Ballintogher’s Seamus receives Comhaltas award
LONG time Comhaltas member, Séamus McCormack from Carrignagat, Ballintogher, has been conferred with Gradam an Chomhaltais 2018.
Gradam an Chomhaltais is awarded annually to a member of Comhaltas in recognition of that person’s outstanding service to the organisation.
Séamus, his wife Teresa, son Michael, daughters June, Carol & Eileen, sons in law, Michael Rooney, Brendan Ward & Elliott Mc Vann, their seven grandchildren, together with Officers of Sligo Co. Board, representatives of the Ballintogher Community, members of the Fred Finn Branch and Comhaltas members from throughout the provinces were present for the conferring of this singular honour at the annual Tionól Ceoil Leo Rowsome.
The Tionól Ceoil was held at Cultúrlann na h-Éireann. Séamus’s achievements at branch, provincial and national level were remembered during the presentations.
The afternoon symposium, chaired by CCE Árd Stiúrthóir, Labhrás ó Murchú, was addressed by Peter Farrell, Cathaoirleach Fred Finn CCE; Helen Duggan, Rúnaí, Comhairle Chonnacht CCE; Bart Gavin, Leas- Chathaoirleach CCE Comhairle Chonnacht, Paddy Ryan, Oifigeach Ceoil CCE, Mackie Rooney, Comhairle Uladh CCE & Martin Enright, Cathaoirleach Bord Cho.Shligigh CCE, all of whom paid due tribute to Séamus for his untiring work and many achievements on behalf of Comhaltas at local, provincial and national level.
A series of photographic images were used to display the lifelong involvement Séamus has had with his own Ballintogher Community – the archaeological & historic heritage of the locality, the Tidy Towns, the hall, the GAA, the enterprise units, St Teresa’s National School, the School Band, the Inishfree Ceilí Band – All Ireland Champions in 2008 to be followed by The Dartry in 2009.
Séamus was elected as Uachtarán an Chomhaltais 2009-2012.
He played a central role in bringing Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann to Sligo in 2014 & 2015 having previously been involved in the historic All Ireland Fleadhs of 1989, 1990 & 1991.
He served as Rúnaí and currently Leas- Chathaoirleach of Sligo County Board CCE.
Séamus also served as delegate, Cisteóir and Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Chonnacht CCE. In 2017 he took on the onerous task of National Competitions Officer.
Seamus has also served as a board member of Ceolaras Coleman and Dún Uladh.
Séamus has been a tutor and together with his wife, Teresa has been an organiser of the The Fred Finn Classes and Seisiún Groups.
Teresa, Séamus and the local committee are now busily preparing for the 41st Ballintogher Feis and the 21st John Egan Festival from October 16 th to 28th 2018.
The Leo Rowsome Commemorative Concert on Saturday night, compered by Seán O Sé, featured Uilleann Piping from the Rowsome family & friends; June McCormack & Michael Rooney (flute & harp); June, Eileen & Seamus (flute,concertina & whistle); The Sligo Seisiún Group 2018 and especially, to rapturous applause, Seamus performing with his grandchildren.