The British delegates said theywould be back again with anotherapplication.Tributes were paid to Listowelon their excellent organisation ofthe 1987 Fleadh and their contributionto Fleadh Cheoil na hEireannover the years. The hope wasexpressed that the Fleadh wouldagain return to Listowel in the nottoo distant future.The business community in Kilkennyhas committed itself to afinancial contribution of £29,000and the Fleadh Committee are nowmaking plans to raise an additionalcontribution towards the fund.Among those interested inhosting the 1989 Fleadh is Sligotown and it is expected thatListowel and Kilkenny may also befront runners. An Ulster applicationis also possible.The Accommodation Officer forthe 1988 Fleadh is. Theresa Ryan,29 Blackmill Street, Kilkenny(phone. 056-22637).5

WHAT'S IN A NAME?THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN "THE CEILlDHERECORD" OF MAY, 1958One of the remarkable features aboutour organisation is the name. Being amovement for the preservation andpractice of Gaelic music it was appropriateto give it a Gaelic title- ComhaltasCeolt6irf Eireann ; but such denominationgenerally becomes mere symbolsand rarely acquire a general speech inEnglish. Even those associations whichhave the restoration of the Gaelic languageas their avowed aim and carryGaelic names as their official designationsmust suffer a current Englishequivalent in common parlance. Forexample Connradh na Gaedhilgereceives its English rendering 'GaelicLeague' more frequently than itsstatutory title and so 'Cumann Luith­Chleas Gaedheal' is almost invariablyreferred to as the G.A.A.-Gaelic AthleticAssociation. One would have expectedthis rule to have prevailed inthe case of CCE. , but it has notalthough the great majority of its membersare not Gaelic speakers. How didthis arise?BROTHERHOODThe primary cause for the foundingof CCE was the need for a brotherhoodof Gaelic traditional musicians alreadynumerous as individuals but wanting inunity. As a title for the new body'Comhaltas Ceolt6irf Eireann' was aptenough. The first element is a contractionof 'comh-dhaltas' a compoundderived from 'dalta' a foster-child ',fosterage being a dominant trait of theold native social system in which itcarried well defined legal responsibilitiesand privileges. often fosterage predominatedover blood relationship.Thus the term 'comhaltas' means aunion of foster-children or membershipof such a union, the implication in ourcase being that the members haveacquired a relationship to one another.through their common upbringing in thehousehold of Gaelic music. Fosteragehad no such recognised place in the teutonicsocial order and so there is nosingle English word to express thisidea- a community of foster-children.Hence an adequate and simple renderinginto English of the name of our organisationwas impossible and the customarose of referring to it as 'an Comhaltas'or just " Ceomhaltas" .From constantly hearing this word'Comhaltas' used by the minority ofGaelic speakers in CCE the word wasgradually picked up by the general bodyof the members, but the pronunciationtook a peculiar twist. What we nowhear on all sides, even from the intelligentia'in our ranks, is not'Comhaltas' but 'Ceomhaltas'. The predominantand central concept in ourname is contained in the middle wordCeolt6irf, for 'ceol'- music, is our artand pre-occupation. This idea, uppermostin our minds, has worked its wayinto the less familiar word 'comhaltas'turning it into 'ceomhaltas' which inpronunciation gives us a sound suggestiveof the meanings of the two words­'comhaltas' and 'ceol', the languagedress(Gaelic) stamps the concept asnational and traditional. What mostcertainly contributed to the natural andinevitable evolution of this new word inGaelic is the euphony involved; thealliterative 'c', the long open vowel '0'and the liquid '1' in . both words. So anew and elegant word , musical in itselfboth as regards sound and meaning, hasbeen added to our native language- notby an artificial or clumsy fabrication orby questionable borrowing from aforeign tongue but by a spontaneousand unconscious reaction of the plainIrishman to the power and charm of theGaelic language in this dormant nativespeech.NEW WORDFor a long time past the big Dublindailies have been devoting much of theirspace to a prolonged argument over thelanguage revival. They are mostconcerned to unearth the causes offailure and to discover the rightapproach and methods for saving Gaelic.The discussion has waxed hottest in theSunday editions of the newspapers- thebetter the day the better the deed - andcontinues unabated. This flood of verbositymay do some good but we doubtwhether it will ever achieve the successof contributing even one new and popularword to the Gaelic vocabularywhateverabout saving the old one . But'Comhaltas' has come to stay.MARCHING BANDSA traditional highpoint of theFleadh is the Marching Band Competitionwhich took place in perfectsunshine. The stand at theFrank Sheehy Park was packed and18 marching bands in their brightlycoloured uniforms were loudlycheered as they each went throughtheir display.Eight Ulster bands, from boththe Nationalist and Unionist traditions,took part in the stirring marchingbands competitions and onecould be heard rehearsing ', TheSash Me Father Wore", reminiscentof Twelfth of July parades in theNorth.The hope was expressed that theAll-Ireland Fleadh would be stagedacross the border for the first timein the near fUture. Derry CityCouncil has already made a requestfor next y ear's event but an applicationis also required from theUlster CCE Council.7

FIDDLERS~ EXILES· AND BROADCASTINGThe following poetic contributionsare from Risteard Donal MacAodha whodescribed himself as "file, fealsamh aguscomhairleoir spioradpalta do chailinioga aille":1. "The Mystical Fiddler" is a ratherfamous traditional player born inLondon. Hopefully it contains amessage worthy of all pub musician'sconsideration, as well as young playersif they give it heed.2. "Sunburst i dtigh Nechtain" is abouta presenter from CBC (Canada)whom I met at Willy Clancy Week.She played "support" for John Kellyand Joe Ryan and had all the recordingsof Brigit Tunney (paddy'smother) which were made by theBBC. She apparently found a"meaning" to her searching in Irish ·traditional music.3. "Ar Ais Aris" is about the deoraiwho has trouble being settled whileon holiday. Unfortunately no musicalreference, but still a "message" inthese years of emigration.THE MYSTICAL FIDDLERCrowded pub, cushioned concert hall,hovering souls entrancedsoft spoken, gently swinging arm andbowdeft touch of caressing fmgers urging anungripped bowto fly in rhythmical effervescencewashing four vibrating string

Flautist PEG McGRATH and MICHAEL McNAMARA team up for an impromptu session.IRA and MRS. GOLDMAN, New York:JOAN BURKE, London; MARYMcANDREW, Liverpool; and LABHRAS bMURCHU• A gcuille falla ag scinm cheoil do ....... "Striking the right note with KAREN TWEEDagus a cairde.The Thatch O!ili Band champions receivetheir trophy f~om MICHEAL b LOCHLAINNUachtaran CCE.Accordeonist ELLEN FLANAGAN andfriends surrounded by admirers.11

PADRAIG Mac an ULTAIGH o f Mayo, winnerof the Irish and English sinh>ing championships(12- 15), receiving his trophy from ComhaltasOfficers.COGAR na bhFEAR: MICHAEL NOONAN,Minister for Defense, sha!es a joke with, theBishop of Kerry, An Dr. 0 SUILLEABHAIN;the Parish Priest of Listowel, Mons. Leahy;and Cathaoirleach na Fleidhe MICHAELDOWLlNG.Testing the wares of the street vendor.TOMMY FLYNN and KATIE BRENNANwith MICHEAL b LOCHLAINN andLABHRAS b MURCHUAN CHOMHAIRLE: A welcome word ofadvice for LABHRAS () MURCHU from theillustrious BRY AN McMAHON.13

of poverty which was none of our ownmaking, of shame and starvation anddeath in the darkest days of our history ;here, on stage before the eyes of theworld was the very spirit of Ireland andthe Irish nation, bounding with youthfulenergy , afire with life and passionand dash . Here was the mercurial, theunconquered Gael, as proud and freeand merry as ever in histo ry . And here,too, was the delicacy and beauty of theart of an ancient and cultured race .The Danes are not normally ademonstrative people, but it was plainto see that they were movedprofoundly.It might seem, and perhaps is, unfairto make special mention of any individualin what was a magnificent group,but the solo slip-j ig of the gifted youngDavzd Rea was a performance thatwo uld exhaust the superlatives of themo st eloquent. The talents of thisyo ung man might be compared with thefe ats of the Red Branch warrior oflegend, Cuchullen, when he faced thearmy of Queen Maeve. And hasn't historya strange way of repeating itself?For Cuchullen was also suffering fromexhaustion due to lack of sleep -though let it be said for differentreasons! But insufficient contact withthe pillow didn't stop the dauntlessUlsterman - nor did it stop the boldKerryman either! Ach, but youth musthave its fling .....The performance ended in a greatburst of dance and music, charged withlife and fire , in a thunder of applause .One Danish woman, almost in tearssaid: "I have never seen such a perfor-mance. It is an experience I shall neverforget. It is beyond words. It's - it'sFantastisk! "And 'fantastisk' it was and thoughthis event is not a competition, therewas no doubt that the Tralee SeisiunGroup had run away with all thehonours. It was no wonder that theyproudly followed the Tricolour offstage, awash upon wave after wave ofcheering, for they had covered themselvesin glory.While the group were mopping theirbrows and being showered withcongratulations, the typical kind ofreply one heard was: "Well thank you,. Lm glad you enjoyed it. It wasn't sobad I suppose."! !! The Danes raisedeyes and hands to Heaven in astonishmen t ·~ " It wasn't so bad I suppose!!??But then how could they. understandthe Kerry gift of understatement .....One of the highlights of the visit toDenmark was an invitation to the residenceof H E. Mr. Liam .Rigney.Ambassador of Ireland and Mrs. R igney.to a reception given in honour of thegroup.In a farewell dinner-party given bythe hosts, the Lyngby Folk Dancers,Ambassador Rigney, in an after-dinnerspeech said: "The Irish are a happypeople, and these fine young men andwomen from Tralee have proved beyonddoubt that we are also a people of immensetalent, who cherish and preserveour ancient traditions."In a moving speech Mr. O'Connorthanked all who helped. "The financialhelp given by the Cultural RelationsCommittee was invaluable; as was theassistance of Allied Irish Banks", and hewent on to thank other friends and supporters.He also very specially thankedthe hosts for the warmth of their hospitality.And, said he, "We have madefirm, and I'm sure, lasting friendships."On behalf of the Tralee Urban DistrictCouncil, Mr. O'Connor presentedthe Chairperson of the Lyngby FolkDancers, Mrs. Karen MikkZesen. andAmbassador Rigney with a plaquedepicting the Tralee Coat of Arms. Mrs.Mikklesen replied, saying that it was anhonour and a pleasure to have "thesetalented, happy and smiling people fromTralee as guests", and hoped that inturn the Danish dancers might find anopportunity to visit Ireland. She thenpresented Ambassador Rigney and eachmember of the Group with an engravedglass to mark the occasion. One youngKerryman whispered : " The Danes plunderedIreland in the ancient Times. ButI think we'll send them a telegram -'Come back, all is forgiven'! So theVikings might return ......The tables were pulled back, mst.rumentstuned, and Dane and Gael tookthe floor together in a veritable Clontarfof dancing. A fitting conclusion to awonderful and memorable visit.There can be little doubt that theKerry Seisiun Group will go on tofurther glories. But whatever happensin the future , they can always say intheir lovely musical accents - "We haveseen the days" ....P.S. the writer of this piece is not aKerryman!CAPTION CLUESLike all competitions at FleadhCheoil na hEireann, the concertinacompetition was packed to capacity.Not to be deprived of their musicaltreat, these avid supporters found anovel way of overcoming their exclusion.Perhaps a good subject for acaption?A number of LPs will be awarded tothe best entries received by January 30,1988.Our address is TREOIR, 32 Ceam6gBelgrave , Baile na Manach, Co. AthaCliath, Eire.15

A TRIBUTE TO THE LATEPA.DRAIG 6 GRIOFA"Vch, a bhais, gur leag tu choiche,Blath as sceimh ar ngeige is aoirde;Monuar, nior shasamh ar do bhuadhGan ceap ar ndaoine dhul san uaigh."These words of an Irish poet in theearly 17th century, lamenting the deathof a close friend, are indeed most appropriatewhen referring to the death somemonths ago of that great Comhaltas stalwart,Paddy Griffin of Craobh Thrall.Paddy was neither a musician, singeror dancer but as an organiser he had fewpeers. He was ever-conscious of thevalue of the sean-chultur and the urgentneed to salvage it in all its facets forposteri ty. In Comhaltas he recogniseda movement with tremendous culturalpotential and he immersed himself heartand soul in it. For Paddy nothing wasimpossible in the cause of our uniqueheritage and his contribution to the succesof Comhaltas in Kerry was immense.When Craobh Thrili was reorganisedin 1969 Paddy was unanimously electedCathaoirleach, a post he held with greatdistinction until his death. He was alsoleas-cathaoirleach of B6rd Chiarrai for anumber of years and Auditor in thelatter years of his life. But his greatpride and love was Craobh Thrall, theSliabh Mis Ceil{ Band and the children.He transported children to functionsand fleadhanna all over Ireland and enjoyedevery minute of it. God help anyonewho dared make a sound whilecompetitors were doing their piece.Wherever Craobh Thrall were in competitionwith Craobh Leacsna the exchangeof banter between Paddy andDiramuid b Cathain was always worthwitnessing.On one such occasion at aKerry Fleadh Cheoil in Kilgarvan, theSliabh Mis Ceili Band and Diarmuid bCathain's Bricside Ceili Band "clashed".Paddy of course reminded Diarmuidthat in spite of his great knowledge ofmusic, the Bricside hadn't a snowballschance in hell of winning.The bands performed and we alllistened to the adjudication, the Bricsidewere informed that their drums werehopelessly out of tune. But who hadbeen playing the drums? - none otherthan Diarmuid b Cathain himself,Paddy and Michael Dowling could beheard laughing as far away as Kenmare.Paddy was also a "doggie"man and, "PADRAIG 0 GRIOFAtook a keen interest in the greyhoundindustry and indeed kept a few greyhoundshimself. His love of Gaelic football,especially Kerry football, wassecond only to his love of Comhaltasand his repertoire of reminiscencesabout games and players of the past wasendless. Probably few people in Kerryknow that Paddy was brother-in-law ofthat great Kerry football trainer of thepast Dr. Eamonn O'SuUivan.But behind every great man is a greatwoman - on this occasion a great ladyBean uasal Ghaelach,Maire Bn ViGhriofa. Maire (nee Conway), a nativeof Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary has beento the forefront in Irish culture in heradopted town of Tralee since her arrival.Being a secondary teacher, she takes akeen interest in the children in herbranch and as secretary for a big numberof years she has been their guide anddriving force - teaching music and singingand producing cultural shows, notalone in Comhaltas but for other culturalbodies and special occasions. Badhual athar di e sin because her latefather, Salbheastar MacConnmhaigh wasCathaoirleach na Mumhan and held theexalted position of Vachtaran CCE . Herfavourite instrument is the fiddle andher favourite music the Slow Air inwhich she became All-Ireland SeniorChampion.At the removal of the remains, KerryCo . Board officers and members formeda guard of honour and accompanied theremains, in formation, to St. John'sChurch, Tralee.Craobh Thrall musiciansand singers rendered a musical tributeat the funeral mass which wasattended by Comhaltas President,Micheal b Lochlainn and the huge congregationwas representative not only ofComhaltas in Kerry and outside but ofall other cultural and business organisations.It was fitting but poignant that thegraveside oration at Rath Cemetery wasdelivered by his old classmate and friendDiarmuid b Cathain.Paddy has gone to his eternal rewardand Craobh Thrall and Comhaltas inKerry are left t

BOSTON TO HOST CONFERENCEOn the 8/10 April next year theHanafin-Cooley Branch of Cornhaltas inBoston will host the 1988 NorthAmerican Conference of the movement.Up to 300 delegates and other representativesfrom the 30 branches throughoutthe United States and Canada willconverge on Boston for the week-enddeliberations and musicamaking.Down through the years Boston hasplayed a big role in the development ofCornhaltas. Under the leadership ofGalway-born fiddle player LanyReynolds, Boston was one of the earliestvenues in the now highly successfulannual Concert Tour of North America.Boston can boast of a vibrantGaeltacht community - particularlyfrom Connemara - which ensures astrong commitment to the IrishLanguage and sean-nos singing. Fiddleplayer Seamus Connolly and othermusic teachers have helped to pass onthe Irish music tradition to youngergenerations, some of whom havefeatured at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.In a short number of years the NorthAmerican Conference has evolved intoan impressive event. It has been awatershed for the structuring of Comhaltasin North America. This year -after years of painstaking endeavourunder the guidance of North AmericanCo-ordinator Bill McEvoy and his diligentcolleagues the movement on thisvast Continent has reached RegionalBoard stage, just one step from ProvincialCouncil status.LaITY Reynolds has all the necessaryexperience and expertise to make the1988 Conference another importantmilestone in the fortunes of Cornhaltas.Reports to date suggest that plans arewell advanced for the Conference.Music, comfort and accessibility will bethe key-notes!The 1987 Conference, which washeld in New York last April under theleadership of Clareman John Whelan ,was regarded by all who attended as anoutstanding success and all here vowedto make the cultural pilgrimage toBoston.Bill McEvoy said that the unanimQusselection of Boston as the venue for the1988 Conference is a measure of theesteem in which this enclave of Irishnessis held. "Larry and his committee aredoing a great job of preparation, " Billdeclared "and they will have the fullsupport of the movement right acrossNorth America. We are all eagerly lookingforward to the Boston get-together."Pictured at the 1987 North AmericanComhaltas Conference Banq uet in New' York(I-r) BILL McEVOY who was Guest ofHonour; JOHN WHELAN, formerly of Cq.Clare, Conference Chairman; LABHRAS 0MURCHU, Ardstiurth6ir; PAUL KEATING,Set-dance Instructor; and ' LlLY McEVOY.19

PICTORIAL ROUND-UPMAIREAD McMAHON, Dunloy, winner of"An Cailin Deas" title at Fleadh Amlmin ag usRince, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, 1987.(photo: MARCAS 0 MURCHU)MARCAS b MURCHU, Beal Feirste; WIN­STO~ GIVEN, Cullybackey; HUG." b GALI,.­ACHOJR, Gaoth Dobhair; SEAMAS 0CAI:HAIN, Dungiven, at Feile Benbradagh(CCE Dunbeimhin).(photo: CAOlMHiN Mac an ULTAIGH,Belfast)MAIREAD McMAHON, Dunloy, receives her"Cailin Dcas" award from BN. MHlCAOGAlN, JEANNIE McGRATH, Uladh andANRAi 0 MAOLAIN, Uladh look on.(photo: MARCAS b MURCHU SCal Feirste)TOM GINLEY, Belfast CCE fl ute and whistleplayer. A life long friend and colleague ofSEAN MAG UIRE and Belfast Comhaltas.(ph oto: MARCAS b MURCHU)JANETTE KELLY (5 ), Roscommon Town,All-Ireland finalist on tin whistle.(photo: MARCAS b MURCHU)SEAN MacGAB~ANN , Co. na Midhe, macceolmhar le ANTOIN Mac GABHANN, fidleiragus BERNIE an damhsa ghleoite. Nar laigeDia a lamh. (Photo: MARCAS b MURCHU)25

Westering Home with a song in the airLight in the eye and it's goodbye tocare,Laughter 0' love and a welcoming there,Isle of my heart my own one.Tell me of lands of the Orient Gay,Speak of the riches and joys of Cathay,Ah! but its grand to be waking all day,To find yourself nearer to Islay.Where are the folks like the folks of theWestCanty and Couthy and kindly the best,There I would hie me and there I wouldrestAt home with my ain folk in Islay., ,ILEMO CHROIOh! the happy schoolday memoriesthat the above lines remind us all of, butlittle did we know of the folk in Islay.The little isle is within view of the coastof Antrim but travel thereto by air orcar ferry is very involved, tedious andlong. The people there depend on theirdistilleries for their livlehood (only 8distilleries on the isle! !), and arefriendly and relaxed, with a special affinitywith the Irish.I was fortunate to be asked to take asmall group to a Celtic Festival in Islaylast year and again this year. Othergroups, some professional were presentalso, from Shetland Islands, Wales, Brittany,Isle of Man and Scotland. Dailyworkshops were conducted by Scottishexponents on fiddle, chiirseach, pipesand singing. The groups performed atconcerts organised at various venuesthroughout the island.We discovered that the groupspresent specialise in either singing, dancingor music. The Irish appear to bethe only people who combine all threeforms. Everyone marvelled at the versatilityand professionalism of the Irishand found it hard to credit that Irelandis bursting at the seams with groups ofthat standard. When I explained to thelocal committee that such groups areproducts of our Summer EntertainmentScheme, they envied us our nationalfreedom. However, they were extremelyangry to be told that Seisiun hasbeen axed by the Arts Council and thatour Government to date has notremedied the situation.The Islay people understood and appreciatedour airs and songs, not tomention our dance music. However, Iwas amazed that it was the sets andANNETTE and JIMMY SINCLAIR (centre)of Islay photographed with Comhaltas officialsat Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.stepdancing that intrigued them. Theisland itself is rich in songs of oppres-Enjoying the Half-set in Islay are MAl READLlDDY and MICHAEL HOGAN, MARY andDAN LlDDY. The musicians are DEN IS andSHANE LlDDY.sion, hardship, tragedy and of course,love.I was involved in 1984 and 1985 inorganising exchange groups throughAIYCOE but believe now that more exchangesshould be concentrated withour Celtic neighbours just across the sea.Already a group is organising itself forFleadh Amhran agus Rince in Ballycastlein 1988!.27

AgDeanamh CeotlAN dTIOCFAIDH TU ABHAILE LIOM- ajig.AG DEANAMH CEOIL: Dance music by Seamus MeehanSongs - Seamus MacMathuna.ftirb ru Ire DJ 1 t,J J J I @ rn I, dr E!J 1rr r:o I g. W ) I l J :11fel t? ri In 3 fJg It BY] Ig FA II r F r J I ~i ffl I ! f1]J It J :11DILLON BROWN- or just simply Diilon's Reel..28(~)

AN SCEILPIN DRAIGHNEACH: Inthe transcription of An Sceilpin Draighneachgiven here we have tried toconvey some idea of the elaborate ornamentationused by Darach b Cathain.This version is, in fact, derived fromthree recordings made over a period ofsome years. There are numerous instancesin which he varied the grace notes inwhich cases the version given is the onemost frequently used (in 3 recordings at4 verses per recording). In some furthercases the grace notes were so fast andelusive that we just could not pin themdown.We have not given a time signature,but have included bar-lines to showwhere the two main stresses fall in eachline; the sign // indicates the traditionalphrasing usually favoured. But, ofcourse, no transcription can capture thefull excitement and complexity ofDarach's singingAN SCEILPIN DRAIGHNEACH: Seoan leagan a bhiodh a chasadh ag Darachb Cathain. Ta an droch-sceal cloisteag ainn , - direach agus muid ar t{ duIi gcl6 - go bhfUil Darach marbh. Solasna bhFlaitheas go raibh ag a anam uasal.Beidh alt faoi ins an chead eagran eile .Ta leagan eile den arnhran seo ag TreasaNi Mhiollain.CARNANDAISY: Also known as 'Toall Intended Emigrants' this is one ofthe several fme songs from The LoughShore in County Tyrone that GeordieHanna - God rest his soul - sang andpopularised over the past twenty yearsor more.AN SCEILPiN DRAIGHNEACHAgus mai-din chiuin dhar eir-los is a-mach faoi bharr na gcoill-teAn-siud is ea buaileadh an saighead liom is mo leigh-eas ni raibh le fail'-gur dhearc me an bhruin-eall mheidheartha fao( bhruach na scei-theAgus gheit mo chroi le meidhir ai-ci is dheamhan ar ei-righ liom i fhail.AN SCEILPlN DRAIGHNEACHAgus maidin chiuin dhlir eiriosIs amach faoi bharr na gcoillteAnsiud is ea buaileadh an saighead liomIs mo leigheas ni raibh le failN6 gur dhearc me an bhruinneall mheidhearthaFaoi bhruach na sceithe draighneAgus gheit mo chroi le meidhir aiciIs dheamhan ar eirigh liom i fhail.Is nach trua gan me in mo sm6ilinIs nach leanfainn thrid an r6d thuMar gur tusa blath na h6igeA tl).6gfadh suas mo chroiMar go mbeinn ag seinm cheoil dhuitb mhaidin go trathn6naIs gur le ceiliur binn do ghl6rthaThur me m6r-ghean do mhnaoi.Agus buachaill me ata aon(t)raicIs ni bheidh me i bhfad ma fheadairnGo siulfaidh me na reigiuinIs as sin dhon tir anonnb Chorcaigh go Beann EadairIs 6 Bhaile Atha Cliath 'na dhiaidh sinIs go Droichead Bhaile 'n tshlibheN6 go Beal an Ath' siar.Muise rachaidh me ma fheadairnGo Meiricea i dtus an tseasuirIns an ait nach mbeidh mo ghaoltaAr aon taobh na a' tiocht romhamIs ni fhillfidh me ar m'ais go hEirinnN6 go labharfaidh an chuach sa nGeirnhreadrIs go mbeidh caislean ag mo mhuintirIs e bheith deanta ar bhruach an chuain.

