Comhaltas Archive

America·bound 8HARON SHANNON (Clare),SEAM US McMAHON (Clare), CAROLCUMMINS (Cork) and KATHLEENGRIFFIN (Kerry) pictured at rehearsals forthe 1985 North American Tour at Culturlannna hEireann.organisation made possible by the organisingcommittees, host families andsu pporters. The fact that there are stillso many venues interested in hosting aconcert is an indication of the dedicationand efficiency of this network.The work of the last 15 years is not asuperficial exercise as evidenced by thefact that there are now 22 Branches ofComhaltas in North America and it ispossible that this will increase to 25 inthe coming year.Sept. 242526272829TOUR VENUESLong IslandManhattan/BronxPougbkeepsieNewHavenBostonOttawaOct. 1 Winnepeg2345691112131516171819For further information contact:ReginaVancouver B.C.San FranciscoAnneheimSan PedroPhoenixSt. LouisChicago North SideChicago South SideLondon, OntarioTorontoClevelandDetroitNew York CityBill McEvoy, 928 Hawkins Av., Lake Crove 11755 L.I. N. Y.Helen Cannon, 4780 WhitehavenDr. St. Louis. Mo. 63123Paul Curry, 27 Creenway Place, Meriden CT 06450JimMcCinty, 255 Bronx River Rd., Yonkers 10704Tom McSwiggan, 3107 Southmoke Drive East, OttawaEamonn O'Loughlin, 121 Decarie Circle, Islington Onto516-328-8015212-569-6898914-897-5457203-755-8047617-899-0911613-7334719204453-8045306-522-1917604-254-1205415-566-2194213-831-6182213-831-6182602-946-4710314-831-4014312-457-1654312457-1654519-685-1148416-621-5747216-779-1730313464-4119914-237-5613516-588-3709314-849-1662203-235-3454914-237-5613613-733-8045416-621-5747SolidarityThe following resolution was unanimouslypassed by the ¥nual Congressof Cornhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann meetingat Culturlann na · hEireann, BelgraveSquare, Monkstown:That this Congress of CornhaltasCeoltoiri Eireann deplores the decreasein the annual Arts Council grant toComhaltas for 1985 and the proposedaxing of the National EntertainmentScheme grant in 1986. Neither logicnor fair play, art nor audience considerationcould justify this act on the partof a statutory body which has controlover £5 Y. million of taxpayers' money.The decision of the Arts Council notto fund native entertainment, whilefunding other forms of entertainment, isselective victimisation of the native artform . This is a major change in policyand would obviously require the sanctionof the Minister for Art and Culture,Mr. Ted Nealon, T.D. We request theMinister to state if, in fact, such sanctionwas given by him.This Congress further deplores anyinterference by Arts Council representativeswith the units of Cornhaltasthroughout the country. Offers ofgrants, as reported by some of our units,to leave the Cornhalta!f movement has tobe unprecedented in the history of theState.The fact that the fmdings of a Surveyconducted by Landsdowne Market ResearchLtd. on behalf of the ArtsCouncil have been ignored is a matter ofconcern. This survey showed Irish traditionalmusic in a premier positionamong the living arts in Ireland whileless than 2% of the Arts Council budgetis allocated to the native art form.The proposed axing of the NationalEntertainment Scheme in 1986 becausethe Arts Council deem it to be"community" orientated is an insult tolocal communities throughout thecountry and is a matter to which legislatorsmust address themselves immediately.Democracy demands suchaction.It is ironic that one of the priority interestsof tourists - native entertainment- should be hit in the manner suggested.The National EntertainmeritScheme is the only such extensive networkof its kind in the country. It hasbeen in existence for the last 14 yearsand has been one of our great successstories.We call on the Minister, Mr. TedNealon, T.D., to act immediately to redressthe treatment being meted out toCornhaltas and native entertainment.We request him to examine the prioritiesof the Arts Council and ensureequitable distribution of State funds forart and culture. We further request himto ensure that local communities willnot be victimised as envisaged in thenew Arts Council policy.3

duced by Breandan b DUill of RTE andinvolving several hundred performers,was par excellance. These shows - oneof the main highlights of the FleadhNua - thrilled the capacity audienceswith their show artistry. The beautifulDanlann theatre was a major plus forshows of this magnitude. Seamus MacMathUna dn Donncha b Muineachainbrought all their experience to bear inassisting the Producer.AIFREANN TRAIDlSIUNTAThe Traditional Mass in the ProCathedral on Sunday was celebrated byFr. Seamus Mullin, Adm. St. J oseph's,assisted by Fr. J oe McMahon, St. Flannan'sCollege. There was extensive participationby Comhaltas personnell withlessons read by Labhnis b Murchu,CCE Director General and MicheaI() Lochlainn, National President. SingersDeirdre Keary and Maura Crowewere also to the fore as were musiciansEirner and Geraldine Cotter and harpistNives Gleeson. Five young dancers incostume , Jacinta Eade, Mary Lynch,Niamh Slevin, Helen Byrt and JanetWoods brought traditional instruments,whistle, flute, concertina, bodhran andfiddle to the altar and the bread andwine were carried by Fleadh committeeThe well-known Ennis concertina player,SONNY MURRAY and JOE RYAN,Drogheda, fiddle, compare ,notes at theFleadh Nua, Ennis, 1985.chairman, Seamus b Lideadha and secretary,Seamus b Ruadhain. ThePrayers of the Faithful were read byTommy Kelly, Mary Neylon and MaryDavoren. The Cathedral choir underSister Elizabeth was in excellent voiceand the congregational singing was ledby Gerry Cronin.LEEDS ON THE DOUBLEThe trouble amd expense of charteringa bus and coming to Ennis for theFleadh Nua proved to be well worthwhilefor that very strong Comhaltasbranch in England, Leeds. Theybrought with them two excellently preparedprogrammes for entry to thePlearacha and senior Scoraiocht fmalsand when they set off for home onMonday, they did so having beencrowned All Ireland champions in each.In the Plearacha fmal on Saturdaynight in the Holy Family hall they cameout on top against Ballincollig (Cork)and on Sunday night, at the same venue,they took on Wexford and again got thenod from the adjudicators in the Scoraiocht.The junior Scoraiocht title was wonby Templeglantine, with Kildarerunners-up.We wish to express our gratitude toLIAM JONES, Ennis, who providedthe Fleadh Nua photographs in thisissue of TREOIR."On the Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Doorare: FRANCIS CUSTY (fiddle); IAN DINAN(bodhran); J. J. CONWAY (flute); on theSyntex Float at the Fleadh Nua CulturalParade, Ennis.11

