Joe Connaire to receive Ceannródaithe award for contribution to Comhaltas

Comhaltas will honour Joe Connaire, chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee, at a ceremony during the Fleadh Cheoil in August.

Every year, Comhaltas recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to traditional Irish culture, and Joe follows fellow Westmeath musicians Noel Battle and Mick Foster, who were presented the Ceannródaithe award at last year’s fleadh.

Joe has been at the driving force that brought the fleadh to Mullingar, and he is delighted to be receiving the award. “It’s a huge honour; to be getting an award in any walk of life is great,” he said.

“I am a proud musician, proud teacher and I put my heart and soul into traditional Irish music down through the years.

“I put a lot of dedication into the whole process. You don’t get these awards for nothing and I feel I have put in the work to deserve that award,” said Joe. He will receive the Ceannródaithe award with five other Comhaltas veterans – Joe Connaire, Westmeath; Tom Doherty, Mayo; Grainne Hambly, Mayo; Daithí Kearney, Louth; Pamela Schweblin, Argentina; and Martin Gaffney, Cavan/ Dublin.

The Ceannródaithe Awards Gala Dinner at Bloomfield Hotel on Tuesday August 8 at 7.30pm will include performances by the awardees, who are all accomplished performers, and many of them are bringing family and friends to perform alongside them.

Tickets at fleadhcheoil.ie.