MAY 27/30JUNE 17/19JULY 1/3 -JUNE-SEPT.AUGUSTAUGUST 21/26AUGUST 26/28FLEADH NUA-Ennis, Co. Clare - This Comhaltas CeoltoiriEireann festival attracts thousands of people fromall parts of Ireland and abroad. It incl,udes musicians,singers, dancers, wren boys, biddy boys, strawboys; allwoven together in a rich cultural pattern.FLEADH AMHRAN & RINCE- Ballycastle, Co.Antrim-As the title denotes, this festival placesemphasis on traditional singing and dancing and incorporates,the All-Ireland Finals of the Inter-provincialSet-dance competitions.TIONOL CHEOIL-Franciscan College, Gormanston,Co. Meath. - This educational/recreational week-endincludes workshops, concerts, ceilithe, sessions,exhibitions. Bookings should be sent to Mrs. Jo. Morris,170 Biscayne, Malahide, Co. Dublin. (Phone: 01-452668).TRAIDISIUN - Traditional entertainment seven nightseach week at Geantrai, the new Folk Theatre ofComhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Belgrave Square, Monkstown,Co. Dublin.AN BUN-FHLEADH-Granard, Co. Longford-ThisHarp Festival is now firmly established on theComhaltas calendar. There is an interesting and variedprogramme.SCOIL EIGSE-Kilkenny City - This is a SummerCollege of traditional music organised by ComhaltasCeoltoiri Eireann at which the "masters" pass on usefulhints on traditional music.FLEADH CHEOIL na hEIREANN -Kilkenny City -At Fleadh week-end, men and women flock from theirmountain fastnesses, their rural businesses and theirurban professions to the one chosen town in Irelandwhere for three days, they will do little else but play,talk, sing, dance or listen to traditional Irish music., , , ,COMHALTAS CEOLTOIRI EIREANN CEARNOG BELGRA YE, BAILE NA MANACH,CO. 'ATHA CLIATH, IRELAND. FON: 01-800295

entirely hid their eyes and, until theybared their teeth and lashed out withtheir tiny hooves at each other, youcould never have guessed that what youbeheld were miniature horses, perfectand lovely in the smallest detail.Now and then, my father wouldbring home for our childish admiration,a pair of the little horse shoes which thesmith made for them down the pit.Often three inches would be theirgreatest dimension in any direction.They were always stallions and entirelywild - they would stand up on theirhind legs and try to take a bite out ofeach other, screaming and whinnying asthey did so - but, I tell you, they weregrand.The vet would inspect them so thatonly the fittest and strongest and bestwould be sent underground. Therethey would have everything but free ­dom - stables, hay, corn and farriers tolook after them. It was so hot downthere - the deeper you go, the hotter itgets - that it was necessary to shear offtheir thick coats or they would have suffocated.And then - Lord whatugliness was brought into being! Thelovely manes were gone and there wereonly ugly stumps where the beautifulstreaming tails had been. The rich,thick coats were absent - trimmed toan irregular line along the sides of thebelly which was entirely bare. Theywould remind you of a chain-gang ofconvicts at Dartmoor in the old days.One of the first jobs my father gotin the mines was as a "Breaker-in" ofthese wild animals so that they wouldaccept being yoked and worked. It allhad to be done underground because ofthe special conditions obtaining there.The ponies would be used to pull 'tubs'small wagons which held about half-atonof coal - along a miniature railway.They must learn how to stretch theirstride in order to gain purchase on thesleepers which lay beneath the rails.The canvas flaps which hung down fromthe roof at intervals to prevent any flashof ignited gas along the coal face, theyhad to learn to lift with their heads asthey went and to open 'fire doors' inthe same way. And all the time, therewould be water brackish anddiscoloured - streaming and tricklingdown from the riven strata above. Theymust learn not to rear or jerk theirheads too high or they would split theirskulls on the steel girders which stretchedcrosswise supporting the roof.Everywhere they went they had tocarry the "limbers" (the shafts whichcould be detatched from the tube)which hung from their backs togetherwith the collar, draught chains and'britchin', so that when they backedinto the tubs a connection would bemade - much as carriages are coupledwith a locomotive. Of course, there wasbrutality to a degree. Men and animalswere alike bound to the same appallingservitude, but there was often a deal ofcomradeship between them. The menwould take sweets or a bit of lump sugaror even a slice of jam and bread fromtheir 'baits' with them to give to theponies - often these, would be nuzzlinginto pockets for the hoped-for treat.THE BREAKING OF PUNCHOne day, there came a summons formy father to come to the offices. Hehad been day after day asking for ahouse - but the list was long he wastold - always a refusal on one pretextor another. He found Paddy Gallagherwaiting for him. Paddy was the head"Ho ss Man". He had a young stallioncalled 'Punch' which defied everyattempt to break him in. He had eventorn the collar clean off Paddy's shirtwith his teeth and had broken anotherman's collarbone. "You're gettin'Punch to break on Monday, Joe." saidPaddy. "The under-manager has namedyou for the job!". Charlton was theunder-manager; an Orangeman who hadlittle time or love for Catholics. "Yehcan tell Charlton", my father retortedangrily, "that he can break Punch hisaself!He has refused us a house threetimes an' he knows the way we'religin'''. "Now, Joe, you know I can'ttell him that - but you break the ponyan' I'll see ya get a house!", The breaking of Punch was one ofthe great sagas of our family. As childrenwe could have recounted everymove, trom the backing of the devilpony between a couple of tubs so thathe couldnt kick, to my father's demandthat the harness should be entirely ofleather, so that Punch would not realisefrom the jingling that he was beingyoked at all until the job was done.When he did sense that he wasshackled to serfdom, his anger was terribleto contemplate. Even though hisears were laid back wickedly and thewhites of his eyes could be seen rollingin the sockets, Punch did not rear up onhis hind legs, nor did he attempt tokick. He was far too clever to try thethe like. What he did, suddenly andviciously, was to bite with bared yellowteeth sideways at my father's face. Itwas only the grace of God that he instinctivelywrenched his face away orhis cheek would have been torn andripped like Paddy Gallagher's shirtcollar.When dire necessity compels, therecomes a moment when the veneer ofcivilisation is torn aside to show thesavagery of our natures which but rarelycomes to the surface. My father did notpause to consider that here was a poorpersecuted brute which had been drivenfar beyond decency. He had no time to ,reflect that if he let the animal get theupperhand the only chance of evergetting a house fosr the family would begone forever. What he did, instinctivelyand with all the force he could muster,was to strike a fierce blow with hisclenched fist into Punch's nose. Solittle was its expectation of this counterthat the stallion sank back onto itshaunches, blood trickling down itsvelvety muzzle.31

LAOCHRA THIOBRAIDARANN AMHRAINA G US FILIOCHTLet Britain boast her British hosts,About them all right little care we;Give us to guard our native coastThe matchless men of Tipperary.Tonuis Daibhis, fear a bhfuil measagus gean ag pobal d flis na hEireann aira scriobh na linte thuas tarraingt ar 150bliain 6 shin. Sa dan cheanna deir se:Be mine the lot to bear the flagAnd head the men of Tipperary!Chreid an Daibhiseach riarnh gobhfeadfai stair na hEireann a mhuineadhgo fior-eifeachtach trin fhiliochtagus tri na hamhrain. A shliocht air!Rinne se fein sar-iarracht irneachtai 6threirnhsi airithe i stair na t ire a insin ttd na danta agus na hamhrain bhreathaa scriobh se don Nation.D'fheadfai sceal Thiobraid Arannagus an chaoi ar sheas laochra anchontae sin an f6d in aghaidh naSasanach le breis agus 300 bliain anuas ainsint go beacht ach cuid de nahamhrain agus na danta - agus taraidhse diobh ann, i nGaeilge agus imBearla - a cuireadh ar par thar nanglunta a thabhairt chun cuirnhne. Nifheadfadh einne a ra go raibh fili ThiobraidArann neamhairdiuil ar a gcuidlaochra rein riamh.Orthu siud a scdobh faoi dhrochstaidna hEireann i dtus an 17u cheid, nifheadfai Seathrnn Ceitinn a sham marthirghrath6ir na mar fhile. Ar scriobhadhaon rud riamh in aon teanga ardomhan ata nios foirfe na na linte seo?:Om sceol ar ardmhaigh Fail m' chodlaimoiche's do bhreoigh go brath me dala a pobaildilis;Ce r6/hada ataid 'na bhfal re broscarbiobha,Fa dheoidh gur /has a tan den chogaltriothu.Muna bhfoiridh Ceard na n-ardreannpobal chrich ChuircAr /h6rneart namhad ndana n-ullamhndioltachNz' mar narbh /hearr gan chairde aSean Ua CeamaighMY!! ·') I-TNNAN1 "Ill.HI 1\ Id ,Uld I'~H rio! ChaisealMumhan. D'fheadfai file na· saoirsea thabhairt ar Haicead gan amhras;b'eisean a chum "Muscail do mhisneach,a Bhanba", d'aonghn6 chun muintir nahE ire ann a ghriosadh ch un gaisceAr n6s an Cheitinnigh, ba shagart e.I gceann da chuid danta caoineann se anTiobrad Arannach cr6ga ud Risteard deBuitlear, mac leis an Tiarna U i Cheirin,a thit sa chath in aghaidh na Sasanach in1641. Faraoir, nior scriobh einnecaoineadh na marbhna faoi PhadraiginHaicead fein nuair a d'eag se leathscoreigin bliain ina dhiaidh san.An seasamh iontach a rinne antUltach Aodh Dubh 0 Neill agus achomradaithe i gCluain Meala i mi naBealtaine, 1650, is iomal udar a scriobhfaoi. Timpeall 100 bliain 0 shin,scriobh Den is A. McCarthy, file 6Charraig na Siuire a chaith bunus ashaoil i Mheiricea, dan brea inar mhol sego hard na speire na Gaeil dhilse anaithnidea sheas ceart d'Eirinn i gCluainMeala fad6:And now, behold, against ClonmelThey vainly flung their bands!Battered and bayed but undismayedThe town defiant stands.Battered and bayed but undismayedIt meets each fresh attack;With soldiers few and faint - but tp.te -It hurls the foemen back.Yes, Yes! Thank Cod for Irish hearts,Unconquerable still!Of war's red cost the Roundhead hostToday have had their fill.Honour to those who held the town,And let the future tellHow Irish swords beat back the hordesOf Cromwell at Clonmel!Fear eile a sheas an f6d in eadanChromaill na Sean D Duibhir 0 sheanduicheChill na Manach i gcroilar Cho.Thiobraid Arann. Is fior-bheag eolaisata againn faoin laoch seo. Meastar gondeachaigh se thar saile trath bhi Eirebriste ag scriosad

chunta Uibh Eachaidh, agus is aT anabhar san a tugadh an t-ainm Lad yIveagh uirthi, go fiu i ndiaidh bhas a fircheile.D'eag a fearcheile in 1692 agus cuigbliana dar gcionn phOs ai Tomas deBuitlear, iarchoirneal in Arm Ri SMamais,a raibh c6nai air i gCill Chais. Bhielann m6r acu. D'eag an Buitlearach in1738 agus fuair a bhancMile bas 6bliana ina dhiaidh sin agus aois mh6ruirthi.Ni cuirnhnitear ar an mBantiarnaIveagh, Mach, ar an abhar gur bhean gustalachi. Ni deantar, go deimhin. Maireanna cuirnhne ben i gc6nai faoi bhunShliabh na mBan cionn a's gur sheas sileis na daoine bochta, gur thug sfcab hair agus cunamh d6ibh, go raibh ateach mar thearmann ag na sagairt agusna heaspaig aimsir na gearleanuna.Agus, thar gach rud eile, cuirnhnitear aran gcaoi ar chuir si buachailli de chuidan duiche ar aghaidh - as a p6ca fein -chun bheith ina sagairt. Duine de nadaoine san (6irnfo dh mar shagart e thartfaoi 1720 ab ea Sean 0 Liathain.Duradh trath gurbh eisean a scriobh ant-amhran cailiuil ud ''Cill Chais" , ach tana scolairi go m6r in amhras faoi sinanois.(Ach taid uile, beagnach, ar aonfuocal gur chum an Liathanach an t­amhran Caeilge ud " An BhantiarnaIveagh"). Airnsir a bhais in 1776, bhiSein 0 Liathain in a shagart par6iste arCharraig na Siuire. Mar aduradh, tathairin amhras anois gur chum se "CillChais". Bhi se faoin gcre sular gearradhna coillte na sular irnigh an caislean feini leig. Cibe duine afach, a scriobh ant-amhran aJainn seo , rinne se eacht. Tase ar na caointe is foirfe ata againn inCaeilge :Cad a dheanfaimid feasta gan adhmad?Ta deirr:adh na gcoillte ar lar;Nil tracht ar Chill Chais nO. a teaghlach,Is ni chluinfear a cling go brath;An ait ud 'na gcanaiodh an deighbheanFuair gaiml is meidhir thar mhna -Bhiodh iarlai ag tarraingt faoi mheidhirann'gus an tAifreann binn dO. ra.Is e mo ch reach ghear is mo leanfairtDo gheatai brea neata ar lar,D 'avenue fada fi shao thargan foscadh ar aon taobh de ag fas;NO. do chuirt bhrea do shileadh an braonde,Is do ghasra sheimh ar [fir,Is as leabhar na marbh do !eimidAn tEaspag agus Lady Iveagh.Ni chluinim fuaim lachan nO. geannaann,NO. fiolar ag faire ar chuan,NO. flu na beacha chun saothairThabharfadh mU agus ceir don slua.Nz"! ceol binn milis na n-ean annLe hamharc an lae dhul uainn,NO. an chuaich in ar bharra na geigeDo chuirfeadh ar saol chun suain.Ta ceo ag titim ar chraobh annNO. glanann le grian nO. Id,TO. smuid ag titim 011 speir ann,'s a chuid uisce go leir ag tra.Na coli nO. cuileann nO. caor annAch clocha agus maolchlaiochdin;Pairc na foraoise gan chraobh annAgus d'imigh an geim le fan.Aicim ar Mhuire is ar iosaGo dtaga si aris chugainn slan,Go mbeidh rind fada is gabhdil timpeallCeol veidhlin is tinti cndmh;Go dtag/ar baile sea ar sinsear,cm Chais bhrea aris go hardIs go brach no go dtiocfadh an dileN i fheicfear i an's ar [fir.AN tATHAIR MAC SiTHIGHBeannacht dilis De leis anmBantiama uasal Iveagh agus na GaeildhiIse eile a sheas an f6d airnsir nabptHndlithe. Ta teach arsa Chill Chaiseina fuothrach folamh le beagnach dhacMad bliain, ach fos is fiu cuairt athabhairt ar an ait. Ma ta taibhsi nastaire ag bogadh thart in ait ar bith, feicteardom go bhfuilid ben briomhar induiche Chill Chaise.Tagann Cho. Thiobraid Arann chundnn aris sa stair airnsir na bpeindlithei ngeall ar an ide uafasach a tugadh donAthair Nioclds Mac Sithigh, sag art par-6iste Chloichin a' Mhargaidh. Crocadhan sagart uasal seo i gCluain Meala ar angcuigiu la deag de Mharta, 1766, agus taa sceal ar cheann d'oidheanna mora nastaire.Scriobhadh roinnt dinta Gaeilge faoioidhe an Athar Mhic Sithigh (c~ann acu,ta se curtha i leith Liam Dall 0 hIfearnain)agus taid uile ar fueablJ.as. Morogha fein, Mach, is din nua e. Cumadhe in 1966, trath bhi bas an Athar MhicSithigh a chom6radh ag muintirThiobrad Arann. Bfodh vearsa no dh6againn:Nuair a bhi mise og agus fas ndrchruinnigh me ciall,D'airinn mo chdirde ag tracht ar ghaiscighna bhFiann,Ar Bhuachailli Bana is an tair 0. cur inandiaidh,Ach se an tA thair Nioclds is a chas amheadaiodh mo phian.Bhi Eire go buartha is nior thrua leisna meirligh ar gcUis,Drochmhaistri is agenti a fig sios nabearta sea ar d tUs.35An talamh a heileamh 'gus leirscrios arthios na mbochtan,Agus sin e a chuir an taod ar eadan anAthar Nioclas.MAIREBHRAEMaire Bhrae, file deireannach GaeilgeChnoc Mhaoldonn, a scriobh an danseo, agus bhf si aosta go maith nuair achum sf e. Fuair si bas i d tus na i 970aiagus f os cionn ceithre scar bliain d 'aois.In a leabhar Cois Siuire, a foilsiodh in1982, ta an meid seo a leanas le ra agAnnraoi iJ Liathain, beannacht De le·is,faoi chuairt a thug se ar Mhaiie Bhrae in .1970.:" Ardaionn Cnoc na Fai11e a mhullachdha mhile dha cMad troigh os cionnleibMal na mara tamall ar an taobhthoir the as dinn, agus bhiodh conai arMMire Bhrae, an file, faoina scath.Chonac don uair dheireannach i ibhf6mhar na bliana 1970. Bhi anceithre sc6r aici ag an am, ach ni raibhaon mheirg ar a meabhair. Thug si domdha ubh beirithe, aran a blicaladh sabhastabal os cionn tine na cistine, taearbh fhiu tae a thabhairt air - agusfocail an dain a chum si faoin AtharNioelas 0 Sithigh ceithre bliana roirnhesin. D'aithris si dom gan aon scriobadha dheanamh ar a haigne . Bhi gach dandar chum si riamh de glanmheabhairaici. D'inis sf dom go mba n6s aici luiar fuleasc a droma sa leaba istoiche agusi ag coraiocht le din go dti go mbeadhse dealbhaithe chun a sastachta aici.Chasadh si aT a sliasaid ansin agusdManadh a codladh go samh. Agusbhiodh gach focal den dan ina meabhairar a dliiseacht di ar maidin."Bhi se ar intinn agam cuairt eile athabhairt uirthi agus a · thuilleadh dadanta a bhreacadh sios, ach thainig anhas uirthi sui a bhfuair me an fhaill ar anturas a dheanamh. Creidirn go bhfuilc6ip da cuid dinta go leir ag fear airithe.Ta suil agam e agus go bhfeictear i gel6go luath iad. Ba bhrea an fueartlaoi iadar an nGaeilge bhinn a labhraiti ar fudna sleibhte sea leathchead bliain 6shin."Is ca bhfuil na MuimhnighNa an fior go mairid beo?Mich eal Og 0 Longain a scriobh anmeid seo san amhran alainn lid ("MaidinLuan Cincise" ) a rinne se faoi EiriArnach 1798 i gCo. Loch Carman. Achni raibh an Mhurnhain marbh ar fadagus d'admhaigh an Longinach e sin arball nuair a chum se an t-amhran alainn"Sliabh na mBan".I gCarraig Mhoieleir, faoi bhunShliabh na mBan, ar an 23li la d'Iliil,1798, ghabh buion beag Oglach dechuid an cheantair chun catha in eadan