There was a time when MartinConnoUy was the only traditionalfiddler in our parish. At thattime if you found an old dancingshoe in a hedge , no matter howmoulded or over-grown with moss,Martin could nearly tell you who onceowned it. For almost a quarter of a centuryhe was the only performer at manya local reilf or feis or parish concert.There he would sit, slouched in a chair,left shoulder down at a gimp to meetthe fiddle . Head to one side he wouldfiddle away for hours on end at times.You didn't ask Connolly, you didn'tpay Connolly. He just came . Invariably-midway through ~ he-would be especiallysingled out and called on for a solo.This was a kind of concession to theartiste in him. There would be · pronouncedsilence before the start, thismingled with resignation and sometimesawe during it. Afterwards some one wassure to shout - "Good our Martin".Schoobertthe FiddlerUinsin b DonabhainSome one else would say: "What a pityhe never bothered to make a go of it_ Ifonly he had got around a bit. If only hehad to make a record" _ Those bulginghard-working fingers, weather-beatenhands, graceless nails ... ......One night when called on for theusual solo Connolly said: "Ladies andgentlemen, with your kind permission,I'll now play a tune wrote by man bythe name 0 ' - Schoobert". Someoneshouted up " Good oul' Schoobert"from that night on Martin Connolly wasknown as "Schoobert the Fiddler".Schoobert lived in a large rambling,draughty, nineteenth-century house. Hewas caretaker of the house and workedthe forty acre farm and garden - alonely old place to spend a night, especiallyif you knew you would have tospend the next night and the next thereas well.Things brightened up a bit for himone winter, when a few neighboursasked the Schoobert to teach theiryoung lads how to play the fiddle."Send them down here any night atall."And down they went two or three timeseach week.Some time after this a bright youngman arrived in the town. He was a travellerfrom one of the big Dublin pianofirms. He went around to all the housesand suddenly our parish became pianoconscious."My dear Mrs. Hannigan", said theman from Dublin, "A house without apiano is only a lowly hovel." "Youmean to tell me?" " I assure you,Madam, that a castle without a piano isa mere cottage."Mrs. Hannigan made up her mindthere and then that her house was goingto be neither a " lowly hovel" nor a" mere cottage.""What musical expressions, Mrs. McGuinness, on the faces of these twoyoung boys of yours?" "Indeed, Sir,but it was not from the father's sidethey took it." " Remarkable expressions...... quite remarkable."Within the month, Hannigans andMcGuiness's had galloped up the parishsocial ladder by becoming the owners oftwin upright pianos. But there wasn't asoul within miles able to play them.Still the man from Dublin had providedfor this contingency by discovering onhis rounds that the nuns in the town"gave lessons" and would be glad to accommodateyoung Hannigan and youngMcGuiness as pupils." ..... delighted to have them," wrotethe Reverend Mother, "particularlysince they have had some music lessonsbefore." The lads themselves were notso enthusiastic and Schoobert was a bitdisappointed at losing two of his threestudents.In the beginning it was all a greatnovelty with the long corridors thatshone and a smell of polish thatfollowed you around. "Must be nearlyhalf a mile long", mused Spikey Hanniganas he waited outside the musicroom. After a while, a little girl withplaits came tripping out and tiptoingdown along the corridor."Next please"? Not one of the boysmoved. "Next please? we haven't allday." The voice was louder andsharper and angrier. If the boys hadknown the way out there and then theywould have scarpered and reached homewithin the hour. More shuffling andpinching and suddenly Sister MariaGratia appeared at the music roomdoor. A tall, spare gander of a womanwith an ascetic face. "You're the twonew yoys .. .... this way please. "I hearyou have been having lessons already?"The boys said nothing. She13

"Your man that was to play thepiano .... he never came." "Go away"!"He never turned up." "You mean totell me so?" If it happened to be anyone else who came but Billy he wouldnot have gone . "Come on JeremiahBoy ~ Come on and we 'll show them athing or two."The two fiddlers were receivedwith resignation by the Mrs.Hannigan and Mrs. McGuinness,with wild acclaim by some ofthe waiting dancers. Schoobertgave a little kick at the helpless, silentpiano and viewed it with a scornful eye.Jeremiah and himself sat on chairs inthe corner and together they swishedthrough one tune after another. "Lieon it, you're doin' mighty", the Schoobertwould whisper.As the night wore on, a kind of alangour came over the Schoobert. Inthe middle of playing he told Jeremiahto keep it going and edged sidewaysaway and in among the older folks sittingdown along the side. "Could I getyou something Mr. Connolly?", askedMrs. McGuinness with concern. "Justfeelin' a bit tired".He was sitting all alone now and itthrilled his very heart to listen to theyoung lad playing. Every note seemedas if it were his own. He was lashing itto "The Mason's Apron". "Play J ermiah,my son, play . You're showin'them how its done my boy. Aftertonight they will surely be callin' youthe young Schoobert. More talk fromone end of the parish to the other abouthow good you are ~ more talk aboutMasie's passin' out or whatever it wascalled ~ those darned pianos, theywould rot in every room and make firewoodin every house. Food for thewoodworms and the mice ~ there'sJeremiah swingin' into "The