Comhaltas numbers up and new branches being formed
The numbers joining Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Westmeath have quadrupled since the fleadhanna in Mullingar, according to Joe Connaire, chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee for 2022 and 2023.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner at the Frank Gavigan Memorial Concert in Milltown, Rathconrath, on Friday, he revealed that there are now up on 450 students attending classes in Ballynacargy every week, double what there was before the fleadh. There has been significant growth in the numbers learning the banjo, accordion, fiddle, drums, concertina and sean-nós dancing, he said.
Joe said that there was talk of bringing the fleadh back to Mullingar after Wexford and Belfast. “The template is there. We had to raise €3.5 million over two years and we did it and we paid all the bills. We are very proud of what we brought to the town and the future business it will bring as people revisit. That is a legacy in itself,” he said.
He announced that the Ballynacargy Comhaltas branch will be hosting a concert on December 8 in the Church of the Nativity, Ballynacargy, and are expecting up on 400 to attend. “We have a good line-up,” he promised.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has mushroomed in the aftermath of the Mullingar fleadhanna, Willie Penrose, vice-chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee, agreed, and said existing branches flourishing and new branches are emerging around the county.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner at the Frank Gavigan Memorial concert in Milltown, he said membership has trebled in the last two years. Significant growth has been seen in the Ballynacargy and Clann Lir branches.
New branches are being set up in east Westmeath covering Killucan, Raharney, Kinnegad, The Downs and Turin. Another new branch is going to be established in Athlone. “It is intended to increase the number of branches in the county from seven to 10,” he remarked.
Westmeath “had always been a beacon of music”, ever since the Aonach, the precursor of the fleadh, which was held in Tristernagh, Ballynacargy in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. It only took a spark to re-ignite it and the fleadhanna were that spark, he said.
“A lot has been done, but there is a lot to do,” Willie remarked as he revealed his plans and ambitions for the future. He wants to see the strong Ballynacargy uilleann pipes tradition revived and people like Dick Melia remembered.
He would like to see the Ballynacargy set dancers, tutored by his daughter Niamh along with Katie Baird and Sheila Lambden, win an all-Ireland title. They have secured several Leinster titles and, with up on 90 attending classes weekly, he feels an all-Ireland is achievable.
Willie also revealed plans to extend Teach Ceoil, the home of Ballynacargy CCÉ, over the next couple of years.
Willie plays the bodhrán and his daughters – Deirdre, Niamh and Aisling – all play instruments. “Music instils confidence and enthusiasm in children,” he believes.