CElL! AT A CROSSROADSI suppose a Crossroads Ceili evokesimages of our past history - the dayswhen there were no dance halls or carsand very little social outlets for youngor old . But whatever about the past -what meaning has it today, when onecould believe that our fast movingsociety with so many counter attractionswould have overtaken it? The answeris simple. Time does not date ournative culture. A crossroads ceili is oneof many ways in which modern Irelandexpresses itself culturally. This fact wasconfirmed by the huge attendance atthe fourth annual crossroads ceihorganised by the Ughtyneill branch ofCCE, Moynalty, Co . Meath during theSummer.Despite threatening rain the eveningwas pleasant and warm. People sat onthe grass and on the winding bridgeoverlooking the river. Chairs were providedfor the elderly and for those exhaustedfrom over activity on the road.This was a night of mass participation inour culture. The highlight, of course,were the various ceili dances on theroad in which almost everybody participatedleaving few spectators! Theycouldn't resist the music by VincentTighe, Geraldine Smith, theO'Raghallaigh family , the Farrellysisters, Mick Gaynor and Tom Dunne.More than 60 of the 100 pupils whotook classes in Ughtyneill hall participatedin various exhibitions of ceilidancing, set dancing, tin whistle, fiddle,button and piano accordeon. But thiswas not a night for the lo cal branchalone. Exhibitio ns were given by groupsfrom Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. Atabout 11.30 the announcement thatchampions Donnacha b Muineachain,Tony Roddy, his wife Una and his sisterMona were to join forces in a reel.There was a hushed silence as they cameon to the road. A call came to make thecircle bigger so that everybody could geta better view. The moon had risen highin the sky as if to get a better look.Their display was spell-binding. Peoplehad never seen anything like it before.Then everybody was back on the roadfor a Siege of Ennis and after that aHigh Caul Cap . They had been dancingfor more than four hours and shoutingfor more when Tom Marry brought thefunction to an end. During the eveninghe thanked the large crowd for attending.He emphasised the need toTom MarryUNA andTONY RODDY,~ ..~~ ."", -".MONA RODDY, ,DONNACHA 0 MUINEACHAINpromote ceili dancing and stressed theimportance of the fior ceili as acommunity function. He stated that alldance exhibitions going out from Ughtyneillhad been in correct formationi.e. mixed couples."Our culture has been passed on tous and it is our duty to pass it on to ourchildren undiluted" , he said . Peoplespoke about the great spirit evident onthe night. Can anyone define spirit?Perhaps when a good teaching facility isprovided in an area and the emphasisplaced on undiluted Irish culture someprogress has been made in defming it.The evening's entertainment flowed.There were no costumes or no uniformsto be seen. The performers wore theirordinary summer clothes as befitted thisinformal occasion. After Amhnin nabhFiann was played everyone wenthome happy that they had enjoyed anevening of Irish culture in its purestform.37

JIM LYNCH: MUSICIAN ANDPUPPETEER EXTRAORDINARYCaoimhghin b BrolchainIt seemed that I must be almost the only person at the Fleadh who did notknow Jim Lynch well - who had not travelled on a coach with him and had notales of lifting his pram on and off the vehicle , of suddenly rmding oneself in solecharge of the whole gazebo, pushing it either up hill or down centre of street. Notonly did everyone know him - from Fleadhs both sides of the water - but theycould, with certainty, tell me where he could be found. At this time 0' day, hewould be down at the Camping Site, getting his tent set up and his 'collection'organised.It was grand weather, buiochas leDia. It reminded me of - was it threeyears ago? - when we had anything likesunshine at the fleadh . At that time,people from the West were telling eachother that only once or twice a centurywould "the turf and the hay be savedbefore the Galway Races!" - to this listKerry people always added, " ... an' Corkbeat! !". Another formidable obstacleto all being right with the world. Downto the Camping Field with me to trylocating the great Jim whom all theworld but I knew well. Thus it was thatI found myself, hammer in hand, on myknees crawling around belting in pegs toerect the tent, whilst Jim directedoperations and midges with jaws onthem like Staffordshire Bull Terriers -a fearsome breed of biting dog -enveloped the two of us and ate lumpsout of us - or me at least, for Jimseemed strangely immune.At last we found a park benchwhere I could get some details down onpaper - rapid scribbles in betweenswatting those damned, carnivorousmilteogai. Would you believe it! J imLynch is the second great man to comefrom Ballyporeen - though I can't thisminute recall the other fella. The sizeof its spuds might have occasioned derisionin the old days, but this little Tipperarytown has made its mark and itsname known in the great world.J im came over to England in hisearly twenties, having left school at theage of twelve years. He followed a wellbeatentrack to Camden Town inLondon, where the practice was for twoor three young Irishmen to take a furnishedroom for 18/- a week . The'furnishings' were usually a single bed, adouble bed and not much else - but itwas at least a roof ove~ t.\le head untilbetter could be afforded. J,im joined aftrm which had an ambition to cover theworld in reinforced concrete floors andin helping them realise this strange aimhe travelled extensively over ftve or sixof the 'Home Counties'.'The Irishman Abroad' those times,would be easily recognisable - usuallyhe was well sunburned and healthylooking from his outdoor occupation,but almost as a uniform, there would bethe orange shoes and 'Irishman's Blue' -serge suit with the double-breastedjacket. Cafes in Camden Town werecheap - a good meal with stewed lamband 3 veg. and a sweet to follow wouldset you back l/7d. Pay was £2/13/1for the ftrst 50 hours and as much overtimeas you could wish. These weregreat times and Jim looks back fondlyto them - but then came the war. Theemphasis then was on buildingaerodromes and runways until 1943,when he was called up.He hated the initial 'squarebashing'at the camp in Colchester but thatdidn't prevent him from taking ascholarly interest in the area. "It was aRoman Camp one time - an' Boadicealaunched attacks on them there - tillshe was defeated ..... couldn't stand that..committed suicide ..." Jim is a mine ofinformation on any place he's been. Hepoured out facts historical and geographicalthat had me reeling. Did I knowthere was a church with no spire and asquare tower in some place calledBoston Stump in Lincolnshire? .. WellJim did, and I had difficulty in headinghim off that particular line of country ...He spent the last four months of thewar guarding German prisoners of warin Staffordshire.I could flll an entire TREOIR withfaSCinating stuff about Jim - for thesame man is well-read and scholarly to itdegree. Though he had left school soearly - such vestiges of Irish as hadbeen taught him, he still retains, nobother to him to say his prayers, makethe sign of the cross, ask you how youare, or tell you to shut your mouth orthe door, whichever might be most 'convaynient'at the time.He was a foreman for MacAlpinefor six years, then a foreman 'Chippy'for Taylor Woodrow . Ajoiner by trade,he had no apprenticeship other thanwhat he learned at school in Ballyporeen,but he worked on at least sixNuclear Power Stations - including theone in South Wales that is causingtrouble leaking and the divil knowswhat else . "I must have made some slipupthere!", said Jim with a grin.When he retired at the age of 65,his two children reared and settled inthe world - one son works in Hollandand has a great job at Doordrecht nearRotterdam on the Rhine - Jim began toftll up his spare time by attending nightclasses - "At one time, I was attendingftve classes a week!". These classescovered such unlikely topics as pottery,carving, violin-making, jewellry andbeaten metalwork, painting in oils,cookery and cake decoration. All ofthis at Wigan Technical College .Well, it wasn't long before thebould Jim was making his own instruments.Like myself, he has a great 'feel'for timber - he spoke lovingly of thebeautiful pieces of mahogany or redpine he had saved frbm the ruins ofsome old church being demolished. Hemade bodhrans, violins, guitars,hammer-du1cimars - you name it, Jim39

WORDS OF ADVICEBootleMerseyside.As a great admirer of the successfulhistory of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann,I felt I should write to your very interes·ting magazine, which displays perfectlythe world of Irish traditional music andthe workings of Comhaltas. Bu t I hopethat the reader will see this letter not asbeing negative, but truthful!Having attend the recent FleadhCheoil na Breataine, I witnessed, alongwith many other first-generation Irish,the remarkable achievements of first.second, third and fourth generatio~(and non·Irish) people playing, singingand dancing and proving that Comhaltasmust be the most successful culturalorganisation in existence.But sadly from my experiences at therecent Fleadh and the ordinary businessof the Comhaltas branches, I realised avery sad reality - the attitude of manyof its members. To see the innocenceand beauty of the children who lovetheir music, but to see that scarred bysome parents (and others) interested intheir own glory and not the youngperson: it is very harmful both to theyoung musician as well as the organisation:might I add at this point, theencouragement that many parents givetheir children in promoting the cultureof their homeland we shouldcongratulate those parents.An organisation which is organisedon such a huge scale will have itspro blems - but jealously, argument,one-upmanshlip, are not part of ourculture but they should be left at homealong with the people who think likethat, and let the rest of us enjoy ourmusic, let us genuinely congratulate thewinners ~ but get on with the joy of playingand enjoying our music. Musicshould bring people together, but some(who think that there is nothing betterin the world than winning a medal orcup) seem to think that "competition"is a modern translation of "culture".When you see recently James Galwayand the Chieftains sharing theirdifferent musical traditions but unitingthrough the medium of Irish music andJames Last teaming up with Comhaltasto produce an unique recording, whydo our members here in England andelsewhere build barriers when others arerapidly knocking them down? We maybe only speaking of a minority - butthey certainly make their presence felt!And to see it rubbing off on the youthis unforgiveable.I hope that out of respect for ourgreat organisation, but especially theyoung people, that we can all keephealthy competition and the goodhumour which will preserve and promotethe aims of Comhaltas Ceolt6iriEireann and Irish culture generally andlet the disease of jealousy and backbitingfmd a home elsewhere.Congratulations on the magnificentwork being undertaken by Comhaltaswhich is unconditionally appreciated bythe dedicated members of Comhaltas,notwithstanding the writer of this letter., , ,SEAN 0 GRIOF ASCOIL EIGSE '87It's only those who own could shareIf treasures were to wealth confined,But there are riches far more fair -The treasures of the genial mind;And glad am lone hour to shareIn social riches such as this,To feel about me everywhereThe endless joy of friendship 's bliss.Here where all students strive to gainAnd teachers towards perfection strive;The soul soars to a higher plainAnd native culture stays alive.As down the corridors I strolled,Through mingled thrills of musics soundAs if from bird-throats sweetly rolled,Their varied songs and woodlands'round.And strangers too from foreign landsWere natives while our wealth theyshared;While youth and age in common bondsBy song and sweetness still ensnared.Let gratitude and memories liveIn feelings filled with tenderness,I'm privileged my days to giveAs guardian of such loveliness.CHAMPIONS ALL - The members of theCorey Senior Ceili Band who captured theLeinster title during Fleadh week-end inEnniscorthy, the band have now qualified forthe All-Ireland for the 11th year running, (l·r)EAMONN O'BRIEN, PAT BASS, PATKAVANAGH, PADRAIGSINNOTTand PATFLOOD. (Front I-r) JOHN BASS Snr.,NORA BYRNE, MICHAEL FITZPATRICK,ANN ETTE COLEMAN and JOHN FLOOD.-DAN KEANE41

SOUL SEARCHING MUSICIANSHIPRisteard Donal MacAodhaA compassionate argument can bepresented for the "beat of a differentdrummer" perspective, the view thatmusicians, like all artists, live in anintellectual reality quite diverse fromthe work-a-day world of the office,shop, homemaking situation whereinone must often surrender their soul forthe "objectives" of accumulation andaccomplishment. The fact that one'sinner spirit can be reflected in the externalappearance of an individual can bereadily seen in any culture when onelooks at the dramatist, artist, poet andmusician for their often bright and radicalcolours of dress would indicate thatsomething "different" is going on intheir skulls. The world of art is moreconcerned with the texture of the mistmassaging the granite face outcrop standingsentry over the slow shifting tide ofsheep in the mountains than the price ofthose sheep in the market report. Literally,the left brain of power andaccumulation is a long way from theright brain world of the abstract whereshape, texture and colour reign. Ourworld needs balance and beauty andsome tolerance is hoped for in thosevisionaries who can see and feel thebounce of a jig in a Connemara potholeor the flow of reel in the clift winds offSliabh Liag ..In a world threatened to extinctionwith industrial waste, a school yardmentality in arms proliferation and acallous indifference to world hunger,the fact that music has a universalappeal to reach into the hearts of allages and social classes presents us withan awareness that more, not less, cultureis required in advanced technologicalsocieties. Traditional origins in thecurrent spiralling vortex of alternatives.A society without roots is a ship withouta rudder.Anyone with a love and interest intraditional music should be able torecognize that today as in the past,there is more than an adequate supplyof musical genius who have chosen toenhance this particular form of music.I for one think that we are blessed tohave a musician with the ability,dedication and sensitivity to have ex-celled in any of the classic disciplines,say the concert piano or cello to be dedic.atingtheir lives to their performanceon the tin whistle or fiddle. One problemthat organizations and communitiesoften find with such gifted people isthat they seldom make good teachers,except at the master class level. Theirbrains are so quick that they can seldomcomprehend the average persons "slowness"at grasping the form or shape oftheir presentation. They usually providea far greater service in the form ofinspiration and example than explanation.Their inability to appreciate therelative slowness of a starting studentmight, in fact, discourage a potentiallygood player from continuing on withthe instrument for one of the tragic consequenceswith the gift of lightning fastcomprehension and execution that noamount of practice and dedication canbring about in the average or above averageperson is that the genius is often· intolerantof lesser ability performers.If one has not heard a musical geniuscastigating and belittling the performanceof lesser abiliities in the musicalarena, one has not had very much experiencewith such people. The real tragedyis that such bitterness and backbitinglessens the power of genius anddoes not enhance it for no one on thisuniverse can poison the air around themwithout poisoning themselves, but weshould try to empathize with the plightof the genius. It must be downrightpainful for them to endure the lessermUSICIan playing a semi-tone off,breaking rhythm or corrupting the liltof a piece. The word painful is the "operative"word in this context becauseharm can actually be inflicted by suchbreeches of unity. A master piano technicianwho only works on £20,000 concertinstruments for professional performersonce explained to me that he"cannot" tune uprights for friends orthe needy because it diminishes his standardwhen trying to service the verybest. This fact was confirmed when aclassically trained pianist once confidedshe used to have perfect pitch, but shehad played on so many bad instrumentsthat she lost it. The point here is thatgenius can be diminished and ability canbe lost. It is a gift and a treasure and uslisteners and followers should be protectiveof our best performers and insistthat they have good playing circumstancesand avoid structuring situationswhere they are obliged to play with learnersand aggressive players of varyingstandards and textures. The musicalgenius who belittles his contemporariesis revealing his own insecurity and perhapsa poor upbringing, but the patronwho insists on a performer playing inbad circumstances is equally injuriousand is possibly diminishing a nationaltreasure.This brings up the point of traditionitself for it can be amusing to see thehairs get up on one's back when the discussionof what is and what is not traditionalmusic comes up. Not only havevery strident judgements been made atone time or another against thebodhnins, the "ICB", the piano, theguitar and the post-Planxty generationof Balkan-Grecco fretted stringed instruments,but these same "wrong" instrumentshave also enjoyed their day in thelimelight and there have been genius exponentsof these same offending instrumentswho have raised the consciousnessand appreciation of this source andthereby created "instant" tradition.Even within the tradition of traditionalmaterial, the trend in ornamenting previouslypolished source material resultsin succeeding generations of the sametune being so removed from its originsin texture, speed and lilt that it is hardlyrecognizable to the source. There are alot of good honest players of the 20'sand 30's who, if alive, would hardlyrecognize their compositions played byyoungsters today, particularly if theircompositions happened to have had thesuccess of popUlarity with contemporaryrecording groups. Small's recentradio series, "The Dance Music of Ireland",graphically pointed out howsimple and straight and how beautifulthe original often slower form of thetunes we now consider popularstandards once were. Personally, I don'tthink that there is one "right" answer.Individuals must decjde for themselves43

SUPPORT FOR TORY ISLANDOn the 18th of April this yearComhaltas an Chreagain left for ToryIsland on a cultural exchange visit fundedby Co-operation North. It waswhile waiting for the boat's arrival totake the group (totalling 53 adults andchildren) over to Tory that a dramabegan to unfold which could have speltthe end of the trip but, more seriously,would have resulted in disaster for theisland's future .When the boat finally arrived after adelay of over an hour, the skipper enquiredif another boat had arrivedbefore him. He was answered in thenegative and further informed on his returnto the island that the boat had notdocked at any other port. By this timethe islanders were very concerned forthe safety of the two missing men.Attempts to get the Irish rescue servicesmet with a very slow response andthe island boats were incapable in roughseas of searching such a large area intime. It was decided, therefore, to contactthe British Rescue Services andwithin half an hour the men were foundclinging to their semi-submerged craft.Medical sources indicate that both menwould not have survived much longerhad not rescue been at hand.Had these men been lost, life on torywould have suffered a severe setback,and hundreds of years of culture endangeredsignaling the possible end of animpO'rtant Gaeltacht area.The aims of Comhaltas are topromote music, language and · sport aspart of our cultural heritage. A logicalconclusion of these aims would be toprotect any part of our culture whosefuture is endangered from whateversource. It was because of this threatthat Comhaltas an Chreagain in leaguewith other Comhaltas branches andvarious cultural groups in Derry havelaunched an appeal for funds to buy aninshore rescue craft, currently availablein Derry from the sub aqua club for£3 ,000. This includes a spare engine,lifejackets and associated equipment,plus instruction in the use of the craft.We would appeal, therefore, that anydonations you wish to give to this veryworthwhile cause should be forwardedto: Mr. J. Mulheron, 6 Shipsquay Street,Derry. Cheques to: "Tory Island Lifeboatappeal".A CALL FOR LOCALARTS COUNCILS"Provincial or regional Arts Councils to replace the existing Dublin-based bodywould be in a better position to reflect local and native arts activities throughoutthe country. In its restructuring of industrial agencies in the Shannonside region,the Government has demonstrated what they deem to be the need to get closer tothe action. The same arguments could just as easily apply to the arts world and ifsuch decentralisation was to happen there would certainly be a greater return forthe money expended. A new Arts Council is to be appointed in the near future andperhaps the Government could be persuaded to take the bold step of restructuringthis statutory body and help it to truly reflect the full potential of the arts inIreland. "This was stated by Lab hra s bMurchu, Ardstiurth6ir of Comhaltas aFleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Listowel.Continuing he said :"We have only touched the tip otthe iceberg in exploiting the full potentialof native music and other artforms.Thousands of visitors come to Irelandeach year to hear and learn Irishtraditional music but our approach toservicing their requirements is so lackingas to be like using a raft in place of anocean steamer. We are quick to criticizeyoung people for their misdemeanoursyet the needs of the thousands of youngtraditional mUSICIanS are virtuallyignored by 0 fficial agencies. Nativemusic has put more nuts and bolts incommunity bridges in Northern Irelandthan most of the meetings and talk ofthe last decade but recognition of thisfact is almost non-existent."Beneath the thin veneer of tolerancethere is still an empty condescendingattitude in some influentialquarters to that which is native andearthy. I am not apportioning blamefor this position: these people are beinghonest in so far as they are reflectingthe values of their own circle but anyinfluence conferred on them by virtueof their job status should not be used tothe detriment of those who hold differentcultural values and aspirations.The phenomenal turn about for thefortunes of native Irish music as eviden-ced in professional surveys andbouquets from professional musicians ofworld standing must be recognised andreflected in State attitudes and activities.There could be an appropriate universitydegree for traditional musiciaris.Our own music should have a reveredplace in our education system at alllevels. Young unemployed musiciansand other artistes - representing thebest public image we can present to theworld - should be catered for in ameaningful way by our employmentagencies. Such a move could have arevolutionary effect 6n the morale ofthe youth in Ireland and help to diffusethe apathy and cynicism which arethreatening to stifle initiative and enterprise."45

, ,THE CEILI BARN ANDTHE BOTTLE BLOWERSBernard DwyerThe Ceili Barn was situated in aremote corner of West Roscommon. Inthe early ninteenth century it was usedas a meeting place for those faithful fewwho laboured under severe stress inorder to keep our great traditions alive.Such activities were , in those days,looked upon as a cover for something ofa more "sinister nature". Needless tosay , they were continually hampered bythe occupying forces.In order to counter those sameforces, an organisation known as "TheBottle Blowers" came into existence.Their job was to conceal themselves inthe hills and sound the alarm byblowing into bottomless five-nogginbottles, affording the ceili people ampletime to put away their instruments andmake good their escape until such timeas the "Bottle Blowers" would soundthe "all clear".Should they decide that not all theforces had returned after a raid, theysounded a special coded alarm. Eventually,an order was issued "that anyonefound in possession of a bottomlessbottle, would be jailed for a prolongedperiod". However, this was a law whichit was found impossible to enforce. The" Bottle blowers" did a great job duringthe dilYS of the immortal Michael Davittand 'the Land League by warning meetingsof the approach of the law .The barn in question was built ofcrude stone. It had but one small window,which could easily be covered withan old sack for security reasons. Anumber of corn sheaves would occupyone corner, while an old barrel used inthe making of Poitin would occupy another.There were a couple of flailshung above the only door. There werealso some ploughing chains hangingabout and it is quite possible that an oldcart wheel stood against one of thewalls. An old winnowing riddle shouldabout complete the furniture .A bunch of cultural enthusiasts awaitin silence and semi-darkness for "TheBottle Blowers" warning. Their onlylight is that of a clear moon shiningthrough the tiny window. All of asudden there's a wailing sound amongthe distant hills. The music starts off.The lights are put back on and in amatter of minutes the Barn is alive withmusic and dance.Next, the old Shanachie takes overand for the benefit of newcommers herelates the history of "The Ceili Barn".After him comes the sean-nos singerfollowed by more music and dancing.As this part of the session is reaching itsclimax, there's another wailing soundfrom the "Bottle Blowers". This timeit is a clear warning that the raidingparty is on the warpath.The session party immediately putout the lights; collect their instrumentsand make a quick exit. Minutes later,the raiding party enter. Some have gunswhile others carry lanterns. There is theusual dialogue one would e-xpect from araiding party in the given circumstances.Sheaves of corn are tossed about. Anold useless musical instrumentspecially left behind for the purpose -is kicked around the place. The candlesand parafin lamp are confiscated.Having found nothing of any importance,the raiding party leave . Shortlyafterwards there's another wailing soundin the distance. It is the all clear. Grad-ually , the ceili party enter. Candles areproduced so also is a paraffin lamp. Thesheaves of corn are restored to theirrightful place. After order has been restored,they get down to the nitty-grittyof what brought them there in the firstplace. More music, more songs anddance . It is now the storyteller's turn.He relates the sad story of Ireland andher uphill battle for her human and culturalrights, pointing out that one dayIreland will have the moral and financialsupport of a native Government.It is thought that the late Dr.Doug .as Hy de, who, needless to say ,played a leading role in the revival ofour ancient Irish Language, visited thisbarn in his younger days. Those werethe days when he scoured the countryin search of old people who had hungon tenaciously to their native tongue.It is also quite possible that therewere other cultural barns or hidingplaces up and down the counties, wherededicated Irish men and women labouredin the shadow of the "law" in an effortto keep the then smouldering embersof Ireland's great culture breathing.47