MountainRoad" ...."Clapping and applause as he had notheart in all his own years performing.His head was beginning to feel heavyand his chin began to glag down restingthe point on his chest. The people andJeremiah and everything began to dimas if a shadow had been drawn across hiseyes. The clapping and the wildapplause had died down. The hearingwas beginning to slip away from his earsand he didn't hear the voice shoutingup: "What about a solo from theSchoobert?" .The young Schoobert had already begun,his fingers quivering up and downthe notes of "Raisin Dubh". When hehad finished there was louder cheeringand wilder clapping but the light hadgone out completely from the eyes ofthe master, the hearing had left his earsand he never heard a thing.IHistory Made in D.unloySaturday the 12th of January, 1985proved to be a red-letter day far Dunloyand District Branch of Carnhaltas CeoltoidEireann, when to a packed housethey opened their new ComhaltasCentre. The first of its kind in NorthernIreland, it is a neat, beautifullydecorated building, comprising of twoclassroomS, toilets, kitchen and a MainHall area with se.ating for two-hundredand fifty to three hundred people, also alarge and very functional stage area.The homely atmosphere is veryapparent, as soon as you enter and youcannot but feel relaxed and easy, withthe first class seating and bright tastefuldecor. Who would have thought thatjust fifteen months ago, when this wasonly an idea, that the reality would haveturned out So well.A reality which could not have c.omeabout WIthout, firstly, the very gener.ousge.sture of John Rerron, of Herron Brothers,Draperstown, who sold the structureto Dunloy branch of Comhaltas ata very m04est price. Secondly, theDunloy G.A.A. Club, who made the sitefor the cQnstruction of the Centre available,and gave Comhaltas every assitancepossible. An object-lesson in howthese two great organisations can andshould work together for the commongood of our Irish culture. Thirdly, thelocal businessmen and contractors whoresponded very generQusly to everyrequest made by Comhaltas in Dunloy.And all those people who gave so unsparinglyof their time, their talents andenergies at the construction and thecompletion of the new Centre. The Co.Antrim Board ' of Comhaltas, for theitfaith and encouragement and the localpatrons who very generously offeredmuch needed financial suport which isyery r1uch apF.r~ciated . Mr . Banley ,Manager of The Government TrainingCentre at Ballymena and his staff fortheir all-out co-operation Oh the projectwork done on curtains and seating.At the official opening ceremony, allspeakers had very ~ncouraging commentsto make about 'the. work undertakenby Comhaltas in Dunloy.Speakers included Willie Richmond,Chairman of Dunloy G.A.A.; AlphonsusAgnew and Jeamtie McGrath, Chairmanand Secretary respectively of Co.Antrim Board of CCE; Alex ken, Chairmanof the Deny and Antrim FiddlersAssociation; Frank McMahon, Chairmanof Dunloy and District CCE and HarryMullan, Chairman of Ulster Council ofeCE who performed the openingceremony.The offiCial opening was followed bya feast of music, song and dance in theform of a concert - the first half ofwhich was done by some of the childrenattending Comhaltas classes in Dunloyand the Allen school of Dancing fromDunloy; all put together and rehearsedby Sinead McGrath one of the tinWhistle tutars and full marks must go toSinead and all the young singers,dancers and musicians for a first classperformance. . Other tutors teachingmusic at Comhaltas classes in Dunloy,are: Ronnie Bamber, John Kennedy andTommy McGoldrick. The second halfwas opened by senior musicians from allover Co. Antrim. John McCracken fromHead-Office was Fear a' Ti and also arrangedfor the appearance at Dunloy ofspecial Guest Artistes Fdeda Gray andSeamus Meeban from Dublin and fromDonegal Rita Gallaglter and FrankKelly. John has always done us proudup here in Co. Antrim when arrangingfor guest artistes and this was no exception.He is also very popular himselfwith audiences here in Dunloy. Manythanks, John, for a great job very welldone. The Concert closed with a sessionmar including senior musicians from allover the County. The entire performancewas recorded on video by BameyCunning and Aiden Duggan.But ' no . Cornhaltas gathering inDunloy would be complete without acup of tea fOr everyone, and once againthe ladies of Dunloy rose to the occasionas only they can do - only thistime they really excelled even themselves.The evening finished off with aCeni and Old Time, music supplied byGerry Kealy, Vincent ReiUy, John Mc. Gourran, Alex Crawford,Denis Sweeney,Tomrny Robinson and MichaelROdgers. The Dunloy branch of Comhaltas are deeply indebted to all thosepeople who before and on the 12th ofJanuary made it pOSsible for their dreamto come true.concerned.Many thanks to .allP.R.O. Dunloy and District Branch CCE15

Mortas CineMarcas 0 MurchuIs iontach an tsuim ata ag dao}ne tharlear i gceol traidisiunta na hEireann.Gach bliain, tagann an iliomad ceoltoiriagus lucht suirne araon as an Fhrainc, asSasana, as Meiricea agus as an ,Eoraip igcoitinne go Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.Ta cup la fath taobh thiar den tsuirnsin, an chead rud go gc1uineann siadceirnini de cheoil na hEireann a tugadhas an tir agus cuairteoiri ansin. IMeiricea, bionn roinnt staisiuin raidio agcraoladh ceol traidisiunta cupla oichesa tseachtain.In Eirinn, ta moladh mor tuillte agRaidio na Gaeltachta as scoth na gceoltoida chraoladh don phobal i gcoitinnear fud Fodhla. Ta cartlann mhor igCasla, i nDoiri Beaga agus i gCairraiagus iad ag cur lei gach la.Ta ogmhuintir na hEirinn measarthaaineolach ar a dtraidisiuin, ar ta domhanan Anglo-Mheiriceanaigh ag dui ibhFeidhm Uirthi. Measann siad gurabhar scoile ata sa Ghaeilge agus gobhfuil ar gceolta airsa agus ar gceoltoiriis fearr ag baint le sochai ata basaithe.La mhead dar Ieachtoiri ollscoile athugann "leannta" orthu fein a bhfuilan Ghaeilge, no an ceol, no an damhsamar chuid da saol acu? Ca mhead darmuinteoiri naisiunta no den daraleibheal a bhfuil cailiiocht acu i