Ruby ruaile buaile for Millstreet CCÉ
THE sounds of traditional music and song were loud and clear during the 40th anniversary celebrations of Millstreet Comhaltas Ceolteoirí at a function in Millstreet’s Wallis Arms Hotel.
Comhaltas (CCÉ) is one of Ireland’s most successful cultural groups having trained generations of Irish to study, perform, promote and preserve traditional Irish culture.
That ethos has always been clearly evident in Millstreet, and to mark the special occasion, a CD was launched featuring 40 musicians and singers.
The Millstreet branch formed in 1979, and membership grew to include many local people who enjoyed Irish music and shared the vision of Comhaltas through playing music, song and dance.
The aim was to foster and nurture Irish, music, song, dance and culture in Millstreet and its catchment area.
The initial committee headed by chairman, Michael Kelleher (RIP); treasurer, Conchubhair Ó hÉalaithe (RIP); and secretary Seán Radley co-ordinated classes, and interest grew.
Sean Radley spoke of traditional music being evident in Millstreet from the 1930s, generated by the Millstreet Rovers right through the war years.
“The Band was established as a part of an enthusiastic reception given to a group of musicians who got together to play for a night in Liam Ó Buachalla’s Hall in Kilcorney in 1930. And for the next 26 years, the band played traditional music at venues all over Munster, to the delight of thousands of patrons”, he said.
From the set up of Millstreet CCÉ, the branch has been hugely successful in Fleadhanna Cheoil competitions, with members winning numerous awards at county, provincial and All-Ireland level.
Today, Millstreet CCÉ continues to go from strength to strength, thanks in no small part to the large number of talented young musicians, singers and dancers within the catchment area, who are keeping our Irish traditional culture alive.
Credit, too, to the experienced and innovative branch committee who put forward a fresh impetus for the promotion of all Comhaltas-orientated activities.
“Now 40 years old, Millstreet Comhalthas branch continues to play a major role in fostering Irish culture and tradition for the youth of Millstreet and beyond by delivering music, singing and dance classes to over 200 young people”, said chairperson Clare O’Leary. “That talent is evident on the CD, from younger members to past members and friends who have gone on to further the love and learning of our native culture”, she said.
Millstreet CCÉ has held a continuous history of promoting cultural activities, hosting fleadhanna cheoil, traditional music and dancing classes, in addition to performing at all local events and competing at all Fleadhanna to cultural exchanges.
MC Jerry Doody hailed the involvement of officers, tutors and trainers for allowing the native culture be handed to young enthusiasts.
Indeed, the future of Irish music, song and dance is safe in the hands of a new generation of Millstreet CCÉ enthusiasts.