POLKA SETS AT LISTYCROSSROADSA dying tradition has been revivednear Killarney in Co . Kerry.The open air crossroads dances, sopopular in years gone by, have beengiven a new lease of life by CornhaltasCeolt6iri Eireann members in the villageof Listry - eight miles from Killarney.On Sunday last the original roadsideplatform was again the setting for traditionalpolka sets, old time waltzes andthe ever popular Highland Fling. Adultsand children alike braved the unfavourableelements to exhibit their dancingprowess on the same platform that wasused back in the 1920s.It was 32 years since a crossroaddance was staged in the area. And traditionconscious locals felt that it was32 years too many.Prior to last Sunday's gala eventlocals worked tirelessly resurfacing theoriginal concrete platform which wasfust laid way back in 1915. And playingan active role was dancing veteranPaddy O'Brien whose father, Charlie,built the original platform 72 years ago." I'm really delighted that the' traditionhas been revived", said Paddy. "Itshould never have ceased in the fir-stplace."Another local who remembers theearly days of the cross-road dances isTim O'Brien. "Those dances were thehighlight of my youth and I have veryfond memories of those days", he said." It was the only real entertainment ofthat era and people travelled up to 20miles to attend."Tom disclosed that many romancesstarted and finished at the Listry crossroadsdance. " Singing pubs and discoswere not even heard of then and theplatform dances was one of the onlyplaces where boys and girls got thechance to meet," he explained.The organisers were delighted withthe turnout of the Listry event, whichsaw people of all ages anxiously awaitingtheir turn on the platform as a groupof local traditional musicians churnedout all the old favourites.• Reprinted from "TheSunday Press"• Mila O'ConftOr, from Castlemaine, belts out the firstpolka et Listry crossroads dancing · platform.49

To list to th e music that once used to beSo cheerily played by my young activefingers,In myoid co ttage home in Ardfert bythe sea.To far distant climes many friends havedeparted,And others lie cold in their small six-bythree.I'm weary, I'm sad, I am nigh brokenhearted,I can meet them no more in Ardfert bythe sea.Ah! soon I must be with the grassgrowing 0 'er me,So silen t and cold and asleep peacefully;With my friends who have gone to theirgraves long before me,In that ancient old ruin in Ardfert bythe sea.SHORT AND SWEETAs a child I have roamedAs a child I have roamed amidst sunshineand [lowers,All the channs of nature admiring,They are fading, they're gone, all thosebright happy hours,From this life I am sadly retiring.I loved to wander and romp at my ease,Through those rich coloured, gay bloomingmeadows;And to roam with my friends by thehawthorn trees,And play 'neath their blossomy shadowsAh! then I was young and amused bythose joys,And as year after year was advanclng,I longed for the friendship of girls andboys,And to join with th em singing anddancingSo started my youthful and airy career,And in a few years you could find me,Along with the boys amidst pleasuresand cheer,Leaving sunshine and blossoms behindme.And night after night amidst music andsong,With myoid 'music box' as my treasureNo task seemed too heavy, no journeytoo long,I squandered my life for su ch pleasure.MI' parents oft told me I'd somedayregretMy wild and my foolish careering;Bu t I scoffed at their warning, I think ofit yet,I continued and gave them no hearing.And so I have earned my lingering lot,Now I lie on my bed sick and sore.I'm feeble and sore from the pleasures Isought,Though my age it is scarce thirty-four.I must now bid farewell to those gayhappy days,And those kind gentle friends of mychildhood,That gathered with me in the frolics andplays,That we held day by day in the wildwood.And a last long farewell to the friends Iknew,As I wandered to gambles and dances;And also to cailins - who weren't a few,Who gave me their shy loving glances.And so to the end of my life and mysong,I have come with contentment and glee;For I'm just as happy as the days theyare long,And I want you to weep not for me.• LE CAOIN-CHEADCoiste Chontae ChiarraiAN NUACHTOIR CEOLMHARSa ghriangraf ta N6irin NiGhrlidaigh, Rath Eo , Co. na Mfdhe agusHenry J. O'Dwyer, Cathaoirleach EBSagus Aengus Fanning, Eagarthoir"Sunday Independent." BhuaighNoirfn an gradam EBS/Sunday Independent"Young Journalist of the Year".Sf Noirfn an duine is oige riamh a bhuaighan gradam seo agus bhi nfos mo nacuig cead istigh ar an gcomortas. Donchomortas rinne si agallarnh le Ivan Beshoff(104 bhliain)- R6iseach a chonaionni mBaile Atha Cliath anois - inaraibh cur sfos ar an saol sa Ruis agus inEirinn ag tus na h-aoise seo.Is fidleir deas traidisiunta i Noirin aghreastalaionn maraon le cuid eile daciann, ar rang cheoil Antoin MhicGhabhann. Seineann si chomh maithi mBanna Cheoil bg Naomh Padraig.Is 0 Ghort a' Choirce, Tir Chonall,do mbathair Noirin agus 0 Louisbourg,Co. Mhaigheo, da h-athar a chasann anbosca cheoil. Rugadh agus togadhNoirfn Nf Ghradaigh i Chicago, ait ach6naigh an clann sui ar thangadarabhaile i 1973.Se an duais a bhfuair sf na ob air Samhraidhmar nuachtoir leis an " SundayIndependent" .AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGEDuring March 1987 one of Sydney'straditional musicians got marriedJimmyMullarkey from Sligo and Margaret Conlanfrom Kildare were married inLewisham Catholic Church. The receptionand subsequent session was held inBirkenhead Point. The session went oninto the small hours. Present at the sessionwere three musicians recently outfrom Ireland: Eilish O'Connor fromDundalk ; Padraig McDonagh fromArtane, Dublin; and Jim Connors fromGort who lived for some years in Sydneybefore returning to Gort five yearsago . The Sydney traditional musicscene has improved greatly by the additionof three such proficient musicians.Eilish and Padraig and local stalwartPhil Murray at present run a session atthe Gaelic Club in Sydney every Fridaynight.CELTIC MAIDENFrom the land of Erin and noble GaelI see the warrior clans of which we hail,o celtic maiden of Scottish bloodRemember ancient chieftains bravelystood.Like the goddess with golden hairSpirit of Epona and face so fair,Of Tuatha De Danann we have sprungDeeds of Gwydion, Bran and Lugh aresung.With our blue eyes set in King Arthur'sshrineWe see the Druid's oak and forest ofpine,My heart is ablaze and with pride it saysI love the maiden dearly.MICK CLIFFORD, 198651

FLEADH CHEOIL NA HEIREANNCHAMPIONS OF NOTE 1987FIDDLEFaoi 121 st. Gavin Pcnnycook, Glasgow2nd. Clodagh Boylan, Deny3rd. Sheila Gany, Clare.12-151 st. Macdara 0 Raghallaigh, Meath.2nd. Des Donnelly, Manchester.3rd. Tomas b Muirigh, Leitrim.15-181 sI. Brian Lavery, Deny.2nd. Deirdre Carney, New York.3rd. Sheila Maguire, New York.Over 181 st. Brendan Larassey, Louth.2nd. John Weir, Tyrone.3rd. Catherme McEnroe, Cavan.TWO ROW ACCORDIONFaoi 121 st. Alan Costello, Tipperary.2nd. Stiofan 0 Nuallain, Carlow.3rd. John O'Sullivan, Kerry.12-151st. Brian O'Connor, New York.2nd. Gary ConnolJy, London.3rd. Ned KeIJy, Tipperary.15-181st. lan Carney, New York.2nd. Martin Connolly, New Jersey.3rd. Ned Ryan, Tipperary.Over 181st. Michael Sexton, Clare2nd. S. S. Breathnach, Galway .3rd. Sean McSkeane, Luton.CONCERT FLUTEFaoi 121st. Nicholas Carroll, Tipperary.2nd. John Blake, London.3rd. Roisin Crawley, Dundalk.12-151st. Scan 0 CeaIJaigh, Roscommon.2nd . Liam 0 Dubhgain, Galway.3rd. Ann Marie Harty, Tipperary.15-181 st. Michael Goldrick, Manchester.2nd. Scan 0 Gaoithin, Roscommon3rd. Ruairi 0 Maoleasca, Dublin.Over 181 st. Pat Fitzpatrick, Wexford.2nd. Garry Shannon, Clare.3rd. Madonna Harron, Tyrone.TIN WHISTLEFaoi 121st. Roisin Crawley, Dundalk.2nd . John Blake, London.3rd. Kicran Atherton, Liverpool.12-151 st. Stiofan 0 Ceallaigh, Dublin.2nd. Scan 0 Ccallaigh, Roscommon.3rd. Eimear Maycock, Castlebar.15-181 st. Diarmuid 0 Muineachain, Cork.2nd. Scan 0 Gaoithin, Roscommon.3rd. Tadhg 0 Suilleabhain, Cork.Over 181 st. Sion Ni AIlmhurain, Clare.2nd. Madonna Henon, Tyrone.3rd. Attracta Brady, Offaly.PIANO ACCORDIONFaoi 121 st. Fiona Ni Shiorra, Carlow,2nd. Maria Wims, Meath.3rd. Paul Harrigan, Donegal.12-151st. Caro line Ni Mhurchu, Cork.2nd. Sean Gavaghan, Leeds.3rd. Brian Glynn, New Jersey.15-181st. Declan Aungier, Kildare.2nd. Barbara Dooley, Wexford.3rd. Eibhlis Ni Dhubhgain, Galway.Over 181st. Gearoid 0 hArgain, Cork.2nd. Peadar 0 hOisin, Galway.3rd. Christopher McCrory, Dublin.CONCERTINAFaoi 121st. Paul Quinn, Armagh.2nd. Grainne Ni Aimle, Mayo.3rd. Mairead Cleary, Clare.12-151st. Michael Rooney, Monaghan.2nd. Niamh Ni Charra, Kerry.3rd. Rona Ni Dhincin, Monaghan.15-181st. Caroline Tubridy, Clare.2nd. Michael 0 RaghaIJaigh, Meath.3rd. Tomas 0 Dochartaigh, Mayo .Over 181 st. Michael Sexton, Clare.2nd. Tadhg 0 Coileain, Limerick.3rd. Elaine Commins, Coventry.UILLEANN PIPES:Faoi 121 st. Emmett Gill, London.2nd. Olivia Ni Ghealbhain, Mayo.3rd. Nicky Murphy, Cork.12-151 st. Tiarnan 0 Dincin, Monaghan.2nd. Eim ear Maycock , Castlebar.3rd. James O'Grady, Luton.15-181 st. lvan Goff, Du blin.2nd. Rachcl Ni Ghealbhain, Mayo.3rd. John Kennedy, Luton.Over 181st. Martin Frain, Sheffield.2nd. Mark Donnelly, Armagh.3rd. Michael Lawlor, Wexford.HARPFaoi 121st. Fionnuala Joyce, Meath.2nd. Padraigin Caesor, Carlow.3rd. Fionnuala Ni Ruanai, Monaghan.12-151st. MichealO Runai, Monaghan.2nd. Aileen Kennedy, Wexford.·3rd. Sorcha KeIJy, Monaghan.15-181st. Brenda Barron, Donegal.2nd. Sile Ni Dheasuin, Corcaigh.3rd. Kim Ni Phleamoinn, Roscommon.,Over 181 st. Eimear Ni Bhroin, Cork.2nd. Carol Ni Chuimin, Cork.3rd. Finian McCloskey, Monaghan.MOUTH ORGANFaoi 121st. Paul O' Dwyer, Wexford.2nd. Angela Kerr, Gt. Harwood.12-151st. Alan O'Dwyer, Wexford.2nd. Joseph O'Loughlin, Derry.3rd. John Keane, Kerry.15-181st. Rosarie Cagney, Limerick .2nd. Teresa Cagney, Limerick.Over 181st. Don Meade, New York.2nd. Philip Murphy, Wexford.3rd. Seamus O'Boyle, Dublin.BANJOFaoi 121 st. Eanna 0 Scathghaill, Galway.2nd. Paul Mcehan, Manchester.3rd. Matta 0 Riada, Limerick.12-151st. Marcus 0 Maoldomhnaigh, Limerick.2nd. Andrew Dinan, Manchester.3rd. Drean MacAmhlaoibh, Cork .15-181st. Alan Tubridy, Clare.2nd. Fiona McEruoe, Cavan.3rd: Pat Bass, Wexford.Over 181st. Tomas 0 Maclain, Galway.2nd. Colman Nugent, Waterford.3rd. Noel Birmingham, Clare.PIANOFaoi 121st. Clodagh Boylan, Derry2nd. Mairead Cahill, Clare.3rd. Caitriona CuIJivan, Cavan.12-151 st. Maire Ni CheaUaigh, Clare.2nd. Orlaith Ni Chantuil, Offaly .3rd. Adrian 0 Scathghail, Galway.53

3rd. Lcagrave Ceili Band, Luton.Over 181st. The Thatch Ceili Band, London.2nd. St. Colmcille's Ccili Band, St. Albans.3rd. Longridge Ceili Band, Offaly.GRUPAI CHEOILFaoi 121st. Moynalty Group, Meath.2nd. O'Carolan CCE Group, Manchester.3rd. Cluain Tarbh, DUblin.12-151st. Trim Group, Meath.2nd. lnis Eoghain Group, Donegal.3rd . Oganaigh an Chraoibhin, Roscommon.Over 181st. Ballishall Group, Wicklow.2nd. Grupa Cheoil na Coradh, Clare.3rd. Cornafean Group, Cavan.ACCORDION MARCHING BANDSFaoi 181st. SenchalstownfKentstown Band, Meath.2nd. St. Oliver Plunkett Band, Tyrone.3rd. St. Malachy 's Accordion Band, Down.Over 181st. St. Mary's Accordion Band, Donegal.2nd. Drumgath Accordion Band, Down.FLUTE BANDSFaoi 181st. St. Patrick's Flute Band, Armagh.2nd. Scoil Naisiunta Naomh Eoin,RoscommonOver 181 st. Duion Cheoil Bann na Feirste, Donegal.2nd. Clooney Flute Band, Antrim.ROGHA GHLEAS MARCHING BANDSFaoi 18.1st. Cloch an Fhaola Band, Donegal.2nd. St. Eunan's Junior Band, Donegal.3rd. Listowel Marching Band, Kerry.Over 181 st. St. Macartan's Band, Co. Fermanagh.PIPE BANDS1st. O'Neill Pi1st. O'Ncill Pipe Band, Armagh.2nd. Cloughrin Pipe Band, Tyrone.AMHRAIN-MNA1st. Dcirdrc Ni Scanlain, Limerick .2nd. Tara Ni ConMara, Clate.3rd. Ciara Conlon, Derry.AMHRAIN-MNAFaoi 121 st. Dcirdre Ni Scanlain, Limerick.2nd. Tara Nic Conmara, Clare.3rd. Ciara Conlon, Deny.12-151 st. Mairead Ni Churtain, Limerick .2nd. Siobhan Ni Chailpin, Donegal.3rd. Cait Ni rhaolachain, Westmeath.15-181st. Niamh Nic Mhathuna, Dublin.2nd. Sile Morgan, Offaly.3rd. Dcirdre Ni Dheaghaidh, Clare.Over 181st. Nora Nic Dhonnacha, Galway.2nd. Carol Ni Chuimin, Cork.3rd. Eibhlin Ni Bhriain, Dublin.AMHRAIN-FIRFaoi 121st. Cathal 0 Conaill, Cork .2nd. Mailici 0 Muirigh, Galway.3rd. Ronan 0 Maoldomhnaigh, Limerick.12-151 st. Padraig Mac an Ultaigh, Mayo.2nd. Micheal 0 Runai, MOnaghan.3rd. loseph 0 Canainn, D,onegal.15-181 st. Donal0 Laoire, Meath.2nd. John Walsh, Kerry.3rd. Ailbe 0 Monachain, Donegal.Over 181 st. Dara Ban MacDonnacha, Galway.2nd. Pat Connolly, London.3rd. MichealO Runai, Monaghan.BALLADS - LADIESFaoi 121 st. Cara Dillon, Derry.2nd. Rachel Quilton, London.3rd. Sorcha Ni Bhlioscain, Roscommon.12-151st. Aileen Ni Chonchubhair, Westmeath.2nd. Mairead Ni Churtain, Limerick.3rd . Siobhan Ni Chailfin, Donegal.15-181st. Niamh Nic Mhathuna, Dublin.2nd. Caitriona Ni Mhaolain, Mayo.3rd. Verena Commins, Coventry.Over 181st. Rose Daly, Offaly.2nd. Carol Ni Chuimin, Cork.3rd. Doreen Masterson, Westmeath.BALLADS - MENFaoi 121st. Cathal MacAmhlaoibh, Limerick.2nd. lason Carthy, Wexford.3rd. Gordon Leonard, Meath.12-151 st. Padraig Mac an UJtaigh, Mayo.2nd. Daren 0 Conghaile, Ennis.3rd. Ciaran 0 Cuinneagain, Roscommon.15-181 st. Brendan Coleman, Leicester.2nd. Barry McLaughlin, Tyrone.3rd. Liam Trcanor, Monaghan.Over 181 st. Gcrard McQuaid, Monaghan.2nd. Philip MacIonnrachtaigh3rd. Larry Mason, Dublin.WHISTLINGFaoi 121st. Ciaran'O'Grady, Luton.2nd. Gabriel 0 Ccallaigh, Leitrim.3rd. Scan 0 Gliasain, Cork.12-151 st. Michael Gleeson, Cork.2nd. Alan O'Dwyer, Wexford.3rd. James O'Grady, Luton.15-181st. Maedhbh Nic Oireachtaigh, Mayo.2nd. Michael 0 Gorman, Sligo.Over 181 st. Padraig 0 Raithbheartaigh, Galway2nd. Fergal Maguigan, Derry.3rd. loc Geraghty, Westmeath.lILTINGFaoi 121 st. Deirdre Scanlon, Limerick.2nd. Paul Meehan, Manchester.3rd. Siobhan Nic Aodha, Mayo.12-151st. Grace Kelly , Manchester.2nd. Andrea Matthews, DUblin .3rd. Glen Connolly, London.15-181st. Maedhbh Nic Oireachtaigh, Mayo.2nd. Brendan Coleman, Leicester.3rd . Brenda Ni Churtain, Limerick.Over 181st. Padraig 0 Raibheartaigh, Galway.2nd. Siobhan Ni Chonorain, Limerick .3rd. Fergal McGuiggan, Derry.AMHRAN NUA-CHEAPTHA1st. Jack McCutheon, Wexford.2nd. Micheal 0 Maranainn, Waterford.NEWLY COMPOSED BALLAD1st. Padraig 0 Raithbheartaigh, Galway.2nd. Michael Carr, Kerry.3rd. Pat Brosnan, Limerick.COMHRA GAEILGEFaoi 101st. Brid Ni Ghormain, Clare.2nd. Eimear Ni Mhaolmhuaidh, Mayo.3rd. Mairtin 0 Corbaidh, Cavan.Faoi 131st. Eamonn 0 Maolmhuaidh, Maigheo2nd. Fiona Ni Chonchubhair, Chiarrai3rd. Eanna 0 Dubhlaigh, Ua bhFailiFaoi 13 - Gaeltacht1st. Anna Nic Niallais, Dhun na nGall.2nd. Seosamh 0 Canainn, Dhun na nGal1.Faoi 151st. Karen Ni Mhaolmhuaidh, Maigheo.2nd. Ruairi 0 Conchubhair, Chiarrai.3rd. Liam 0 Dugain, Gaillirnh.Faoi 15 - Gaeltacht.1st. Colma Nic Niallais, Dhun na nGall.Faoi 181st. Brian 0 Conchubhair, Chiarrai.2nd. Fidelma Ni Dhiarmada, Clar3rd. Marie Ni Chorainn, Fermanagh.CNUASACHT DE CEOL RINCE1 st. Fiona Breathnach, Sligo.CNUASACHT DE AMHRAIN TUAITHE1 st. Tom Buckley, Kerry.2nd. Willie O'Brien, Waterford.3rd. Michael Rafferty, Galway.SET COMPETITIONSFaoi181 st. Munterconnaught Set, Cavan.2nd. Cluain Tarbh Set, DUblin.3rd. Lyrecrompanc Set, Kerry.Over 181st. Gael Colmcille, Meath.2nd. Munterconnaught Set, Cavan.3rd. Cois na hAbhna Set, Clare.55