gceoltraidisiunta no a bhionn ag usaid argceoil ina ranganna ....... machnaigi air.Ba abhar mortais ag Gaela i 1979 anPapa a chlos a leamh paidreacha inGaeilge. Aris eile, bhi an taispeantasalainn i dTiobraid Arann a thug ComhaltasCeoltoiri i 1984 do UachtaranMheiricea an-eifeachtach. Ca mbeadmilliuin a chuala na hOcaidi sea ar fudan domhain?Is de dhluth is d'inneach shaol nahEireann an Ghaeilge agus an ceol. Niabhar scoile aon cheann acu, ta ardcheirniochttuillte riamh anall acuaraon. Ni ar bhonn scolaiochta ba choirbheith ag pie lea ach ar bhonn oideachasuil.Is "teanga den dara grad" i, agus nithugtar aon aitheantas faoi leith dargceol ar chlaracha raidio na teilifise. Is"Paidineachas" a chuirtear chun tQsaighorainn, gur rud gan Forbairt ata sa cheoltraidisiunta agus ar dteanga naisiuntamar abhar magaidh ar sceidil scoile agussna meain.Ni dochar seasamh ar shraideannaChill Chainnigh na i Lios Tuathail agusFlea na hEireann sa siul. Tarlaionn eispeireasneamhghnathach. Bionn GaeilPiobaire Ogoga ag caint Gaeilge, ar seinm na dtead,ag foghlairn agus og c1eachtadh.Is gne dhearscnaitheach de chultur anphobail, an Ghaeilge agus ta an ceol doscarthauaithi. Ta saibhreas 2,000 bliainsa Ghaeilge - i bhfad roirnh theacht nacriostaiochta go hEirinn. Ni bhaineannsi le dream polaitiochta ach oiread. Lecine Ghael agus le pobal na hEireann abhaineann si agus ni cOlr dearcadh arlucht a labhartha mar dhream "radacach".Ta an ceol traidisiunta ar a sheanleimaris ar fud na hEire~nn. A bhuiochassin ag duI chuig CCE, Raidio na Gaeltachta,na tuismitheoiri diograiseacha,muinteoiri scoile agus go seanfhondairiar dtraidisiuin. Nil rud ar bith niosfearr na seandaoine ag gab hail cheoil imeasc na ndaoine oga, ag fleanna gohairithe.Do mhuintir oga ata ag tus an raid, taagaibh le bheith Foighneach, tios;faidhan rithirn le trean c1eachtaidh. Eistigile ceirnini de dhea-cheoltoiri, teigiCeol Ultachchurt na Gaeltachta no go ceantrachalaidre ceoil. Ta siad gach ait in Eirinn,buaus na norchathracha agus i mbeagnachgach contae. Eistigi no cuirigi arteip na ceoltoiri seo. Nior togadh anhOirnh in aon la amhain, biodh a fhiosagaibh.Ta cuma nios Fearr ar an cheoltraidisiunta sa taobh s'agamsa den tir,. Cuige Uladh, mi riamh roirnhe. Cluinirnoganaigh as Beal Feirste, as an Dun, asTu Chonaill agus iad ag seinm choirnhmaith ceanna leis na scanfhonduiri abhunaigh agus a chaomhnaigh an ceolagus an duchas Gaelach.Beidh c1u amach anseo orthu fein,Deirdre Havelin agus Bernadette NicMhathuna (feadoga) as Apntrairn. Taailbhe agus Colm Cille 0 Monachain(fidil) as Gaoth Dobhair. Ta MairinMcCrystal (feadog) as Doire, SeamasSands (fidil) on Dun. Ta gach duine amseo faoi fiche bliain d'aois.I mBeal Feirste ,Fein, c1uinirn SeanMac Searraigh (piob) agus e ag gabhailda ghleas seoil ar dhoigh chomh breabhsanta,briomhar le aon duine den seandeanamh.Ta moladh tuillte ag oganaighmar seo de bharr a bhfuinnirnh is dasaothar.Ce nach bhfeicfear an la, le linn dochursai bheith chomh neamhghaelach imoran aiteanna, le linn maran againn -nuair a chluinirn na daoine oga seo, ta afhios agam nach bhfuil ach dochas indan dar gcultur.misneach, a Ghaela.Musc1aigi bhur17

MICHEAL 0 LOCHLAINN and MICHAELFITZPATRICK pictured at the unveiling ofthe LARRY WALL memorial.recalled the great heritage and cultureof the area, and as Co. Chairman of CCEwould also wish to make the occasion atime to reform a Craobh of Comhaltas.He went on to congratulate Michealo Lochlainn on his well-deserved appointmentas Uachtaran, ComhaltasCeolt6ir( Eireann and expressed bestwishes to him in his term of office.Domhnall b Lubhla{ entertained thecrowd by singing 'The McCormac Brothers'- a ballad made famous by LarryWall Fitzpatrick. He then lilted a hornpipefor Rev. Fr. Crosse who danced,much to the delight of all present.Domhnall also recalled the happy timesand his associations with Larry WallFitzpatrick and his teaching career inthe old School House in the village. "Itmade one sad", he said "to think thirtyyears had passed since the door closedon his classes in the school". It wasDomhnall and Larry who had organisedthe founding of Comhaltas branches inthe area in 1955.Michael Fitzpatrick thanked the organisingcommittee and all whohad worked diligently to make theday a success. Speaking from theexperience of local knowledgeheard from his grandfather, the latePaddy Wall Fitzpatrick, a flautist andpiper (brother of Larry) in Londonduring the early 1950s, he outlined thehistory of the area which included thePalatine settlement in the Commons;the Coal Mines of the district and therich heritage of our music handed downthrough the centuries to present times.He deplored the present condition ofthe 'War House' which had been the locationof the Ballingarry Insurrection in1848 and said that it should be preservedas a 'N ational Monument'. It was inthe Commons that the Tri-Colour wasflown for the first time. He thanked allthose involved in paying tribute toLarry - The Rory O'Moore Pipe Band,Laois, and all musicians, families andA step from Fr. Crossefriends who had gathered to make it agreat occasion. He then called for ashow of hands from the large crowdindicating relationship to Larry.Mrs. Anne Heaphy thanked all themembers of the Committee, also Mr.10s. O'Shea and Mrs. Is. Murphy, thecatering staff, the Clergy, the Garda,those who supplied amplification, Mr.Michael Heaphy and Mr. ThomasKavanagh for their work in erecting thememorial. She also included Mr. HarryMu llin s, the press, the Rory O'MoorePipe Band and all those who assisted inpaying tribute to Larry Wall Fitzpatrick.Mrs. Heaphy gave apologies for Labhrasb Murchu, Ardstiurth6ir of CCE andSeamus MacAuley (former Uachtaranof CCE) who were called to record a TVprogramme on that day. She went onto express her gratitude to the goodpeople of the Commons who gave theirtime organising the tribute to theirhonoured esteemed friend.At the outset of the unveiling, SarahFitzpatrick (grandniece of Larry) playeda lament on war pipes. Pat Fitzpatrick(her brother) also played a slow air onconcert flute and a selection of dancemusic in tribute to his uncle.The Rory O'Moore Pipe Band playedA section of the large attendance at theLARRY WALL memorial ceremony.'Let Erin Remember' -following theunveiling ceremony. Later in the evening,lim Fitzpatrick of Kilcooley (acousin) played a selection of music onpipes. 