Annual Comhaltas Mass for deceased members of Comhaltas, Áras an Mhuilinn

The annual Mass in memory of members of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann from the region who passed away during the last two years, on Friday November 4, was celebrated by Dr Most Rev Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, and Rev Fr Phil Gaffney, Mullingar Parish administrator.

Representatives from the four regional counties, Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offaly, read out the lists of deceased Comhaltas members from their counties.

The cathaoirleach of Áras an Mhuilinn, Camillus Glynn thanked the clergy. He remembered Áodhan Ó Muineacháin, who worked for a number of years at Áras an Mhuilinn and who was a valued member of Comhaltas, and Maureen Keane, who was a regular attendee at the set dancing classes at Áras an Mhuilinn, the Comhaltas regional centre.

Mr Glynn also thanked the staff and ICA members who prepared refreshments, and warmly welcomed the attendance of Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and his wife Úna, and called on Dr Ó Murchú to address the congregation.

The Mass is an annual event that brings together communities from the four counties in the region who have lost loved ones who were members of Comhaltas during the year.