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BACKTRIUMPHANT TOURThe 18-strong concert tour group returnedtriumphant from the 16thannual North American Concert Tourhaving won the hearts and applause ofcapacity audiences at 20 concertsthroughout the United States andCanada. The verdict of the most hardenedcritics was unanimous: "undoub­.tedly one of the best concert tours of alltime. " With the aid of the muchappreciated BUDWEISER sponsorshipbacked up by AER LINGUS WATER­FORD GLASS and THE CULTURALRELATIONS COMMITTEE, Comhaltasspared no effort in providing the bestfor this prestigious and long-running culturalevent.The securing of the BUDWEISERsponsorship was a major coup for Comhaltas.It has made it possible for themto add the icing to the cake and a Comhaltas spokesman said that "these arethe type of breaks for which we havebeen waiting a long time. It certainlyaugurs well for the future."The Tour group was an evenly balancedcombination of talent andversatility: there was a freshness to theshow which made it a huge hit withaudiences everywhere.For the artistes, drawn from all overIreland and Britain, it was an experienceof a lifetime taking them to such exoticplaces as New Orleans, San Antonio,Chicago, St. Louis, New York, NewHaven, Kansas City, San Francisco, V!Ulcouver,Calgary, St. Albert, Walth.am,Schenectady, Utica, Detroit, Toronto,. Ottawa and Saskatoon. The grouptravelled over 20,000 miles on theirwhistle-stop tour.North American Co-ordinator BillMcEvoy of New York and formerly ofLaois praised the host committees inthe U.S. and Canada for ajob well done."It went like clockwork", he declared,"and the image of Comhaltas andIreland has received a major boostthrough the success of the Tour. Thegroup were a credit to Ireland - truecultural ambassadors."Already preparations are underwayfor the 1988 Tour and Bill McEvoy willtravel to Dublin for preliminary discussionsat the December meeting of theArdchomhairle.BANK OF IRELANDPresentsA glil11pseof the realIrelandCONCERTTOUROFBRITAIN198813-27 February, 1988Blackbum, Stevenage,Harringay, st. Albans, EastLondon, Port Talbot,Cheltenham, Northampton,Leicester, Sheffield, Leeds,Newcastle, Motherwell,Glasgow and Manchester.Travel courtesy ofB & I LINES6

,TIONOLTIMEThe annual Tion61 Cheoil at theFranciscan College, Gormanston,continues to be one of the highlights onthe Comhaltas calendar. July 1987 wasno exception. Organised by ComhairleLaighean of Comhaltas, the Tionolbrings together many old friends of thetraditional music movement togetherwith the young exponents. Among thebest supporters are the musicians fromNorthern Ireland.The 1987 Tionol had a very variedprogramme from workshops to wrenboysand sessions to ceilithe. There wasnever a dull moment and the excellentfacilities of the College - includingheated swimming pool - were extensivelyused.The Tionol must be the best valuefor money to be found anywhere. Themodest fee covers all accommodation,meals and entertainment for the wholeweek-end.The dates for 1988 are the 1/3 July.Further details available from RunaiLaighean, Mrs. J 0 Morris, 170 Biscayne,Malahide, Co. Dublin. (phone: 01-452668).DONEGAL MAN WINS £5,000The winner of the £5 ,000 Prize inthe recent NASC Draw organised byComhaltas Ceoltoirf Eireann was Mr.Tony McGilloway, Port-na-Blagh,Dunfanaghy, Co . Donegal. Ticket No.452356.52

THE GENIUS OFCHRISTOPHER O'CONNELLLe 'Reachtaire'Christopher O'Connell, or 'Christy'as he was known to his many friends,was a native of Main, Ardfert. As anaccordion player, he was years beforehis time, being the first known performerin Kerry to master the chromaticstyle of playing on the two row box andto make proper use of the bass keys. Inthe late thirties and early forties, he wasin great demand in the dance halls inNorth Kerry and with his "box" strappedto the carrier of his bicycle, hetravelled as far afield as Crotta hall, the'Hut' hall at Mountcoal and Jer Dan'shall in Causeway. Among his pupilswere such well known players as theCooke brothers - Harry and Tom Joeand ] erry Flaherty. His ramb lings inall kinds of weather eventually took itstoll, and in the early forties, he wasdiagnosed as having the dreaded diseasetuberculosis,and was sent to EdenbumSanatorium. At a time when few recoveredfrom the disease, Christy wasone of the few lucky ones and in twoyears, left with a clean bill of health anda warning that for the future he wouldhave to be very careful. Unfortunately,he did not heed the warning and in ashort time resumed his travels andwithin two years was back in Edenburnwhere he died some months later. Ashis strength failed, he found the accordiontoo heavy to handle and he borroweda fiddle and made considerableprogress on this difficult instrument beforehis death. The good sisters inEdenburn remember him as a modelpatient who was the life and soul of thehospital, thus following in the footstepsof his father Paddy Connell, R,I.P.Some weeks before he died, and at atime when he was well aware of whatlay before him, he resorted to writingpoems, which he duly sent to 'TheKerryman'. When his first poem "Ardfertby the Sea" appeared in print, therewas scarcely a dry eye in North Kerryon that weekend. This was followed by"Short and Sweet," in which he badefarewell to his countless friends and twofurther poems. The many old timers,still alive who knew Christy will relishA session in Edenburn in the early '4Os. Christy O ' Connell ill holding the accordionin the front row.reading his master pieces reproduced inthis journal.ARDFERT BY THE SEAThere's a dear little spot where withpleasure in childhood,With small friends I wandered so happyand free,When fragrant wild flowers were inbloom in the wild wood,Round my old cottage home in Ardfertby the sea.Through the long summer's day whenthe bright sun was shining,How often we played by the hawthorntree;In a gay noisy group 'til the eve wasdecliningOn those green mossy banks in Ardfertby the sea.Then the years stole away with ourinnocent pleasure,We were boys as no longer we childrencould be;And we drank from the cup full of life'sjolly measure,At the dances and sport in Ardfert bythe sea.Through the long winters' nights wewere dancing and singing,Round the old kitchen floor we werewheeling with glee,As the notes of a jig were so cheerilyringing,In my oid cottage home in Ardfert bythe sea.But now there are changes, the placeseems so lonely;Those bright happy faces no more I cansee,And the kind-hearted parents whoreared me so fondlyAre asleep in their graves in Ardferl bythe sea.No more on the roadway the passer bylingers,50

CHURCHTOWN TO CELEBRATETHEIR 10th YEARIn the Autumn of 1975 a group ofmusicians from around the Dundrumarea got together with a view to forminga branch of Cornhaltas. Founder membersincluded Dermot Fleming, SetinSkehill, Mick Griffin, Liam McCoy,Billy Kavanagh, Betty Crilly (R.IP.)Tom Fitzpatrick, Paul Skehill and Setino 'D wy er. Weekly sessions were held inO'Dwyers, Dundrum and continuedthere for some time . The Churchtownbranch was born in February, 1976(later to be known as Cr. Naithi).Churchtown sessions commenced thenin The Bottle Tower, which were secondto none, both in the quality ofmusicians who attended and thenumbers of interested patrons. Notablesof that time were the late Criost6irb Cearnaigh and Hughie McCormack,(R.l.P.), the presenter of "The MountainLark", Seosaimh in Nz' Bheaglaoich,together with a host of today's top classmusicians too numerous to mention.Visiting musicians to the sessions werethe Bush Whackers from Australia,Swedish fiddlers on tour in Ireland, ourown Christy Moore, The Glackins andmany more. The branch financed fiddleand tin whistle classes taught by MaryCorcoran and Setin Montgomery butsadly these classes ceased in time. AllIreland honours were brought to thebranch at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann inBuncrana that year by Seosaimhin NiBheaglaoich, Diarmuid Fleming andTeddy Delamere.In 1977 Martin Byrnes again broughthonour to the branch when he won TheFiddler of Oriel in Monaghan.Sessions in the Bottle Tower endedin Novel1!ber 1977 and resumed on Sundaynights in The Braemor Rooms inthe New Year 1978. Also at that timethe branch started ceill and set dancingclasses in De La Salle College, Churchtowntaught by Connie Ryan and whilethe ceili dances were dropped in time,the set classes are growing more populareach year and continue each Tuesdaynight right up to the present.Membership now was made up of ahandful of people steered by Setin andPaul Skehill who worked hard to keepthe branch alive, clearly more memberswere needed. April 1982 and thesessions were on the move again, thistime to "The Willows" in Ballinteer onFriday nights: later it was decided tohave a second one on Sunday nights.Both sessions were very successful forsome time, but interest dropped and theFriday session was discontinued. OurSunday night session continues and weare pleased to report that our musiciansare joined by some of the f~esttraditional players in Dublin.In 1984 we started our junior ceiliand set dancing classes in Dundrum withSile Mason in charge.1985 and the members again broughthonours to the branch by winning theAll-Ireland set dancing finals of Ceol anGheimhridh in Belmullet. The branchalso ran a set dancing week-end seminarin November '85 which was a hugesuccess with dancers from the four provincesattending.We must mention here that membershipis up by 70% now, due to a lot ofhard work and this fact was recorded inTREOIR Top 20 Membership 1985-1986.Summer outings took place to DanLarkins, Garrykennedy in 1984, ThePipers' Inn, Killaloe, 1985 and Dun naSi, Moate, 1986.Two very successful Oiche Cheoilswere held in 1985 but our special onewas held in November 1986 to mark ourtenth birthday at which we launchedour branch tape. We are very proud ofthis tape (there are a few left which canbe bought through the branch).In our early years we had littlecontact with the Dublin County Boardeven to the point of being veryindependent. This was seen of late asbeing far removed from the best interestof the branch. When Julie McMeel waselected to our committee in the earlyeighties she brought a broader vision tothings, with ·the result that we startedsending delegates to County Boardmeetings. The benefits of this contactled to better relations with otherbranches and more understanding of theworking of the organisation. During therecent period both Julie McMeel andDick Hogan have served as Officers onthe Dublin County Board.Autumn 1986 brought another boostto the branch when music classes gotgoing again with over 70 pupils for tinwhistle, 35 for accordion and 13 forfiddle. Classes are held on Thursdays inBallinteer and subsidised by branchfunds. This venture together with ourbranch tape was the highlight of "TenYears a Growing".CRAOBH NAITHiUTVCONTRIBUTETOCCEAs a tribute to Comhaltas CeoltoiriEireann for their work in thepromotion of Irish traditional music andtheir progress in the sphere of communityrelations, UTV have made a financialcontribution to Comhaltas. Thiswas forwarded . to the Cultu.rlann togetherwith a letter of commendationfrom UTV management.The Ardchomhairle of Comhaltashave expressed their appreciation of thegenerous gesture by UTV. Some yearsago UTV also presented a valuabletrophy to Comhaltas in memory of thelate Brian O'Donnell who was a formerChairman of the Ulster Council ofComhaltas. Brian had a close relationshipwith the Ulster based televisionnetwork and played an invaluablerole in developing the Irish traditionalmusic programmes of the station.Over 60 branches of Comhaltasare now active throughout Ulsterand the contingent from that Provinceat Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann inListowel was estimated to be among thelargest in the country.48

THE BARD OF OUL' ARBOEAn appreciation by Paddy TunneyAll Ulster o'er the people moumedfor a singer lost to the land. It was withbitter grief and heart rending sorrow weleamed of the tragic death of GeordieHanna, unquestionably Ulster's mightiesttraditional singer. Go ndeanaidh anRz" maith air.It is not infrequently said of singersand musicians performing in the idiomof the people that they were moulded intradition. Geordie Hanna was muchmore than that. He was quarried out ofa granite tradition in some ways as oldas the country itself.When we listened to his racy speech,his genius for heightened language, but,above all, his rich and well-nigh miraculoussinging style we fell out of time'spocket into a world peopled by FinnMacCool, Osin, Cuchulainn, QueenMaeve and Cu Ri Ard MacDaire. Hedug deep into the Duchas of our Raceand gave unstintedly of the treasures hefound there.I recall clearly my first meeting withGeordie. It was in the Carlton Hotel inBelleek, Co. Fermanagh, at one of thegreat singing hostings made possible bythe Northern Arts Council. He shared abedroom with Brian Mullen from Derryand myself. As usual we sang into theearly hours of Sunday. In spite of thisGeordie was early afoot, shaving,washing and preparing for Sunday Mass.It never mattered how long orarduous the Saturday night singingsessions at Fleadhanna or Scoil Eigseandmany of them were and still aredurability tests - Geordie was first upand groomed for Sunday Mass.He went downstairs and started hisbreakfast to be joined by some Belfastmen searching vainly for a hair out ofthe dog that bit them. "Boys, it's atarrah!", Geordie declared to them, "Ileft Paddy Tunney and Brian Mullen upthere asleep as the bells of Armagh andthey singing away like two thushes! "Once when he returned home aftera hero's reception at a Fleadh Cheoil, heproudly boasted to his wife and family :"Boys oh boys, ye should have beenthere! When I or (another singer whoshall be unnamed) sang you could heara flea scratching himself! "GEORDIE HANNAOur minstrel boy, our singing warriorhas gone from us and left a naked placeagainst the sky..... But Geordie , youwont be forgotten. Wherever the sonsof Ulster meet the men of Ireland to liftup their voices in song, you shall be inour midst.Ye gods assist my poor wearied notionYe inspired muses lend me your handsAnd direct my quill, without blame orblemishTill I sing the praises of th ese lovelylands.Go mbeidh do 16istin geal anochti bParthas na Naomh!DROGHEDA CELEBRATESThe Fisherman's Wharf in Droghedawas the scene of a great night's jollificationon 28th August when the localbranch of Cornhaltas helped PaddyJoyce and his lovely wife Mary celebratetheir 25th wedding anniversary.faddy, . accompanied by his wifearrived in good time, thinking he wasgoing to join the musicians in entertainingsome foreigners who were on afishing holiday in Drogheda. His firstintimation of what was really happeningwas when his family , quite a large one,whom he had put to bed before he lefthome suddenly appeared on the scene.A sumptuous meal of tea, sandwichesand a great variety of cakes was followedby a wonderful night of music,song and dance and the best of crack.When Paddy and Mary had cut the cakethey led the floor in the first dance.Cecilia McGovern, John Gray, RogerRyan, Tom Kavanagh, Brendan Carolan,Mick Flanagan, Tom Collins, PatsyDuffy and Paddy himself provided themusic for the night. Lolo Robinsontreated the company to some sparklingdancing and songs were sung by DinnyMcDonnell and Shay White . Paddy'sdaughter SHe, a promising young musician,gave a moving rendition of"Eamonn an Chnoic" on her fiddle .Lolo , cathaoirleach na craoibhe, extendeda cead mHe failte to all present,congratulated Paddy and Mary andwished them many more years of healthand happiness.All too quickly the night's enjoymentcame to an end and the companydeparted with Paddy's lively renderingof "The Turkey in the Straw" ringing intheir ears.Go mba fada buan Paddy agus Maireagus an fuead6g stain.PADRAIG b DUF AIGH46

and be intluenced as their life pathdictates, so that what is true for oneneed not be true for another. Some willhear the call for preserving elementalpurity and others will inevitably followthe "folk process" of development andexpansion, but just as we should cuiti-vate a tolerance and respect for genius,those among us who are dedicated tothe preservation of the living traditionsof their grandparents should becherished. If these people do not keepthe flame alive the current progressionof supercharging simple material willresult, in another 40 years, in a worldwhere people are playing a crossbetween "Balkan-fusion" and Americanjazzand getting their dander up indefending it as "real Irish traditional".DANCING FUN AT FLEADHNUATh. Koschatstrasse 16,A-9S00 Villach,Austria.In May of last year my wife and Iwere present at the Fleadh Nua inEnnis. It was our first time in Ireland,and we would have loved to participatein the evenings' ceili dances - but howto learn these steps in a hurry?That opportunity was given to us bythe three ceili and set-dancing classesoffered on Friday as well as on Saturday.We particularly appreciated thatour instructor, Mr. Pat Liddy, tried (andsucceeded) to quickly teach us the basicsteps and movement sequences, withoutundue emphasis on fmesse and perfection.His free -and-easy approach helpedto relax us newcomers and encouragedus to venture forth.Already on Friday evening at thebig ceilf we allowed ourselves to be pulledin by friendly locals to join varioussets- but not without first asking Pat,"Do we know this one?"Because of the classes, we alreadyhad quite a few friends and thus did notfeel like complete strangers. In one s~twe had a real international crew : anAmerican couple, an Austro- Americancouple (us), an English couple and alocal one.In Slimmary, we had a hell of a lot offun at the Flearih Nua and hope to beback some time in the future .PROF. DR. WALTERJ.BOUQUET FOR VIDEOLEHMr NN37 Willarong Road,Mt. Colah 2079,NSW, Australia.I read with great interest the article on'Tradition on Video' and would like tocompliment you and your committeeon fostering such a worthwhile recordof traditional music. To future generationsI'm sure these videos will providean added perspective to the soundrecordings and written music. Somewill, of course, argue that the oral traditionin years gone by was adequate topass down music, however, I can't helpbut think that with the modem style ofliving it would be almost impossible toreturn to this method.My second reason for writing is toenquire whether a copy of the DanO'Dowd tape can be purchased byoverseas members or clubs, and if so ,what would be the cost? I wasfortunate enough to meet Dan on histrip to Australia about six years ago ,and his mastery of piping and love ofthe music shone through despite his advancingyears.In Sydney I am one of six strugglinguilleann pipers who meet, unfortunately,on an irregular basis to try andmaster the art of piping. We are allmembers of CCE.If you can help it would be greatlyappreciated by the present and futurepipers in Australia.Keep up the good work .MELOSBILLHARTEMELOS - a first collection of poemsby Tomas b Canainn, well known asl.Iilleann-piper and music reviewer, hasjust been published by CLOG .Many of the poems have alreadyappeared in print, both in Ireland andEngland and have been broadcast onRTE. One of the poems, Nuala'sFiddle was the sole Irish contribution toRobert Nye's P.E.N. New Poetry 1 lastyear. Music, family ties and nature arehis themes.The author is Dean of Engineering atUniversity College Cork and teachesuilleann pipes · in the Cork School ofMusic. He played and sang for manyyears with the famous traditional T""~lCgroup NA FILl.TOMAS 6 CANAINNHe is author of Traditional Music inIreland, Songs of Cork and New Tunesfor Old. Last year, Appletree Press publishedhis autobiographical novel, Hometo Derry.MELOS, (poems by Tomas bCanainn) is published in paperback byCLOG at 5 Ard Barra, Glanrnire, Cork ;£3.95 72 pp., ISBN 1 87069300 O.. For further information on this publicationor the author, please ring 021-821003.DAvewlLL1AmSCDAKeR O~ ~lNeulLLeANN plpeS.~ ~LUTeSTHE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE, WEST KEAL , SPILSBYLlNCS PE234sD TEL. (0790)5280644

MORE WEXFORDBALLADS"That renowned and personable Wexford bard Paddy Berry has once againtapped the well-spring of native folklore. He has helped to fill the reservoir ofnative song so that now and in years to come younger generations may drink theirfill of the genius and insight of those earthy balladeers who recorded for posteritythe deeds of the great, the meek and the ordinary mortals who inhabit our countryside.These ballad makers were the authentic recorders of history and the mostpotent commentators on social, political and cultural issues. "This was stated by Labhras bMurchu when he officially launchedPaddy Berry 's second book of Wexfordballads at a very pleasant function inEnniscorthy during Fleadh CheoilLaighean. The book is appropriatelytitled "More Wexford Ballads". AntArdstiurth6ir continued:Oh, Willie, brother Willie, your mind sooften straysBack to your home in Cleariestown andhappy Christmas days,You were young then, Willie, and sowere millions moreYou're now an exile, growing old, awayfrom Wexford's shore.Oh, Willie, brother Willie, you fIXedNick Larkin 's fanYou put a foot on Mary Hayes's pot anda lug on Rossiter's panA brake on Banville 's grubber, . piecedsocks for Robert DoyleIt's no wonder, brother Willie, you'renow on foreign soil.That direct statement from the soul ofJ em Carroll recalls the emigration of hisblacksmith brother, Bill, to England.This is a theme with which the majorityof homes in Ireland could easilyidentify. There are no teacher's notesrequired to point out the nuances oryearnings - they are scarred deep in thespirit of the nation.Paddy Berry the All-Irelandchampion ballad singer: Paddy Berrythe . sensitive and helpful adjudicator;Paddy Berry the entertainer supreme;and now Paddy Berry the song collectorare all facets of a rare , complex yetdown-to-earth son of rural Ireland. Hismanly bearing; his sporting instincts andhis ability to sing a song with the best ofthem ranks him with many of his illustriousWexford forebears and with thelegendary Matt the Thresher of CharlesKickham's imagination.As Plidraig Kehoe of Enniscorthyonce declared:Old Wexford of the sturdy sonsSprujg from a stubborn soilBreed of the men who spiked the gunsLand of our hearts, while Slaney runsTill time and memory fade awayHere's to you, Wexford, all the way.Paddy's second collection of ballads -aptly titled "More Wexford Ballads" -is a rich and varied treasury of nativesongs. Many of these ballads laysleeping but now have been revivedthrough the determination of the songcollector whom we salute here tonight.We would, indeed, have greatly diminishedthis treasury if we had allowedsuch gems of wisdom and feeling to fadeinto oblivion. In this book we get an. authentic glimpse of the life and timesof the real artistic Ireland as seenthrough the eyes of the uninhibitedcommunity philosopher. Here is notonly a window of the past but aninviting door to the future.Last night whilst sleeping peacefully , Istrolled down memory landAnd so enchanted I became I was but achild againThe lush green fields where oft I playedin vision I see stillAnd the babbling brook pursues itscourse, just below Bally donegan Hill.I retraced my footsteps up the pathunto the winding laneI promised if God willed, I would comeback there once againTo view it in reality , then I'd kneel andkiss the sodHaving done my best, I would leave therest to Mary and to God.Paddy Berry has enthralled audiencesin the village halls of Ireland and in thegreat auditoria across North America.He has revived memories; inspired confidence; and helped to regain our prideas a noble race. His thirst for discoveringthe " hidden Ireland" will, I believe,remain unabated for many years tocome and the reservoir will continue tobe filled by his untiring efforts.He has been a staunch member ofComhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann for manyyears and held many positions in themovement. Only a few weeks ago hewas elected by the Ardchomhairle as amember of the national Coiste Cheoilwhere his knowledge and experiencewill be greatly valued.I would like to see "More WexfordBallads" introduced into schools andpublic libraries and I hope that everycounty in Ireland will emulate PaddyBerry's example.Thank you, Paddy, for ploughing alonely furrow and sowing a fertile seedwhich will be harvested with pride andenthusiasm where ever ballad singersforegather for many years to come.I think it would be appropriate toconclude by borrowing another versefrom Paddy's book as a tribute tohimself:So hurrah for old Wexford, the countywe loveThe gold and the purple waves proudlyaboveIt's the home of great heroes She 'srearing them stillJust like their forefathers on Vin egarHill.42

made it. I could have listened all day tohim talking learnedly of the numbers ofcoats of varnish you needed on a fiddle,of how you had to rub it down with"wet an' dry" after the third coat -you need soft wood for the soundboard - Maple and Swiss Pine for thefront, belly and neck ..... the makings ofjigs and cramps ...Jim has travelled all over Europeand can discourse interestingly on anytown between Bruges and Venice - buthe is ever avidly on the look-out forsome added 'wrinkle' which might improvehis act. He showed me proudlyan invention which the Germans hadtaken great interest in at the HamburgBeer Festival. In essence it was a footlongstick which had been sawn up themiddle for about 4" - into this cleft hadbeen slotted a long fruit-serving spoon.Either side of this were placed anothertwo similar spoons - and a bolt passedthrough the 'tout ensemble' holding alltogether. Now we have all seen ladsplaying the spoons in a pub or on adoorstep maybe, at the fleadh, but threespoons at the one time!!! now that'ssomething to relish. He has now 'goneelectronic' he tells me - he has a taperecorderwhich leaves him free to playseveral more instruments as well asworking the wonderful contraptionwhich has seven puppets executing intricatejigs and tattoos at the tap of hisshoe. One of the puppets lacks a foot -but this didn't prevent it bravely rappingout its own "ninety-nine - bonk"rhythm Oar leath chos' and the wholegroup glare sinisterly out at a world thathoots laughter and hilarity at theminstead of preserving a proper decorumfor their jerking and lurching. I do hopeJim doesn't take them into the tentwith him at night - they terrify me,especially the blonde with the provocativecurl down over one eye. She's thegirl would put manners on you - if youmade so bould!I had, perforce to leave him,under his large, striped umbrella,fiddling away, stamping on the drumpedal with one foot and kicking thedancers into life with the other andblowing like hell into the mouthorgansuspended by wire about the head. Ihad earned the privilege of having myphoto taken with him, for I too hadjoined that select and chosen bandwho once pushed his pram up thesteep bank leading into Listowel - onmy own, for Jim is constantly beinggreeted from the side of the road byold friends and well-wishers and he gallopsoff over to shake hands - leavingyou to endure the curses of the lorrydriversand banked-up traffic behindyou. I felt like Boadicea myself,leading some sort of lunatic rabble inan attack on the town. My 'troops'glared back at me from the top of thepram and the 'fear a' leath Chos'waved a stump from under the fiddle.Beannacht ort, Jim! your likesare too few in this grey world. Goneirigh do Bhothar leat.EO. O'NEILL of Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny ,proudly displays his Comhaltas medals whichhe has won for his playing of the mouthorganand ballad singing. He was photographed byMICHAEL FrTZPATRICK of Gorey at theregional finals of Ceol an Gheimhridh thisyear in Moneenroe, CastIecomer, Co.Kilkenny.The All-Ireland Finals of the 1988 Ceol anGheirnhridh will be held in Thurles onSaturday, March 19.MARION CRAVEN of Rcnrnore, Co. Galway,is a busy young lady. She has won twelve A11-Ireland titles for music and song and graduatedfrom U.e.G. with a B. Corn. Hon. Degree.Maith tht., Marion.40