1 im Fitzpatrick is a piper in theArmy Band and Pat Fitzpatrick is aclarinetist with the Army No. 1 Band.MicheaI b Lochlainn and D6mhnallb Lubhla{ performed the unveiling ceremonyand Rev. Fr. Morris, P.P., Ballingarryblessed the memorial. It was aday which will be long remembered inthe Commons, reminiscent of formerdays when the 'Commons Village'abounded in traditional music. It ishoped that the organising committeewill make it an annual event.Outdoor and indoor sessions ofmusic prevailed throughout the day andinto the following morening. Musicianscame from all over the country for thecelebrations. Famous names like PaddyO'Brien and his daughter Eileen, JimEgan, Padraig Sinnott, the Bass family ,Nesbitts, M. J. and B. O'Reilly and ahost of top class musicians filled theCommons Village. The Thurles All-Irelandwinning Cashel Set Dancers - AllIreland winning piper Michael Cooney,the Cooney sisters their father MartinCooney flautist , the Michael Cooneydancers from the Commons; Jim MaherKilkenny; the local set dancers, Fitzpatrickand Kinsella dancers, Fitzpatrick'sof Gorey, Limerick, Cork,Tipperary, Kilkenny, Laois and Carlow.O'Briens, McGraths, Purcells, Ryans,Prestons, O'Mearas, Mahers, K.1atts, Kinsella's,Hughes, all came along as relativesof Larry to join in the festivities.Some notable relatives and friendsof Larry who recalled manystories of his musical ability anddelightful personality are Mrs.Mary McGrath Cleere from theCommons aged 95 years. Mrs. Cleere'sbrother (William McGrath), a flautistand tailor was married to Aflne Fitzpatrick- musician (sister of Larry Wall19

AgDeanamh CeodThe dance tunes in this issue werechosen by the Dublin piper and accordeonistSeamus Meehan.1. CATHERINE HEIllR'S JIG-this 2. STENSON'S REEL-Seamus learned 3. THE LASS OF BALLINTRA Y - Seatunewas recorded by De Danann this one from Mary McNamara the mus got this one from Paddy Treacy.some years ago .concertina player from Tulla.CATHERINE HEHIR'S JIGImJ} IJJi 1InI J J £[1 ID Fa rJ :11I ECE fJJ! ar r E :11I ffJ r :11

, ,CUAlCHIN GHLEANN NEIFIN~-~~~j[1? p jJ j 1 ! J lOP'}: J n 1111J.'-- Ta fear fada 'gus fasaeh ngleanntan a-Iuinn bhfad 0 bhaile ....-==-l_teG 'It cl§1 J dJj) I J J.t'"Ta uDal 'gus aimf ag fas go h-ard ar bharra erann annDa mbeinnse 's mo stoirm p6sta, 'san saol ag gabhail mar ba eheart tinnBheadh an t-or bUI in :ir bp6eal, is luaeh an oil ag bean a leannaTa fear fada 'gus fa sa ch i ngleanntanaluinn i bhfad 0 bhaileTa ullai 'gus aimi ag fas go h-ardar bharra crann annDa mbeinnse's mo stoirin posta, 'san saol ag gabhliil mar ba cheart linnBheadh an t-or bui in ar bpocai, isluach an oil ag bean a ' leannaDa mba liomsa oilean Eireann, fri nacheile 'gus an BhreatainNo a bhfuil den or craobhach age Searlaso Fatha.Do thabharfainn-se an meid sin as uchtmo stoirin a bheith agamI ngleanntan bhinn Neifin, no a mBealan Atha FadaTa smuit ar na realta ar an ngrein is aran ngealaighIs ar amharc mo shul fein , nf It!ir domna bealaighI ndiaidh cuaichin Ghleann Neifin narfhead me riamh a mhealladhIs a stoirin tabhair on bpein me, os i domhein bhrea ata dho mo lagadh.Agus fagfaidh me an ait seo , mar ta se anuaigneach.A toraiocht mo mhile stoirin ins gach aitda bhfaighidh me a tuairiscNi leir dhom na cros-bhoithre, ta nadeora dho mo dhalladhSe mo lean gear gan teach mo loistin sanait a gcoirionn tu do leaba.CUAlCHIN GHLEANN NEIFIN: thereare two songs which bear this title; theother one being the one which commences'0 eireoidh me amc'tireach leFainne an lae gleigil.' Both words andtune are completely different in eachcase. The version given here is onewhich is widely sung by sean nos singersin Connemara.:lOc

A Boy of Barr na SraideSigerson Clifford, the Dublin-basedwriter and storyteller from Caherciveen'sBarr na Sraide, was buried acrossthe Water at Kilavarnogue in January.He died at his home in SilchesterPark , Glenageary, on New Year's morningas he prepared breakfast for hiswife , Marie.His end was unexpected but he wasprepared - he had requested that hisbody be brought back to be buriedamong his own people, amid the briarsand bushes at Kilavarnogue , a cemeterywhich had been closed for some years.And his own people gave him a sendoffworthy of the man who began hislife in Top Street, the place which inspiredone of his most famous pieces ofwriting. The Boys of Ban na Sniide.This ballad was sung by Ted Casey asthe funeral Mass concluded in theO'Connell Memorial Church inCaherciveen.Three verses of another of his famouspieces of work, 'I Am Kerry;', wererecited at the graveside by Angela McAllen and June O'Connor of PresentationConvent School.Sean O'Shea, who acted in SigersonClifford's first play, 'The Policeman'sParadise', when it was produced in theirnative town at the time when Mr.Clifford was manager of the localLabour Exchange, delivered an orationat the graveside.By way of introduction, Sean O'Sheaquoted from a poem by Sigerson, thename the name that Eddie Clifford used(it was his mother's maiden name) aftertaking up the pen of the poet, balladmaker, dramatist and short story writer.The town looks on the mountainand the mountain on the sea,But waking time or sleeping time'tis there I'd rather be."Today it is no longer waking timebut a long, long sleeping time for Sigerson,prideful son of Iveragh, sterlingfriend and above all a wonderfulhusband and father." said Mr. O'Shea."On occasions like this we are reluctantto intrude on family grief,except to endeavour to solace it in someinadequate fashion with the methods ofour appreciation. And appreciate Sigersonwe did as a fine artist of words whowas born there among us in Caherciveen,who sang the praises of this areaso that all Ireland came to know of it."He was a fine personality with arare gift. Whenever men foregather ingentle revelry some one will call forsilence so that a singer