ENNIS FLEADH NUA - Comhaltas Archive

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