THE BIRDS ARE SILENT IN DRIMNEENThe birds are silent in the grovesaround Drirnneen. Black clouds overheadcut out the sun's rays. The pregnantsilence is broken only by theoccasional passing car and the air istinged with sadness. Johnny Cleary isdead.That was the news that stunnedthe thousands of music lovers throughoutMayo and indeed further afieldwhere his music was known and appreciated.News of his untimely and suddenpassing at the early age of seventy-twonumbed not only the local communitybut music lovers everywhere whoenjoyed his music and felt he wouldalways be around for Johnny wasageless and timeless.Born in 1915 at a time when thousandsof traditional musicians were beingcompelled to emigrate in search ofemployment and leaving the countrysidebereft of music. Johnny got his firstaccordeon at the age of ten. He got hisearly tuition from local accordeonplayers Pat Gill, Mike Mc Donagh,Bemi~ Charles and learned quite a lot oftunes from the latE Joe Coyne andbrother of Mattie Coyne who is thepresent Vice-Chairman of Mayo Co.Board CcE. At an early age he showedpromise of the outstanding musician hewas later to be .In 1940, Mattie Coyne formedwhat became known as the CastlegarCeili Band. This comprised JohnnyCleary, Pat Gill, Miko Corless, TomDevine and Mattie Coy ne himself whomanaged the band. At the time the feefor a night's engagement was thirty-fiveshillings out of which six shillings werepaid for transport to a taxi. It is conclusivethen that it was love of musicand not monetary reward that enticedthe musicians of the day. The CastlegarCeili Band operated until 1945 whenMattie Coyne, Miko Corless and TomDevine were forced to emigrate toEngland like so many more in the darkdays at the end of World War 11.But Johnny Cleary stuck to hisaccordeon. He used to hold sessions inhis own house over the next few years.Travelling musicians were always welcomein the Cleary home. JohnnyDoran the renowned piper used to campup the road from Clearys for daysbefore and after the famed Claremorrishorse fairs and at night wouldadjourn to Cleary's kitchen. From thefamed piper, Jobnny, always eager toadd to his repertoire of tunes, learned"The Duke of Leinster" and "the Bucksof Oranmore." At that time "balls" or"joins" were commonplace and Johnnywas usually the guest musician.It was in 1952 that Mattie Coynereturned from England. Bitten by themusic bug Mattie founded the WesternCeili Quintet with Johnny Oeary andPaddy Keane on accordeon, Phil McTighe on the flute , Jimmy Costello(R.I.P.) on drums and Mattie himselfon the fiddle. This outfit operated forfourteen years with widespread popularity.In the meantime Comhaltas hadcome to Mayo and all the band membersjoined the Kiltimagh Craobh andafter the Claremorris branch was foundedthey transferred their allegiance totheir local unit.With his old friends Mattie Coyneand Phil McTighe, he regularly representedClaremorris G.A.A. club in SeniorSOOr winning the Connaught Championshipfour years in succession. Hehad also many television appearances onprogrammes of traditional music andalso had the distinction of playing forJohnny Conneeley, that popular danceron the Late Late Show.But for all his talent he was a simpleman with an eye to the future . He wasthe kind of man who would lay aside hisaccordeon to listen to the young musicianand then to instruct, advise andencourage when the occasion arose. Hewould be happy then in the knowledgethat music he loved so well was safe forfuture generations and he'd take up hisaccordeon once more.It was one of these young musicianswho led the cortege throughthe streets of Claremorris as youngDarren McCallig played a lament on thetin whistle. Thousands thronged thestreets in silent tribute while in thechurch after the remains had beenreceived a musical tribute· was paid.Guards-of-Honour from ClaremorrisCCE and Claremorris G .A.A. lined thehearse route in sad farewell,After the funeral Mass next morningJohnny Cleary's remains were removedto Ballinasmalla cemetery arid laid torest in the shadow of the old abbey.Once again a hoarde of musical friendsplayed him to his last resting place. Tohis wife Mary and his sisters DeliaHoward and Anne Cunningham wetener our sincere sympathy.FOR SALEHalf-set Uilleann Pipeswith casePrice: £300S. OD.further details from 80029538

na nGall. Bhi a bport seinnte on tus,Mach. Bhi Tomas b NeW i ndiadhw~itheadh orthu agus bhi na Gaill - idirYeos agus saighdiuiri rialta - cruinnithe'na sluaite ag an ait suI ma thosaigh ancath. Scaipeadh na hEireannaigh,maraiodh cuid mhaith acu, aguscuireadh beirt eile chun bais go neamhthrocaireachtar eis an chatha. ScriobhMicheaI bg b Longain:Is oth liom feinig bualadh an lae udDo dhul ar Ghaeil bhocht' is na ceadtaslad,Mar ta na meirligh ag deanamh gamedinn.It ra nach aon ni leo pic no slea.Nior thainig ar Major i dtits an laechugainn,Is ni rabhamar tein ann i gcoir rui igceart,Ach mar sheolfai aoireacht de bha ganaoireAr thaobh na greine de Shliabh na mBanMo lean leir ar an dream gan eifeachtNar fhan le heirim is d'oiche stad,Go mbeadh duiche Deiseach is IartharEireannAg triallle cheile on tir aneas.Bheadh ar gcampai deanta le forsaitreana,Bheadh cunamh De Zinn is an saol arfad,Is ni dhiolfadh meirleach roimh theachtan aoireAr thaobh na greine de Shliabh namBan.Ta na an Francach faobhrach is a loingeasgheasta,Le crannaibh geara acu ar muir le seal;Is e siorsceal go bhfuil a dtriall ar EirinnIs go gcuirfidh Gaeil bhocht' an's 'nagceart.Da ma dhoigh liom feinig go mb '/hioran sceal lidBheadh mo chroi chomh headrom le Ionar sceach;Go mbeadh doi ar mheirZigh, 's anadharc da sheideadhAr thaobh na greine de Shliabh namBan.AN BRATHADOIR 0 NEILLDeantar tagairt don bhrathadoirTomas 0 NWI ("Is ni dhiolfadh meirleachroirnh theacht an aoire ar thaobhna greine de Shllabh na mBan") i ndeireadhan dara vearsa, Tugadh pinseandon chladhaire seo, ach is beag sasairnha bhain s~ as. An te a d'aistrigh amhranMhichil Og U i Longain go Bearla (anDochtuir George Sigerson), bhi an meidseo le ra aige :"In the original 'no spy of the house ofNeill should sell us' refers to a miserabletraitor named Neill, who, it was said ,betrayed a party of the insurgents. Hereceived a pension for the perfidy, goldfor blood, renounced God for Mammon ,and attempted to retire into some placewhere he would not be known. He fledto County Cork, but with him went aterrible avenger - his own conscience.The country people speak of him yet;he never could be at rest and feared tobe left along; he thrust his companion-­ship on those he knew loathed, spurnedand insulted him, for he dreaded morethan all scorns to be left alone. They reporta significant speech of his . Ithappened as he was travelling on horsebackwith one of themselves that hishorse stumbled and threw him. Onlifting him he was remarked to be morewan and terror-stricken than could beaccounted for by the fall, and his comrade,looking at his wild fearful eyes,heard him mutter: 'Ni scarann andiabhal riamh liom-sa' . The countrypeople are . very cautious not tointennarry with any of his or any othertraitor's descendants."Sean iJ Meachair 0 Thigh na NaoiMile agus an Captaen Sean de Paor 0Choill an tSleibhe (a bhi ina oifigeach inAnn na Fraince) a bhi mar cheannairi arna Gaeil i gCarraig Mhoic1eir i 1798.D'eirigh leo beirt na cosa a thabhairtslan leo i ndiaidh an chatha agus d 'fhillan Captaen de Paor ar an bhFnlinc.Deantar tagairt don Phaorach i ndanbeag a scriobhadh faoin gcath:Ar ShZiabh na mBan an la ud, mo chraiteacht,ba dhubhach ar sceal -Ins na carraigi da gcamadh, is a lanagainn ag lui insa bhfraoch;Ins na carraigi da gcamadh, is a !tinagainn ag lui insa bhfraoch;Is ni stadamar den stair ud go dtaineamargo Coil! an tSleibhe.Gheobhadh Captaen Paor an la ud statduinn is talamh saorAch claiomh a thabhairt inar laimhduinn neamhspleach le Gall no Gael;Claiomh a thabhairt inar laimh duinnneamhspleach le Gall no Gael;Mo chreach, ni mar sin ata, 'tharla dhosna cnu a bheith caoch.DONAL 0 NORTUINCuireadh beirt priosunach chun baisgo neamhthrocaireach. Ba dhuinediobh Donal iJ Nortuin 0 Mhuileann nahUairnheann. Baineadh an ceann de,gur cuireadh ar spice e os cionn ChaisleainMhuileann na hUamheann.Scriobh Tomas iJ Riain (1849 - 1924),file Finineach on nDrongain, dan beagbronach faoi ide U i Nortuin:Oh, why do the reapers speed on to themountain,Slievenamon the historic, whose peak isablazeWith flames play ing high, as if shot froma fountain ?On what are those maidens directingtheir gaze?In green garments clad a tall fom1 iswendingHis way down the vale where the river isbendingAround yonder hillock, his stepsscarcely rendingThe shamrock's soft leaflets - so lithesomeis he,'Tis Norton the brave, the patriothearted!Who hastes to the hills for his countryto strike;The sun's setting rays ere the last beamdepartedJust lingered a moment to glance on hispike.Oh, whence comes this wild wail so sadand despairing,Like the Banshee foretelling thy fate,hapless Erin?'Tis Norton's own true love his last farewellbearingTo the home and the kindred he'll neversee more.Oh, why did you slumber so long,Tipperary,Till Wexford and Wicklow were laid intheir gore?On Fame's tented fields you had neverbeen chary,But always in battle struck on to thefore.On Slievenamon, then, your old courageundaunted,You showed you were ready to provewhene'er wanted,But the maids of SZieverdagh were leftlone to chant it,And chorus the winds with lost love 'solagon.In the valley of Compsey an old keep isloomingIts crumbling grey walls fast bespeakingdecay,Where the sons of St. John in the fardistant gloaming,Looked out 0 'er that vale in their chivalrousday;What spectre is that 0 'er the battlementsbendingFrom its gaunt sightless orbs are weirdshadows descending,Defiance and fire 'neath its gory locksblending,'Tis the head of poor Norton of Mullinahone.(to be continued in the next issue)36

chuir na Sasanaigh an toir air ab ea anRianach. Ba thogha saighdiura e.Throid se le hais an tSairsealaigh le linnUigear Luirnni. Nuair a bhriseadh ar naGaeil sa deireadh, Mach, nior lean sePddraig Sdirseal agus na sluaite eile chunna Fraince. D'fhan se sa bhaile, e fos ara choirnead, ar ndoigh, oir bhi anaimhde ar a thoir i gconai. Lean se leisag baint riar a choda amach mar ropaire,direach mar an rinne Gal/oping O'Hoganagus go leor eile. Ropaire cinealta a bhiann. Ni dhearna se aon chreach riamhar na Gaeil na ar dhaoine bochta cumaGaeil no Gaill iad - in ionad san is amhlaidhgur chabhraigh se go fial leo gommlC. Ach thug se faoi shliocht nabplanndoid, lucht na maoine agus anrachmais, ads agus aris eile agus is iomaimallacht a chuir siad air. Rinneadh feallair, faraoir, sa deireadh. Gaol le is fein ashanntaigh an t-airgead fola (£200) abhi a thairiscint ag na hUdarais ghallda,thainig se ar an Rianach agus e ina chodladhgm mharaigh se go cladhartha e.Ni raibh moran thar 30 bliain saraitheag Eamon bocht airnsir a bhciis.Maireann cuirnhne Eamoinn Vi Riainsan amhran fior-alainn ud "Eamon a'Chnoic". Ce go bhfuilidh ann a gceapanngurbhe Eamon fein a chum ant-amhrcin, Mach rinne se no si go rimhaithe. Ta "Eamon a' Chnoic" archeann de sheoda ar litriochta:Ce he sin amuigh a bhfuil faobhar ar aghuthAg reabadh mo dhoras dunta?Mise Eamon a' Chnoic atd bdite fuair/liucho shiorshiUl sleibhte a's gleannta.A lao dhil 's a chuid, cad a dheanfainnseduit Muna gcuirfinn ort beinn dem'ghilna,'S go bhfuil pudar to tiubh dd shiorsheideadhleat,'S go mbeimis araon muctha.A chumann 's a shearc, raghaimidne sealFa choillte na measa gcumhra,Mar a bhfaighimid an breac 's an Ion ar aneadAn fia 'gus an poc ag buireach;Na heinini binne ar gheigini a' seinm,Is an cuaichin ar bhdrr an iilir ghlais;Go brach brach ni thiocfaidh an bas inarngoirelIar na coille cumhra.GALLOPING O'HOGANFear eile a sheas an fod in einneachtle Padraig Sdirseal aimsir CFear eile a sheas an fod in einneachtle Padraig Sairseal airnsir Chogaidh anDa Ri na an te eachtach ud a bhfuil aainm saite go daingean i mbealoideasagus i sheanchas Cho. Thiobraid Arann,Galloping O'Hogan. B'as tuaisceart anchontae don bganach agus beidhcuimhne go deo ar an gcaoi arthreoraigh se an Sliirsealach agus achomradaithe go Beal Atha an Fhaoitighmar ar scrios siad stor lonchogaidh AirmLiam. Mar adeir Denis A. McCarthy:And Galloping O'Hogan, Ireland's fieryheartedson,Twas he by many a highway led us confidentlyon.Nuair a d'irnigh an Sairsealach agus achuid saighdiuid chun na Fraince,d'fhan an tbganach sa bhaile d'aonghnochun an choimhlint a choinneail ar siulin eadan na nGall. Rinne se iad achreachadh agus a chrci aris eile. Agusnior eirigh leis na Sasanaigh riamh e ach 10 I.Teresa Bray ton, an bhean cheirniuilGhaelach ud a chum "The Old BogRoad" agus amhrciin agus danta ailleeile, sCrlobh si roinnt vearsai briomhairefaoi Galloping O'Hogan:Hear you these ghostly hoof-beats ringDown the valley and up the height -Is it for Sarsfield or the kingGalloping Hogan rides tonightYzCraven JaHear you these ghostly hoof-beats ringDown the valley and up the height -Is it for Sarsfield or the kingGalloping Hogan rides tonight?Craven James is ashes and dust,Throne forgotten and dreams laid by;Sarsfield, keeper of Erin's trust,Lies in a grave under Belgium 's sky.Heavy the cloud over Limerick town,Broken the walls once scarred by war,Jacobite sword and Williamite crown,One with yesterday's causes are;But with thundering hoof-beats fierceand fleet,Night by night till the edge of dawn,By lonely valley and hill retreatGalloping Hogan still rides on.The Wild Get!se - God give their spiritspeacel -Long have lowered their dauntless crest,But the noblest of all the Rapparees,Galloping Hogan takes no rest ;Where Shannon tosses its surging tides,And Keeper Mountain stands dark andgrim,Adown the centuries still he rides,Guarding the land that was life to him.There is chance enough through eternityFor a man to be taking his easeful fill ,But no rest will be for this RappareeWhile his struggling country needs himstill ;It was here he battled and here he diedAnd here he'll be when the last trumpblows,Galloping Hogan, the true and triedWho never went back on his friends -or foes.So, neither for Sarsfied nor the king,Down the valley and up the height,Galloping Hogan's hoof-beats ring,'Tis only for Erin he rides tonight,Keeping the souls of her sons awake,Holding the pass till a nearing dawnSees the last of her fetters break,Galloping Hogan still rides on.AN BHANTlARNA IVEAGHAch ma bhi corrlaoch ar nos anbganaigh fos ag seasamh an fhoid ineadan na nGall ag tus an 18u cheid, niamhlaidh a bhi an sceal sa tir td cheile.I gCo . Thiobraid Aeann, ach go hairithe,ait a bhi na peindlithe i bhfeidhm gohuile agus go hiomlan, bhi na daoine asciurseail de 10 . a's d'oiche. Bhi nasagairt ar a gcoimead, iad ag maireachtailfaoi cheilt , sealgairi Shasana ar adtoir i gconai, an tAifreann a cheiliuradhfaoi bhun na gcarraigreacha in aiteannaiargulta. Ba bhocht agus babhaolach an saol e do na sagairt. Achbhi corrdhaoine gustalacha fos sa tir abhi sasta teacht i gcabhair orthu agus ansean-chreideamh a choinneail slansabhailte. Duine de na daoine seo ab eaan Bhantiama Iv eagh , a bhi ar cheannde na mna b'uaisle agus ba naofa amhair ri.amh i gCo . Thiobraid Arann.Biodh gur rugadh an bhean seo i gCo .an Gaillimhe agus gur chaith si treimhsei gCuige Uladh, is i gCilI Chais faoi bhunShliabh na mBan a chaith si formh6rmor a saoil. Mairead de Bllrca b'ainmdf,b'inion 1 leis an [arIa Chlann Riocaird,agus rugadh i in 1665 . Phos siBrian Mac Aonghusa, an chead Bhlo-34

TEARS FOR A KINGThe method of driving pit poniesunderground has to be adapted to theconstriction of space and other prevailingconditions. The driver sat, it couldalmost be called 'half-riding', sideways,with one cheek of his backside on thelimbers and with his body stretched outover the animal's back, so that he couldguide it, talk to it and, at any time, beready to leap off, if the wheels of thetub got off the rails after hitting a stoneperhaps. All of this had to be done atthe same time as cross-girders wereguarded against from skinning every'knuckle' of the vertabrae down thedriver's own back as he was borne,naked to the waist, swiftly along mereinches below the roof.Punch struck out powerfully withhis hooves seeking purchase on thesleepers, muscles rippling, collarcreaking as the leather draughts tookthe strain.. His shoes struck. sparks outof the stone floor as he lurchedirresistably forward - and this despitethree full tubs behind him. After awhile the wild career slowed to a powerful,steady pull against the gradient. Atlast he stopped, . shaking and bathed insweat, foam dripping from his mouth.That was the moment of triumphfor my father. The house was won andhis fame as a breaker of horses was ashigh as it could ever be. But all he feltwas sadness. This barbarous, devilishlife which had compelled him who lovedhorses to break the spirit of this king ofits kind was more a cause of grief to himthan exultation. He laid his head on theanimal's neck and his shoulders shook asthe hot tears came and carved whitestreaks down the glistening coaldust onhis face.32