yet unborn shallrelive in location the adventures of theBoys of Barr na Sraide who hunted forthe wran. And when All-Ireland timecomes around again- if Kerry areengaged- we shall relive in location theadventures of long ago of a band of lads;who, at the fall of night, boarded thathonoured train of legend, The GhostTrain to Croke Park."It's eerie whistle will continue toring down the years before us. And noone hearing the rooks returning a.t eventidebut will recall the sound of therooks of Nano, one of his very fineplays."But there is a far finer reserve ofgenius attaching to Sigerson Clifford, asBryan MacMahon has pointed out, thanthese ballads, splendid though they are,indicate. He collected his best poemsunder the title of 'Ballads of a Bogman'.These were far more than these barbedballads - they were pure poetrycouched in brilliant terms."Our sorrow today is mingled withpride - pride that a son of Iveragh setdown in words the life that was livedhere among us and which, thoughalmost vanished, has left an importantresidue behind."In mortal terms, Sigerson Cliffordhas died, but in terms of wistful pridefulmemory he will continue to live in thehearts and minds of the people."Leaba imeasc na naomh go raibhaige agus suairnhneas siorrai da anamgh!geal."Sean O'Shea then recited a sonnetwritten by Listowel's John B. Keane inmemory of his friend and mentor.Oh Sigerson, Oh Sigerson,Your songs will live while rivers run,Sweet gentle soul whose very layShines with the lightness of the day.Here you lie where you longed to be,Beneath the hill beside the sea,Where all your boyhood years weregreenAnd golden whins did grace thescene.Where white gulls mewing filled theair,And smaller birds sang elsewhere,Where willows wave their leafywandsWe've closed your eyes and crossedyour hands,And never while the winds blow free ,Shall your sweet soul forgotten be.Eamonn Clifford was born in Cork in1913 but grew up, went to school andstarted work in Caherciveen, where hisfather and grandfather (Con fromCaragh Bridge) worked as tailors in TopStreet.But there was no indication that thetime was nigh when his friends would befolding the earth of Iveragh around hismortal remains, in accordance with hisown wishes:Oh lay me down in that old townBetween the hills and the sea.(The Kerryman)HUNTING THE 'WRAN' INSOUTH KERRYo the town it climbs the mountain andlooks upon the sea,At sleeping time or waking 'tis there I'dlike to be,To walk again those kindly streets, theplace my life began,Where the Boys of Ban ns Sraide wenthunting for the wran.With cudgels stout we roamed about tohunt the dreoilin,We searched for birds in every furzefrom Letter to Dooneen,We sang for joy beneath the sky, lifeheld no print or plan,And we Boys in Barr na Sniide huntingfor the wran.And when the hills were bleeding andthe rifles were aflame,To the rebel homes of Kerry the Saxonstranger came ;But the men who dared the Auzies andfought the Black and TanWere once the Boys in Ban na Sr3idehunting for the wran. .And here's a health to them tonight, thelads who laughed with meBy the groves of Carhan River or theslopes of Beenatee:John Dawly and Batt Andy, the SheehaSheehans Con and Dan,21

Fact and FictionIn his Address to Comhdhail '85 the outgoing Uachtanin, Seamus MacAmhliaoibh,referred to the Arts Council treatment of Comhaltas as follows : The unprecedentedsupport for the Comhaltas case regarding Arts Council funding hasbeen most gratifying. This support has come from the Irish Federation ofMusicians and Associated Professions; Irish Equity Group ; British Actors Equity;Association of Irish Traditional Musicians ; Northern Ireland Musicians Association·the Iri~h. Vocational Education Association Congress; Dublin Corporation; LocalAuthontles and V.E.Cs. throughout the country. We are indebted to all of thesebodies and wish to express our gratitude for their support.The reaction of the Arts Council to thiswave of popular support for Comhaltashas been alarming to all those whoexpect the highest standards possiblefrom those responsible for State funds.Unable to justify their treatment ofComhaltas, the Arts Council sought toconfuse the public in the followingways:(1 ) in order to boost their decreasedannual grant to Comhaltas theysought to represent a capital grant(Funds of Suitors) as an annualgrant, and they did likewise withthe grant for the European Yearof Music Concert Tour. With aview to obscuring the small annualgrant to Comhaltas, they alsoadded eight years grants togetherand presented this to the public;(2) they intimated that "Seisiun" washeld in public houses, which, ofcourse, it is not. This is highstandard entertainment and recognisedas such by people from allover the world ;(3) they sought to suggest that therewas no education programme inthe field of traditional music;(4) they would not fund native entertainmentschemes (this waschanged, after a public outcry, tocommunity based schemes - aninsult to all communities throughoutthe country). This policywould not apply to non-native entertainmentschemes;(5) they totally ignored the existenceof the Comhaltas national archiveswhich has several thousand hoursof taped material and which isused extensively by people fromall over the world.State money in this manner be justified?All the evidence is there to suggestthat the Arts Council has embarked onthe dangerous and anarchistic road ofundermining a voluntary cultural movementand this with the aid of taxpayers'money.It has now been brought to ournotice that the rumour-factory has beenworking over-time. Among the figmentsof the imagination are that Comhaltashad bought a new house or were buildinga new house for staff members.This, of course, has no basis in factwhatsoever. It does prove, however,that the Comhaltas case is so strong thatsomeone has panicked and is actingrecklessly to confuse the issue. However,those who were the recipients ofSEAM US MacAMHLAOmH (left) is greetedby JOHN McMANUS the chairman of theBedford branch of Comhaltas in Englan