THE BREAKING OF PUNCHCaoimhghin b Brolchain...... --.. ..,:.-.. ---_~l? ..:.:0.We know a great deal about the post-famine emigrants - why they left, howthey left and where they went to. Remarkably little, however, has been writtenabout those desperate Irish who crossed over to England to engage in coalmining inthe Durham & Northumberland coalfields. The sinking of pits on this North-Eastcoast coincided with Ireland's most appalling tragedy of the 19th century. My ownfamily arrived at Newcastle Central Station - a large flock of barefoot children, asick husband, an indomitable mother and - their sole possession - a crate of blackbantyhens. They moved from pit to pit according as one was flooded, another explodedor yet another was filled with choking gas.Somehow the family survived. Asthey reached adulthood, one by onethey either fell victims to the dreadfulworking conditions or re-emigrated -only my grandfather lived to see themall out. One of his brothers was entombedin a pit fall - his last resting place Isee regularly, a green mound whichmarks where the pit was abandoned.They never got him out. Anotherbrother joined the army and fought inthe Ashanti wars. Others went toAmerica.This tale, however, concerns myfather. As elsewhere, Irish families frequentlycame up against prejudice inthe matter of housing. It was in shortsupply at this particular time in the collieriesand the enmities which had theirorigins in the injustices of Irish historycontinued to dog the emigrants overseas.My grandad's family sorely neededdecent housing out of shocking conditionsbut the founding of OrangeLodges in the area to accommodate thesympathies of the majority of upper andmiddle management in the mines was anintimation that no favours might be ex-pected by any Catholic Irish. All of thishas largely passed away - almost as themines themselves, but at the time ourpeople fared harshly.THE PIT PONIESThere has, too, long been an end tothe use of pit ponies in the mines. Thesame devilish ingenuity which conceivedthe sending of children and womenwith chains around their waists to dragbaskets of coal along stifling passages,until this was discontinued, turned tothe lovely little Shetland pony andinflicted the same entombment.It was often, as a child, I saw thebeautiful creatures immediately .aftertheir being brought from the ShetlandIsles. The thick, shaggy coats whichnature had bestowed upon them to protectthem from the appalling cold intheir far northern homeland, hung downto the ground as did their streamingmanes and tails. Their forelocks30

CARNANDAISY/or/TO ALL INTENDED EMIGRANTSTo all intended emigrants I pen this simple lay.... : .. >.-, .. ·b,I ...... h., • v~ ~tIFrom one who lies in hospital three thousand miles awayI-~11 lJt~ -~- I ..... •• -"-.1->..- - • - .........l• -wo . .\. I\.3 ..... -wo I_~- IIiiiTo warn them of the dangerS, that they mIght read and see.-The fate of a young Irishman in that great land of the free.CARNANDAISY for/TO ALL INTENDEDEMIGRANTSTo all intended emigrants I pen this simple layFrom one who lies in hospital three thousand miles awayTo warn them of the dangers, that they niight read and seeThe fate of a young Irishman in that great land of the free .I left my peacful residence near to Slieve Gallion BraeLight·hearted as the moorcocks that on the heather playNo hare on Carnandaisy more swiftly fled than IAs I left my lovely mountain home and bade my last good·byeOn board of an ocean liner where the Foyle's bright watersplayI stood, an Irish emigrant, bound for Amerikay.And as I took a last fond look, with a beart both sad and soreI cursed the laws that drove me from my sainted shamrockshore.The morning that I landed there , I scaled two hundredpoundsI feared not John L. Sullivan, who wore the laurel (world?)crown.Fresh from my lovely mountain home , with muscles strongas steel,No champion on Columbia's shore, before him would I yield.But for six long months in search of work I wandered far andnear'Til at last I joined the Navy as an Irish volunteerNo wonder on my wasted cheeks I hear a blush of shameTo think that I backed the Stars and Stripes against the sonsof Spain.I stood on board of a battle ship on that ill·fated dayWhen the Spanish fleet was captured in San Diego BayA bombshell fired that evening from out Port San JuanLeft many a widow mourning and me a wounded man.Disabled now for all my life I never more shall strayThrough the fields of Carnandaisy on the green shores ofLough NeaghI'll never see my parents dear who bore my loss full soreNor meet my colleen sweetheart in the town of Moneymore.But why should I be dreameing of those happy days gonebyeWhen it's in a New York cemetry my wasted bones shall lie.Like thousands of my countrymen I'll fill a nameless graveFar away from Wild Slieve Gallion where the bloomingheather waves.

SEAN RY AN'S HORNPIPE -One of the many great tunesattributed to that great fiddler (R.LP.).Imp£] @, ret iIt G' 1 C ft f1j 111 JjJ J @ 01f1 1] 4]J 1, fuiIf@ I € ita r1== ~ -- -_. : r-- === =, =l=' ==---zl : J ~ I J = J - JI '11 -::---~ ~, I I" JI f1 i' if ~10=1 hid EIJJ id; J 1 pL 0=1= I = er Eb If= "({fiefl ElfJ $J11 p1I [rifn (f tlJ 43JOHN WHELAN'S REEL: Learned from Karen Tweed.f /tI; iJ]j1 pll f£1} l{tU [ca I1JiJJ ~ I, J)J]Jl}J IJJJ;J ). J 1 1]1 fJ) I UiJ J :11E R ~~ n ~-=1 ;) E3=t3 ~ ~ ()r6~ Err Ffltrl t0ifI CfJJ I; $ij Ij4Jti J. I Ijktur rac1fry JJg I Er fJ U f I EtB J :11lfS b

A SON OF MILLTOWNHONOURED IN HARTFORDJohn KeenanMost of the 30 branches of Comhaltasin North America are dedicated tothe memories of past illustriousmUSICIans. One of the most activebranches is the J im Seery Branch inHartford, Connecticut.Jim Seery was born in Milltown,Rathconrath, Mullingar, Co. Westmeathin 1895. His family for five generationsback were all stonemasons. His son, thewell known uilleann piper, carries onthe trade still. There are many buildingsin Westmeath and surrounding areasbuilt by the Seery Clan.Jim attended Milltown NationalSchool. His teacher, a great Irishman,Sean O'Casey from Rathmore, SliabhLuachra, Co. Kerry , saw the potential inJim at an early age and persuaded hisfather, a well known traditional dancer,at the time , to buy Jim a fiddle. Thefiddle was purchased in 1908 fromDoyle's Pawn Office in Mount Street,Mullingar for 3 shillings and six pence(old money). Jim was thirteen years oldand the fiddle was full size. PatMcHugh, son of a great traditionalfiddler, was Jim's first teacher of music.He won his first major competition in1917 at the Midlands Feis in Mullingar;open to all Ireland. The prize - a goldmedal - is still in the possession of hisdaughter, Eileen, married to PaddyO'Brien, the well k-nown accordeonplayer from Tipperary.Jim Seery came to live in Dublin in1925. In the autumn of that year hemarried Ann Moran, from Balroe, Westmeath.Ann was one of a well-knowntraditional music family also. Herfather played fiddle and tin whistle.They lived at 30 Stonybatter in Dublin,which was always an open house formusicians to gather. He got involved inthe Pipers' Club, in the early thirties.The Pipers' Club came to Thomas Streetin Dublin in 1946 and Jim becametreasurer. (The Pipers' Club, whichtoday meets at Culturlann na hEireannis one of the foremost branches of Comhaltas ). In 1951 this commit tee,together with a local committee in Mul-lingar at Feis Ur na hEireann, decided anational organisation should be formed .Jim was appointed treasurer of thisorganisation "Cumann Ceolt6iri Eire- -ann, This name was later changed toComhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann.It might be worth mentioning herethat Jim borrowed £10 from ThomasStreet Pipers' Club to start a ComhaltasFund. It was mainly through hisprudent administration that Comhaltasand the Pipers' Club managed to survivein very difficult times.There are many interesting stories,some funny as well, but the referencethat suited him most was that he wasthe power house of Comhaltas. His interestin and planning for Comhaltaswere always uppermost on his mind andhe could fight a hard battle for them.He worked for most of his life inGuinness's Brewery, Dublin. He was aforeman bricklayer. I also worked thereand had the enjoyment of his companyfor many years. We met at tea breakevery morning for 10-20 mins. Thiscould be extended sometimes if theargument was strong enough. Hisplanning always , was for five yearshence. If there is a place in heaven formusicians and good Christians, Jim is incharge of that place.Comhaltas has discovered many finecharacters but none greater or morelovable than J im Seery.FOR SALEDD# PAOWACCORDEONCONDITION £300.Fon: 091-46145.SOPRANIGOOD28

CON O'SULLIVAN OF CASEYVILLEThe death earlier in the year ofthat much revered st. Louis basedIrish traditional musician and dancerCon O'Sullivan brought to an end anera of dedication and commitment toIreland and her culture. Con was oneof the father figures of Irish heritage inAmerica. By way of a tribute to thisillustrious gentleman we repUblish anarticle by Marguerite O'Sullivan whichwas published some years ago inTREOIR.The dictionary defines the word"hobby" as " A thing a person likes todo in his spare time ." Such a smallword and such a simple defmition forsomething that has dominated a largepart of the life of a Caseyville (U .S .A.)resident.Cornelius O'Sullivan, who haslived on West Washington Street inCaseyville for the past two years, haddevoted over 20 years of his life to hishobby - teaching Irish dancing. Corneliusis a retired captain of the EastSt. Louis Police force, where heserved for 31 years. Several Caseyvillianswith whom I talked rememberhim and recalled several of their acquaintances,now in the late 20s orearly 30s, who were among his dancingstudents.A very important factor, of whichI doubt many are aware, is that O'Sullivandoes not charge for these lessons."Please be emphatic," Corneliusstated, " about the fact that I do notcharge and that I need pupils." Hispupils range from approximately 6 to16. Some have remained with him fornine years.Lessons are given twice weekly inhis home. "Also, please stress thefact ," Cornelius continued, "you donot have to be Irish to learn Irish dancing.At one time I had 12 students ofPolish descent in my class. Anyone,regardless of religion or nationality iswelcome. The only requirement isthat they want to learn to dance."Cornelius called my attention to asurprising fact - at the present time,he has no boys taking lessons. He recalledthere have been as many as 500boys in competition at Chicago.This talented group receivedalmost as many requests to performComelius O·Sullivan. member of C.C.L since1958 (Joseph Keeley Branch East St. Louis);Founder-member of St. Louis Irish Arts Inc.Officer of Branch since founding in 1974.during the Christmas season as they dofor St. Patrick's Day. The CorneliusO'Sullivan dancers not only makemany appearances at local functions -15 engagements for December, over 20already scheduled for the days surroundingMarch 17th - they competein many international contests.Dressed in authentic Irish costumes,they have brought home medals fromas far away as Chicago, Akron,Day ton, Detroit, Toronto and Ontario,Canada. They have performed at theMissouri State Capital for the House ofRepresentatives on two occasions andannually entertain at the Missouri AthleticClub on St. Patrick's Day.The dancers are accompanied byCornelius on the Irish accordian. AlthoughI have not had the goodfortune to witness any of the performancesof these Irish dancers, I haveheard nothing but glowing reportsabout them. But, it is no wonder, becausethey are all enjoying what theyare doing. They perform jigs, reels,Irish hornpipe, as well as manyvariations of the dance - long dancesor set dances and group dances (similarto the square dance). Any number ofpeople can perform - from two to100.Every Thursday and Saturday, thelilting strains of "Irish Washerwoman"and other typical Irish dance tunes canbe heard emanating from No . 11 WestWashington (Northwest corner of WestWashington and South Long). "Invitethe young folks to come," Corneliussaid. "We have a lot of fun. It's nothard work like other types of dancing.Be sure ," he continued, " to remindthem there is no charge whatsoeverand that I'm expecially anxious· tohave some boys sign up."It was no real surprise to learnthat, although O'Sullivan wasAmerican born, he lived in Ireland forseveral years between the ages of 6 and16. He never had any formal lessonshewas self-taught. But his pupils arevery fortunate. He not only teachesthem to dance, he also imparts his loveof the music and the dance to themwhich is the secret of the joy they giveto those who watch.COMHALTASAGUSANGHAEILGEIn a statement the Tullamore Branchof Conradh na Gaeilge places on recordits great admiration and praise for thesuccess of Offaly Comhaltas Ceolt6iriEireann's efforts in the promotion ofthe Irish language. In its Irish-speakingcompetitions for young people(Como'rtas Comhni) at its FleadhannaCheoil, and in its use of the Irishlanguage version of their names andsurnames by its members in the publicationof competition results, amongother ways, Offaly Comhaltas is doinggreat work in keeping the Irish languageto the forefront. Is cuis athais do's natodhachai an fhorbairt seo .Conradh assure Comhaltas of theircontinued cooperation with them infostering those very important facets ofthe National cultural heritage, Irishtraditional music and the ancientGaelic tongue.26

and the labour market was thrown intocomplete confusion. The Irish continuedto arrive in large numbers and continuedto play a prominent part in theformation of the new Australia.Towards the end of the 19th centuryAustralian writers began to assert themselves.Such men as Henry Kendall,"Banjo" Patterson, and Henry Lawson,had their all-Australian works publishedin an Australian magazine "TheBulletin" and a new era had dawned."The Times", pompous as ever, informedits readers in far away Londonthat a spirit of nationalism, dangerouslytinged with republicanism, and evencommunism, was nourished by the"Bulletin". Within a short time the"Times" must have more cause forconcern as a writer named "JohnO'Brien " began to publish material inthe same Bulletin. This material wasmore Irish than anything published backin Dublin. The publication of thepoems of this Australian priest, FatherP. Hartigan, who wrote under the penname"John O'Brien" , opened up a newchapter in Irish-Australian relati

FLEADH NUA '88'27-30 MAYTheme:IRELAND-AUSTRALIABI-CENTENNIALCE LEB RA nONSWhy should I go to Fleadh Nua'88 next May?For atmosphere, variety of entertainment,and an insight into themany cultural threads that knitIrish life together, the visitor toFleadh Nua in Ennis, Co. Clare hasit all in one hectic 4-day festival.Starting on Friday and going onuntil Monday night, thisinternational gathering of Irish traditionalmusic lovers is quite uniquein the Irish calendar of events.For the ceili-goers there is a firstclass ceili every night at Cois nahAbhna dancing to the music oftop class bands including the Tulla,Shannonside and the LiverpoolCeil{ Bands. For those who wouldlike to learn some of the set or ceilidances there is an Adult DancingWorkshop. This has proved ·verypopular with visitors from homeand abroad under the tutorship ofPat Liddy. ,Singing Workshops (Gearoid 0Croinin) and music workshops andsessions are also organised as part ofthe weekend.Celtic Studies An innovationlast year has been a series of CelticStudies based on some aspect of thecultural history of Ireland. In Maywe intend to pursue the many linksthat tie Ireland with Australia.The Sean Reid Memorial Lectureon Sunday afternoon has provedvery popular attracting large crowdsto the De Valera Library. Thislecture will again be "Ireland-Australia"to celebrate the bicentennialwith the great continent downunder.Concerts Every night in themodern comfortable Auditorium,Danlan an Chlair there are professionallyproduced colourfulconcerts displaying the best of Irishtraditional talent while in the HolyFamily Hall half hour shows fromthe provinces and Britain competefor All-Ireland Championship titles.Sunday's Cultural Parade is awonderful example of the strongcommunity spirit that exists in thetowns, villages and clubs of theBanner County. The parade . isfurther swelled by the many groupswho participate · from . othercounties of Ireland and the U.K.with Leeds and Liverpool to thefore. This year we welc~me in particulara celtic group from NorthernSpain (Galazia) a group fromDorset in England and our Australianand American cousins.This public display by over 60groups, floats, bands and dancinggroups attracts crowds of over40,000. Many of the floats reflectthe theme of the week-end whichwill celebrate Ireland - AustraliaBicentennial and the 100 years ofthe Claremens' Association in NewYork:Street Music & Dancing WhileSunday's Parade fills the narrowwinding streets with music, ceilibands will play in the streets onSaturday. Street dancing took offwith great enthusiasm last year inthe Square to the Liverpool CeiliBand and down in front of thereview stand on Sunday. Ennis,with a population of about 18,000,is an "old fashioned" town withmodern hotels and guest houses anda spirit of hospitality that bringsthousands of visitors back yearafter year.See you in Ennis next May.-SEAN MacDIARMADAMELODEON TITLE FOR DIARMAIDBEFO~E .... DIARMAID b CATHAIN workingstudiollsly in the Fleadh Office.IN BETWEEN .... Diarmaid , melodeon in hand,on the way to competition centre.AFTER ....... DIARMAID receiving themelodeon champion trophy from PADRAIGb CEALLAIGH.22

INFORMATION ONRECORDINGSReetwerder 22050 Hamburg 80WEST GERMANYI am sure you will be of some help tome. In my spare time I am wo rking ona list of recordings of Irish traditionalmusic, i.e. commercial recordings, infirst place LPs, and I would like to makeit as complete as possible, from theearly ' recordings (for example JohnKimmel) till today and worldwide.Most records will, of course, come fromIreland, U.S.A. and England. But theremust be some having been produced,lets say, in Australia and in loads ofother countries. I know at least tengroups in Germany who did produceLPs with Irish traditional music, noteven being Irish themselves or just occasionallyhaving a real Irishman amongtheir members. And I am sure the samething counts for other Europeancountries. I wouldn't be surprised ifthere would be a recording of Irish traditionalmusic in China and all theChinese playing it. Please let me knowsoon, how you can help me . All thebest for now.ERNST GRIEGOLEITSOL USLILLIS'Solus' Lillis of Clonreddan, Co oraclarewho died earlier this year was oneof the leading concertina players in WestClare for many decades. He was a popularperformer at house-dances andweddings around Cooraclare andKilmihil through the 30's and 40's andwhen the Fleadh era came along in theearly 50's he was one of those who travelledregularly to venues such asLoughrea, Ennis, Longford, Dungarvan,etc. In fact, he figured in the first threeon more than one occasion, even thoughhe rarely played his best music in a competitiveor formal setting.A couple of selec;tions which he recordedin duet with Tommy Carey ofCree, may be heard on a Topic L.P.'Irish Traditional Concertina Styles'.Their 'Heathery Breeze' selection in particularis grand old-style concertinamusic. He also recorded some selectionsfor the Comhaltas archives.An oft-repeated story tells how Soluswas playing in a competition at one ofthose early Fleadhanna. He was playingwell, but eventually the tension of theoccasion took effect and he hit a wrongnote just before he fmished the ' lasttune. He held the concertina up beforehim and looked at it with mingled affectionand despair. "Wisha blasht you" hesaid "If I had you at home in my ownhob, I'd knock music out of you".Beannacht De len a anam agus leh-anaman na marbh go leir.TRIBUTE TOMARTINMULVIHILLA musical tribute to the late MartinMulvihill, the renowned Limerick bornIrish traditional fiddler and musicteacher, was held at the Eagle Tavern,14th St. at Ninth Ave., on Saturday,September 26.Martin was to have performed thatmonth at the Eagle Tavern with hisComhaltas representatives pictured with GAYBYRNE (RTE), FEARGAL QU INN, (anPost),. the 1987 Rose of Tralee and En nisU.D.e. Chairperson at the launch of theFleadh Nua stamp in Tralee.long-time musical associate MikeRafferty, a flute player originally fromBallinakill, Galway. Instead, the Eaglepresented a musical tribut to MartinMulvihill featuring some of the musicianswho learned from and played withMartin.The trio of Mary Rafferty (flute),Kenneth Vesey (fiddle) and Martin" Buddy" Connolly (button accordion),opened the show. These three teenagersare some of the most outstandingyoung Irish musicians in the UnitedStates and took thrid place in the triocompetition at the All-Ireland FleadhCheoil. Buddy Connolly took firstplace in button accordion competitionfor 15- 18 year olds.Mike Rafferty, a flute player whoepitomizes the stately and old-fashionedEast Galway style of traditional music,was joined by other musical associatesof Martin Mulvihill and was accompaniedby Don Meade, All-Irelandchampion harmonica player andbanjoist.20

LEO WAS A TRUE ARTISTELeo Beirne of the Demesne, Lough-' glynn, died at his residence on Friday,8th May, 1987 following a long illness,For the past 44 years he has beenteaching music throughout the countiesof Connaught.He was born in Ballymoe, Co . Galway,in 1916. His father was local postmanPakie Beirne - a native of Fairymountand his mother was BrigidKeavney from Breedogue, near Boyle.He was fIrst introduced to theuilleann pipes by his late brother Joe(J osie).The family later moved to a smallfarm at Springfield, Williamstown,where Leo spent many happy years perfectingthe music which was to supplementhis meagre farm income of thosedays, and later to become his full timeprofession.His style of Irish music was muchadmired at concerts and feiseannathroughout the country and hundredsof trophies were won by his pupils.In 1952 the original WilliamstownChildren's Ceili Band broadcast fromRadio Eireann and many broadcastswere to follow as new groups reachedLEO BElRNEthe required standard. He was, in fact,teaching a second generation ofmUSICIans. As demands for classes increased,he left the small farm atWilliamstown to reside in Loughglynnwhere he enjoyed the beauty of theLake and the woodlands.In recent years he became interestedin Marching Bands and had seven groupsin competition. He organised manyschool concerts and was known to writesome humorous verse. He could paint apicture or do a spot of conjuring andperhaps this resulted from the dexterityrequired to play a range of musical instruments.He was also very interestedin local history and culture. He was aman of humorous disposition neverknown to complain, about the state ofthe economy or the weather. He was atrue artiste.He is survived by his wife Mildred ,son Leo and daughter Maria, his brotherMartin, Bekan, Claremorris and his sisterSr. Gerard, Trinitarian Order, Marsanne,France. Many well known musiciansattended the large funeral to andfrom the Church of Our Lady of GoodCounsel, Loughglynn and musical tributeswere played during the ceremony.The Cortege was led by a lone piper(Mr. Larry O'Dowd) and the coffin,which was carried through Loughlynnby his many friends, was draped withthe flag of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann.He was laid to rest in the family plot atKildaree cemetery, near Williamstown.Leo Beirne has left us, but his musicwill live on. Ar dheis De go raibh aanam.JIMMYWARDWith the death some months ago ofJirnmy Ward, the world of Irish musiclost another of its most colourful andmemorable characters. For many yearsone of the mainstays of the great KilfenoraBand, J irnmy was a top class allround musician. An outstanding fluteand whistle player in his younger dayshe then turned to the banjo which healso mastered with style and flair. Thetwang of Jimmy's banjo was a familiarand vital part of the 'Kilfenora sound'when that great band - winners of theAll-Ireland title three times in a row andfour times in all - were in their heydayin the fIfties and 60's. Jirnmy was alsoa grand lilter and like many musicians ofthat period he could whistle reels allday - an art that has declined a lot inrecent decades. He was a good man tosing a song too and his spirited renderingof "The Green Hills of Clare" wasinvariably greeted with enthusiasticcheers, often too with tears of pride,such was Jirnmy Ward's empathy withthe spirit of the song.Jirnmy was a hard-working tradesmanwho believed in being at his workbright and early, no matter how late thesession the night before. Even so, hisappetite for music and music-makingwas extraordinary; all through his longlife he was involved in bands, groups,trios. Through his devotion to his workand his music he was widely known andrespected throughout Munster and indeedmuch further afield. A greattalker too, he had the lore of the musicand of the countryside going backthrough three generations and his housein Miltown Malbay, where he had livedfor the past 25 years or so was a regularport-of-call for friends and musicenthusiasts.Jimmy was a sincere man, he was agreat man to get to the truth of a situationand to spell it out, when otherswould hedge or evade the issue - andyet he had a great sense of humour andhis big frame would literally shake withmirth at a good joke. He was one ofthose wonderful characters who madeMiltown Malbay a great rendezvousdown the years and now he has gone tojOin Willie Clancy, Martin Talty, Padraigb Maoileoin and Paddy J oe MacMahonand West Clare has suffered anothergrievous loss. Ar dheis De go raibh se,i gcoluadar na naomh is na h-aingeal.18