In the Shadow of KnocklydeBaile Caislean situated in an areasteeped in history and tradition is locatedbetween the valleys of Glentaisieand Glenshesk and is overshadowed bythe dome shaped hill of Knocklayde.So dominant a feature of the landscapeis Knocklayde that it has been frequentlymentioned in the songs and poetryof the north Antrim area."I will sing of a mountain, the prideof the north,Whose tenderest beauties I mean to setforth.To paint its fair colours, I am reallyafraid,And the name of it goes under thefamous Knocklayde.At the foot of this mountain I mean toresideWhere the cattle are grazing and streamletsdo glide,But capricious fortune has so hurriedmeNigh to Ballycastle in view of the sea."The entire area is a haven for poets andhistorians and many are the referencesto the personalities from Irish mythology.As Finn MacCoul went hUf)ting,One Summer's afternoon,In dark Glenshesk's deep valleyBeneath the silvery moon.These are lines taken from the versesof J ames Studdard Moore known as"Dusty Rhodes" who wrote at length ofthe battle era of the MacQuillan andMacDonnell clans.MacDonnell the haughty to Aura hathcomeWith hawberk, battle axe, standard anddrum,With message insulting the treacherousKnave,Hath dared to combat MacQuillan, thebrave.MacQuillan hath summoned his clans tothe fray,His best and his bravest from mountainand brae ;From Inishowen's headlands to levelArmoyDunseverick's proud castle and steepBallintoy.In recent years the town of Ballycastlehas become a household namefrom the famous song of John McAuleywoodcarver, when he penned the lineson the Lammas Fair.At the our Lammas Fair, boys were youever there?Were you ever at the fair in BallycastleoDid you treat your Mary Ann to somedulse and yellow-manAt the our Lammas Fair in BallycastleO.There's a neat little cabin on the slopesof our KnocklaydeTwas lit by love and sunshine where theheather honey's madeAbd the bees ever humming, and thechildren's joyous callResounds across the valley where theshadows fall.So I'll take my fiddle down and myMary smiling thereBrings back the happy memories of theLammas Fair."The Home of ComhaltasCulturlann na hEireann is at Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Co. Dublin(phone: 01-800295): here in· this beautiful setting is the "home ofIrish traditional entertainment"-the headquarters of Comhaltas.There is a cead mne failte for all who come to visit us and,as you willsee below, there is a full Summer programme of native entert~inmentin our new theatre Geantrai.Mondays/Tuesdays(June 3-Sept. 3)8.30 p.m. Taille: £3Wednesdays/Thursdays(June 5-Sept. 5)8.30 p.m. TaiUe £3Fridays (June 7-Sept. 6)9 p.m. TaiUe: £3SEISIUN- An entertaining cabaretstyleshow of traditional music, songand dance.FONNTRAi-This colourful FolkTheatre show recalls for you in thedrone of the pipe, the roll of the bodhninand the weave of the dance all themagic and spontaneity of Irish traditions.CEId-Re-creation of the traditionalhouse-dance. It is fun for all the famiiyto learn the steps and participate in the"Haymaker's Jig"; "The Siege ofEnnis" ; "The Walls of Limerick"; "TheSixteen-Hand Reel':; the old countrysets; and many more.Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays SESSIONS-Informal displays of tradi-(All year round)tional musiC, song and dance with9 p.m. Taille: £1 Comhaltas branches.Sundays(June 2-Sept. 8)8.30 p.m. Taille: £2COlS TEALLAIGH-Musicians, singersand dancers talk about and demonstratetheir art.25

The finale now over, everyone goneBut you'd look around and Paddy wasthe oneWho was eager to give a welcomehelping handDismantling the gear and conveying to avan.Nos, a Phadraig, you've left us withouta farewellBut you're kindness remains of this weknow well:Paddy, we have just one last thing tosay -That we hope we shall meet you againsome day.Sllin agat, a Phadraig.-MICHAEL BA YNES.FAMILY INVOLVEMENT"The lesson to be learned from themany thousands of young people involvedin the Irish traditional musicmovement has been largely ignored andaccordingly a great asset has beenneutralised." This was stated byLabhras () Murchu, ArdstiiIrth6ir anChornhaltais, at the 1985 Fleadh Nua inEnnis, Continuing he said:As we search for new ways to solvemany of the country's problems - wayswhich very often end in a cul-de-sac -we would do well to study thepatriotism, initiative and positive contributionof young people in every one ofthe 32 counties to the promotion ofnative music, song and dance. There is adistinct absence of cynicism and selfishnessamong these young men and womenwhich runs counter to much of thecriticism levelled against the younggeneration.The main strength of Cornhaltas hasbeen the involvement of the family unit.This is the natural and traditionalapproach of the Irish people and it hasserved us well in many crises. It is notfair to young people to isolate themthrough peer pressure or commercialpressure from the very agency whichmoulded them - the family - and thisat a time when the support and experienceof that agency is now needed. Itmay suit certain interests to drive awedge between youth and the familyinfluence but if so we must also sufferthe consequences of such action - confusion, lack of confidence, and thedenial of much needed support.The vacuum created by the lact offamily support for young people iseasily exploited by syndicates who donot have the welfare of the youngpeople at heart.A Song of Pride"If the saying that there are as manycustoms as countries then it is true alsoof music. There are many reasons whythe quality of our native heritage shouldbe contained in our music. Amongstthe reasons are ethnic variations, history,environment, economic condittions,religion and more. Their effectscan be perceived in the songs and musicof Ireland. It is as a result of such influencesthat we have our songs ofwork, of love , Extempore verse and allkinds of song which demonstrate thelifestyle of our people" This was statedby An Seanad6ir Seamus de Brun whenhe addressed --the 1985 Scoil an Phiarsaighat Scoil Eanna. "Thankfully," hecontinued, when the need was greatest,the power and the native character ofour music came to be understood. Itwas a morale