CEOLANN -A CULTURALSUCCESS STORYOver two years have elapsed since thedoors of Ceolann were officially openedto the public and in that time all the aspirationsand all the dreams of theowners have been fulfilled. Purchasedby Craobh Leac Sna some four yearsago, the building was never intended tobe a commercial investment, but wouldserve as a cultural centre where theyouth of the district would be taughttraditional music, singing and dancing," and where these pupils would be affordedan opportunity to subsequentlydisplay their expertise.At the end of the current year, theBranch Runai will report that in twelvemonths, a total of 140 step dancingclasses have been held there, as well as25 music classes; 23 set and ceili classes;and 20 traditional singing classes. Onthe entertainment front, 11 OicheantaCheoil have been held, together with 6ceilithe, 5 concerts and the summerentertainment scheme - "Seo Cheoil"- ran for six weeks in July and August.This latter scheme proved very attractiveto natives and visitors alike andfeatured a sixty-minute stage show withtwelve artistes, followed by an informal "ceili. Thanks to the weekly music class,it was found possible to form twocabaret groups - and these alternatedfor the six weeks The annual HileCheoil ;. 'is an outstandingSu,,~ "fact that it had tocompete with tnc:: l,,·arranged MunsterFootball Final.In recent weeks the Comhaltascraobh embarked on an ambitious projectto record for posterity the localtraditional dances and dancers. Thefirst video session was a great successand as Ballyheigue man, Donal O'Neill,pointed his cameras at the old Eight­Hand Reels and Polkas, danced withelan by the young and the not so youngfrom Ballyheigue, Ballyduff, Causeway,Lyrecrompane as well as Lixnaw, a largeaudience could look back at a timesome fifty years ago when these werethe popular dances in the village halls ofNorth Kerry. The Ceolann Hall was an "ideal setting for such venture, with itsblazing turf fire at one end and at theother end John Joe Sheehy's colourfulback drop depicting the countryMOL AN OIGE: A group of young artistesfrom Cr. Leas Cn:! set the scene for a SeoCheoil session at Ceolann.thatched cottage standing at the villagecrossroads. In the next few monthsfurther recording sessions will be heldand the results will be treasured byfuture generations who will visit theCeolann Library.After two years there is little to showby way of wear and tear that Ceolann isin constant usage. This is because of thecare and attention lavished on thebuilding by the Management Committeeon which the fair sex predominate.There is still room for improvement inthe area surrounding the building, butwhen the debt is paid within two years,this too will receive attention. In themeantime, the youth of Lixnaw willensure that their heritage is in safekeeping and the Ceolann will continueto be what it was always intended tobe - a cultural home in the traditionalKingdom of Kerry.ROUNDSTONE MUSICALINSTRUMENTSI.D.A. PARK, ROUNDSTONECo. GalwayPhone: 095-35808Handmade Goatskin Bodhnins(decorated with celtic designs,initials, crests, etc. optional) TinWhistles, Harps, Bodhran TutorBook now also available.Mailing service to all countries16

THE SPIRIT OF IRELAND INCOPENHAGENEdward P. KellyThe Copenhagen International Folk Dance Festival hosted twenty nations in thisnow world-famous event. Groups came from mainland Greece, from Crete, from allover Scandinavia. From Halland, England, France; and even from the CommunistBlock countries. They were for the most part, splendidly clad in exquisite andrichly coloured national costumes as they put the best of their talent on stage. Andhistory was in the.making, because far the first time ever at this festival, Ireland wasrep resen ted, ......Unlike many of the other groupswhich were drawn from the best talentof their countries, the Irish troupe wasthe Tralee Seisiun Group, members ofCCE, all, and as such, twenty·two enthusiasticlovers of Irish traditionalmusic, song and dance.Said Producer lames O'CiJnnor: "Wehave been preparing for this event sincewe accepted the kind invitation to participateeighteen months ago . Ofcourse, we had heard of this festival beforeand we were well aware that thevery highest of standards would be required.As it was a first time for Irelandand Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann, wewanted to do our best for the country -and, of course,,for Kerry too. It was areal challenge."And so began long hours of hardwork, including the most importantfund·raising, for the costs of the tripwere high.Mr. O'Connor continued: "But Ihave a wonderful group of young peopleto work with, many of whom I haveknown since they were children. I havetrust and confidence in them. Theythrew themselves into the task withgusto, with rehearsal after rehearsal,until we reached what we hoped wouldbe an acceptable standard.It seemed, and so it turned out, thatthe "acceptable standard" Mr. O'Con--nor mentioned, was the well knownKerry gift of understatement, for everywherehis group performed they sweptall before them.Most of the Danes and the participatingcountries had never seen Irishdancing before and were delighted bythe talents of these gifted young peopleJAMES O'CONNORfrom Tralee and lavish in their praise.In an exhausting programme theGroup performed in several locations,both indoors and outdoors, before thousandsof people and their flashing feet,in a great and colourful exhibition thatwas a very dazzle of music and movement,brought them standing ovations.The Grand Finale was held in a hugeoutdoors amphitheatre, set in a beautifullocation of ancient farm houses -and even an old mill powered by awater-wheel.It was a day of blazing sunshine,(The Irish brought the good weatherwith them, but alas they also took itback), and one after the other thevarious national groups went on stage.Then it was the turn of the Irish ........Handsome in their costumes, (designedand made by Mrs. O'ConnorJ, they followedthe Tricolour, bourne with prideby Mr. lackie Walsh, onto the huge cir-. cular stage.In spite of several injuries - blisters,swollen ankles and sprains, they excelledthemselves. Their bright eyes andsmiling faces made it quite clear thatin spite of the importance of the oc·casion these young people were enjoyingthemselves and the watchingcrowds knew and liked it.Their stunning performance broughtthe audience to its feet in salvo aftersalvo of applause . (One huge beardedDane outdid all with blook-curdling'Yahoos'), and a shout of 'IrelandForever' by an emotional Irishman -of whom there was only a handful - wastaken up by people of several nations.The group danced in perfect unison,the marvellously intricate stepsdelivered at such bewildering speed thatthe eye could not follow the action ofthe feet.And there was another, almost indefinablequality to the dance: a kind ofmagic, which cast its spell over the audience.For nations may boast of theirancient cultures- and more power tothem- but here was a part of the richheritage of Ireland, fresh and vibrant,not musty between the pages of someyellowed volume, nor lifeless in somecarved statue or white pillared temple.For after all the centuries of oppression,14

fleabh facesr",:' \IWexford's PADDY BERRY singing for Corkballadeer DONNCHA 0 LAOIRE.Northern fiddler J1M McKILLOP with hispercllssion ensemble.From ,generation to generation: RUAJRI bCINNEIDE of Dundalk coaching a grandsonof the late and great fiddler JOHN JOEGARDINER.A fiddler's contentment.12

fleabh facesTHE EVER VIGILANT PHOTOGRAPHER ENA DOOCEY CAPTURED MANY A POSE AT FLEADHCHEOIL NA hEIREANN '87 IN LISTOWEL. WE PUBLISH HERE A SELECTION OF HER WORK.Sardinian delegates (centre) with Comhaltasofficers.PADDY McELV ANEY (right) at his 37thFleadh with J1M DOWLING at his 36th.The dignity or the flautist.10

OMOS DO PHIL ROONEYEddie MongeyOn Sunday, 31st May, 1987,ThePhilRooney Branch of CCE, Ballyshannonheld a day of commemoration "Om6sdo Phil Rooney" in honour of PhilRooney who died on 29th April, 1986.In the afternoon, an accordian workshopwas held in the Old Barracks atwhich Patsy Wilson from Donegal, JimMcGrath from Derrygonnelly and KevinLoughlin from Belleek demonstratedtheir skills in playing three differenttypes of boxes. The large audiencewhich turned up included musiciansfrom the surrounding counties. Amongthose present was Donal Kelly fromDonegal Town who played his singlerow, three-stopper melodion. Theworkshop ended at 7.30 p.m. with asession of music played by the fourabove-named musicians and seven othermusicians.The night session started promptly at8.30 p.m. and continued until after 1.00a.m. So many musicians turned up thattwo sessions were on simultaneouslyone at each end of the house , even atthis some musicians did not get sufficientairing.The response from musicians andaudience was so great that the committeehave decided to hold this event againnext year but to make a weekend of it,including a concert/ceili and an accordionworkshop given by more widelybased musicians.PHIL ROONEYDuring his lifetime Phil Rooney waswell known for his playing of traditionalmusic in his native Co . Leitrim and theadjoining counties of Donegal, Sligo andFermanagh. Anyone who was organisinga session made sure to book PhilRooney as he would always turn up andbring a few other musicians with himand the fact that Phil was playing woulddraw more musicians.Phil gave great encouragement to upand-comingmusicians and was a sourceof inspiration to many. Among hisgreatest admirers were the Lennonfamily , Ben, Charlie, Maurice , andBrian, and Phil was always included inany gathering of the Lennon family andfriends.Many of Phil's friends feel his memoryshould be kept alive as an inspirationto musicians of the future. For thisreason Ballyshannon branch of ComhaltasCeolt6iri Eireann has been named"The Phil Rooney" Branch CCE and thecommittee arranged the commemoration"Om6s Do Phil Rooney" last Mayat "The Old Barracks" , Ballyshannon.Phil played in the Old Barracks everyFriday night for many years before hedied . The Old Barracks has a magnificentfireplace built by Phil in his capacityas master builder, it also displaysa large portrait of Phil and friends ,specially painted by Bundoran artistBrian McGovern.THE THATCH -WEAVERS OF SUCCESSAn estimated 1,400 people packed the Community Hall for a f east of Ceilimusic in the Ceili Band competition, where the Thatch Ceili Band from Londontook the All-ireland title for the second year in a row. Second prize went toanother London band, the St. Columcille Ceili Band.The Thatch Band have been together for just over three years but many of itsmembers have played together for over 20 years. The leader, John Bowe,originally from Offaly and now livil1g in Highbury was delighted with theirsuccess and with the Fleadh."This is the ultimate competition for us and Listowel has been absolutelybrilliant this year," he said. The other members of the band come from Clare,Dublin, Sligo, Mayo and three from London itselfAnd as the competition came to an end it was left to the compere for theevening, Paddy Kelly, to sum up the feelings of many. Kerry, he told theaudience, would not be winning the All-Ireland football final this year, butListowel could be proud of the welcome and enjoyment it had given tens ofthousands of people during the Fleadh.8

130,000 ENJOY THE"GREATEST FLEADH OFALL TIME""Take three days of sunshine, starry nights, an organisation with clockworkprecision, some of the finest traditional music in the country and 130,000people to listen to it and you have the makings of a perfect All-Ireland Fleadh.That's precisely what Listowel had last weekend. And as the last of the musiclovers reluctantly gathered · themselves together to leave the town on Mondayand Tuesday the town settled down to recover from what is being regarded as itsbest Fleadh Cheoil ever. "This was the verdict of Derek encouragell musicians to remain playingCunningham in "Kerryman" following on the streets all night.. .... A huge con- -what Comhaltas founder Paddy .M9-':, tmgent from the U.S ., the ' ContinentElvaney described as "the greatest .and .Britain made the pilgrimage to Lis-Fleadh of all time."towel and not without good reason.The media were unanimous in their Apart from the sheer musical delight of,agreement as to the success of the 1987 the occasion, last year two senior com-Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann which was petitions, the accordeon and fiddlebeing held in Listowel for the third year were won by New York basedin a row and the tenth occasion since its musicians ........ As usual there was a largeinception of the Fleadh. contingent from the North .... .. TheSean McConnell of the " Irish Times" fleadh went off like a dream. It wouldwrote. "The organisers had expected100,000 people but that figure shot uphourly with the rising temperatures, asmake one proud to be native and itsmost certainly good fertile earth ......"Noel Smith of the " Irish Independent"an estimated 130,000 people crowdedwrote: "The Fleadh is now biginto the multi-steepled north Kerry business generating as much as £Smtown for the weekend ...... Sessions over North Kerry. The biggest crowdsstarted everywhere and there was littlesleep for the residents or indeed the visitors,for 10 years revelled to the music of thefiddle and the bodhnin."as the beautiful weather " Irish Press" reporter BrianMcLaughlin pointed out that 2,000 participantsvied for All-Ireland honoursin 129 different competitions and therewasn't a bed to be had within a tenmileradius of Listowel.Donal Hickey of the "Cork Examiner"reported that "While competitionsconstituted the main business of theFleadh, impromptu sessions, often involvingtotal strangers, gave tremendousvitality to the affair. Northern accentscould be heard all round Listowel at theweekend and up to 10 ,000 are thoughtto have travelled southwards for theoccasion."The Listowel Fleadh Committee,under the leadership of Michael Dowlinghave proved once again their expertisein the organising of this major event.Listowel has won for itself an undisputedplace of pride and gratitude in thehearts of all lovers of Irish traditionalmusic. The name of Listowel will beuttered with reverence wherever in theworld the supporters of the nativeculture of Ireland foregather.JOHN BOWE and TIle TIlatch OWi Bandreceive their trophy from MICHEAL bLOCHLAINN , Uach(adn cd:.6

A MUSICAL SON OF KNOCKNASKATributes have been pouring infrom all over the country to the late JoeO'Dowd of Sligo, one of Ireland's bestknown and highly acclaimed traditionalmusicians, who died recently followinga short illness.Joe, who was seventy-four years old,was widely regarded as the country'stop exponent of the unique Sligostyle of fiddle playing and he was alsoa noted adjudicator of traditional musiccompetitions, having judged atFeiseanna and Fleadhanna throughoutIreland. He was President of the SligoBranch of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireannnfor the past ten years.A native of Knocknaska, Gurteen,the late J oe came to live in Sligo townin 1948 and resided with his wife,Sheila, and seven children, at Maugheraboy,where lovers and students of traditionalmusic were always welcome.J oe's influence in the world of traditionalmusic was profound throughoutIreland and even in England andAmerica but nowhere was his brillianceand skill as a: fiddle player moreappreciated and admired than in hisnative Sligo where he became virtually alegend in his own lifetime . He was dueto tour America later this year.He was one of the driving forcesbehind the formation of the Sligobranch of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireannin 1958 and he was very much to thefore again when the branch wasre-formed twelve years ago .Since then, he has been a regularparticipant at the Comhaltas sessions inSligo Trades Club where his enthusiasmand energy was matched only by hismajestic fiddle playing which earned theacclaim and admiration of locals andvisitors alike at the weekly gatherings.J oe O'Dowd was born inKnocknaska, Gurteen, in 1913, andgrew up in an area where there was apassionate devotion to traditional musicin general and fiddle playing in particular.Joe's uncle John O'Dowd, was awidely respected fiddle player and hadtwo well-known reels called after him,"O'Dowd's Favourite," recorded byMichael Coleman in the 1920s and"O'Dowd's Number Nine", recorded byHugh Gillespie.Inevitable, loe O'Dowd quickly becamean accomplished fiddle player,playing by ear and learning most of hismusic by listening to Michael Coleman'srecords.He went to England in the early1930s and from 1935 to 1940 playedwith a traditional music band which had·regular dates at the Garryowen Club inHammersmith, London.On returning to Ireland, J oe took upan appointment with the Irish LifeAssurance Company in Ballymote in1942 and was transferred to Sligo townsix years later. In 1954, he formed theOwenmore Ceili Band with HenryDwyer, Paddy McDonagh , ThomasCollis, Jerry Fallon, Thomas O'Dowd,Michael Feeney and John Scanlon. The. band enjoyed widespread popularitythroughout the 1950s and early 60s anddid much to maintain interest intraditional music at a time when otherforms of entertainment were coming tothe fore.Joe helped to establish the Sligobranch of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireannin 1958 and although activities ceasedduring the 1960s he was a leading figurein it~ reformation in 1975. Since then4

The Christening of the Whelan family'syoungest grandson MATIHEW WHELAN inFebruary 1st, 1987. In the picture areMARTIN WHELAN, VINCENT WHELAN,GERALD WHELAN and seven grandsons.SUCCESS BEGINS IN THE WILL:GERRY WHELAN stands alongside aframed copy of ooe of th,c philo_sophies of lifetaught by PEADAR 0 GRIOFA to hisstudents at the Vocational class in Mohill in1932.A session in fuU swing in Cootehill (left toright) the late PADDY McENTEE, PATLYNCH, THERESA MARKEY, JOE GORM­LEY, HAMILTON BROWNE, MARTINO'DONOHOE, NOEL HALTON, ERNIEAXWORlHY. (Back) WILFRED CORBETTand GERRY WHELAN.Pictured at Culturlann na ,hEireann 4uring arecent concert are (I-r) SEAMUS 0 CON­CHYBHAIR (Munster Council Chairman ofCCE); MR. ARNOLD O'BYRNE (GeneralManager of Gcneral Motors); MAIRE NIC A'tSIONNAIGH (Trustce of cd:); SEAM USMacAMHLAOlBH (Registrar of cd:); andJACKIE THORNTON (CCE Accountant).Prior to their departure on the NorthAmerican Concert Tour, Mr. Gerald Whelanof Cootehill, Co. Cavan, presentcd each of the18 artistcs with a pair of Drifters patentedshoes bearing the Comhaltas symbol. Ourpicturc silOWS (seated): MR. and MRS.9ERALD WHELAN: (standing I-r) MICHEALo LOGHLAINN, Uachtanin; VINCENTPIERCE, EITHNE NI DHONGHAlLE, SEANMcSWEENEY, SIOBHAN KENNEDY,MICHELLE O'SULLIV AN and MARTINO'DONOGHUE.2

A STORY OF SUCCESS AND MUSICGERALD and CARM EL WH ELANWe are pleased to dedicate this issue of TREOIRto Gerry Whelan of Cootehill, Co. Cavan, whosegenerosity has made the publishing of this issuepossible. Gerry is a highly respected member of thebusiness community and is well known inComhaltas circles.Gerry's branch of the Whelan Family came to theLeitrim area around the 1650's and there were 10generations of the family in Drumhanny, Mohill.His brother John Joe retired from fanning in 1965and the farm passed into other hands."My father was Michael Whelan and my motherwas Mary Ann Ellis of Glosdrumin, a townland closeby," Gerry recalls. " We were a family of 14, fourgirls and ten boys and I am the youngest of theboys. There are now only 5 of us left, four brothersand one sister. My brother Tom resides in Galway,Denis in Longford, Jim in New York, myself inCootehill and my sister Minnie, Mrs. Connolly, inCavan."His older brothers and sisters were very muchinvolved in the War of Independence in the SouthLeitrim area.His childhood days, despite the troubles of the times were very happy and despite the death of his father in 1927, hegrew up in a great love and background of traditional music. The love of Irish music has been with him all through hislife. His idol at that time was Rev. Fr. Peter Conefrey, of Cloone, who encouraged and helped to keep the music alivein the 1920's and early 1930's, at a time when the imported Jazz music invaded even the humble kitchen house dancesof South Leitrim.Of his schooldays Gerry says: "To my very good fortune Peadar 0 Griofa was sent by the V.E.C. to open a Vocationalclass in the Board room of the old workhouse in Mohill.' I sat the entrance exam and gained a place amongst my4S fellow students, boys and girls. Peadar took it all in his stride, he taught us eight subjects, English, Irish, Maths,Geography, History , Commerce including book-keeping and general subjects. Not bad for a one teacher effort. Lastbut not least on Wednesday nights he taught us ceili dancing and the other fringe benefits came natural to us. "How did Gerry meet his channing wife Carmel? "Early in August 1939 I went with a friend Col m Smith (one of thefew people I knew in Cootehill) to a Carnival Dance in Shercock. We travelled by hired car and in the load was a nicewee girl from Dublin, Carmel Hannigan, who was visiting her cousins in Cootehill. I dated her and this was the start ofour romance and we were married in 1945 and are blessed with our family of five, three girls, Mary, Dolores andGeraldine and our two sons, Martin and Vincent. We have now moved to that next generation with three granddaughtersand eight grandsons."In 1940 rubber footwear became unobtainable and at that time there were big numbers working on the land and perchance Gerald went into the manufacture of clogs which were to become a very important utility footwear and substitutedfor the lack of wellingtons. He had about 25 people working at the production of clogs in the Old Town Hall,Cootehill which he converted into a factory.•In 1949, eldest son Martin who had now finished his education in Rathmines College in Dublin, came into thebusiness. At this junction they divided the business into two companies, Gerald Whelan & Sons, Wholesale ShoeFactors and The Whelan Boot Manufacturing Company which would be manufacturing their range of Drifters mens andboys shoes. Both companies were based in St. Michael's Street, Cootehill. In 1973 their second son Vincent joined thebusiness; in 1974 their space in St. Michael 's Street was getting confined, so they decided to build a modern 20,000square feet Warehouse on a 2-acre site at Lisnasarn on the Dublin road, this would leave the entire premises in St.Michael's Street to the Whelan Boot Mfg. Co ., but by 1980 they acquired a 3-acre site at Cornacarrow on the CavanRoad and here they have built and equipped one of Europe's most modern shoe factories with an area of 20,000 squarefeet.They now employ between the two companies approximately 110 people. We wish the Whelan family and businesscontinued happiness and success.