raiser and a battle-cry forall the people of Ireland .when "TheNation" newspaper was published.People resorted to the music to instil aspirit of national pride in our race who,at the time were subdued and feeble andto banish the slave mentality resultingtherefrom."In the Introduction to "Songs ofthe Nation" we read the following:'The greatest achievement of theIrish is their music ..... Music is the firstfaculty of the Irish and scarcely anythinghas such power for good overthem. The use of this faculty, and ofthis power, publicly and constantly, tokeep up their spirits, refine their tastes,warm their courage, increase their unionand renew their zeal is the duty of everypatriot' ."From that philosophy was generatedthe spirit which gave courage to theIrish people to get up off their knees, toraise their heads high and to demandtheir rights for themselves. This effortwas strengthened by the songs and balladscomposed specifically for the purpose.The rest is history . But let it beremembered that the music was at theheart of the entire effort."In spite of that it must be admittedthat the native music of Ireland was allowedfall into decay for many longyears_ But a significant turn in its fortunescame about in the recent past. Wecan now say that traditional music hasbeen saved."It gives me particular pleasure tostate that the organisation with which ISEAM US DE BRUNam connected, Cornhaltas Ceolt6iriEireann, played the most significantpart and such has been widely recognised",Seamus concluded_A BOQUET FROM HOLLANDGroote Peel 18DiemenHollandYesterday we visited the Amsterdamvenue of your 1985 European ConcertTour. It went down very well with usand the rest of the audience so we triedto cheer for as many "encores" as wecould get. Your dancers and Mr. Kelly'ssubtle fiddling were our favourites,which doesn't mean we didn't like therest. It was amazing to fmd such joyand liveliness in your company, evenafter 2 weeks travelling and playing. Itmust be the music that keeps themgoing. May it continue in the future .M. Kaal27

to milk it night and morning? When thepurchase is frustrated , sure what needhad he of a wife? Seadna's innocencewas only a thnineen's width from ourown as we read breathlessly on.We become aware as adults, thatthere are themes in storytelling whichare international and indeed that of theman who sells his soul to the devil occursand re-occurs from Goethe's Faustto Balzac and his chilling tale of theshrinking donkey skin - it growssmaller every time a wish is granted andwith it the owner's life. The Cinderellatheme has been a central one in generationsof women's magazines - even theredoubtable J ane Austen built her'Mansfield Park' around it. Sean b Suilleabhain(,Storytelling in Irish Tradition', Mercier Press, 1966 (?) has a mostinteresting little booklet on this subjectand he tells us:"Each individual tale has its ownorigin, history and growth as a work ofart. Once an ordinary folktale had beencomposed, it was passed on orally, firstamong the local people where it might(or might not) be accepted as worthy ofbeing spread more widely .... By oraltransmission, it would then start outover linguistic, cultural and geographicall.oundaries ....." (p.8).He then goes on to introduce us tothe Finnish classification system forFolktales which is amazingly thorough,in that it gives a Type Number' accordingto theme. ("Type 330 - TheSmith outwits the Devil, which resemblesthe story of Faust and the IrishSeadna ( sic) p.l7 . It annoys me to hearreference in 'Highbrow' circles to the'Faust Theme'. To me, it will always beof some mild interest to see what thelikes of Geothe did with the 'SeadnaTheme'! Poor man, he never attendedan Irish Fair Day, nor clapped eyes on a"fear na mearachain". Could deprivationbe more severe?To return to An tAth. Peadar and hispeculiar mode of telling his tale, I wasgreatly interested in the recent articlesin COMHAR magazine (The b CadhainLectures: 'Caint na nDaoine as theBasis of Literature' by Declan Kiberd,raises is that at it time when Yeats andthe Anglo-Irish Literary Revivalists wereproducing masterpieces of literature inEnglish, the 'Gaels' were directing theirattention to and dissipating their energieson grammar standards and dialects.Dan Corkery wrote an enthusiasticreview of "Cre na Cille" purely from alinguist's standpoint! It was seen mainlyas a rich treasury of West Galwaydialect.It is hardly fair to jump on theLeague with both boots - sure therewere grossly different starting points forthe two horses in this race, but linguisticsexperts are rarely appreciative ofliterature. They're a Philistine lot and itwould be easy to count the works ofliterature produced by grammarians.Modern thought on Language Teachingrecognises that over-insistence ongrammatical correctness induces a numbinghesitancy which saps the confidenceand inhibits the would-be speakerinto stuttering palsy. The thing to do isto get the children talking - 'Communication'is the thing, correctness willcome in time (Is their English - or thatof the' man-in-the-street so free fromgrammatical error?).Though An tAth. Peadar, I now feel,went far towards ruining a great talewhich he had begun so wonderfully, hewas on the right track. Such storiesteach - painlessly, the essentials and fillthe mind with wonder and excitementat the same time. All teachers are in the'Entertainments Industry'. Unless interestis aroused, boredom will kill efforton the part of the learner. As for thegrammarian, SHe thinking of the "fearfada, caol dubh" speaks for us all:"Imeacht gan teacht air, ancladhaire!" (Going without returning onhim, the blackguard!).Craobh Phiarais Vi GhreagdinIt is with great pleasure that we,the members of Craobh Ui Chearbhallliin,wish to announce that we havechanged the name of the branch toCraobh Phiarais Vi Ghreagain.This has been done to perpetuateand honour that great Irishman andmusician Piaras b Greagliin whose deathoccurred in April, 1984.Piaras was a prominent memberof Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann; hisdeath was felt by many to be such agreat loss; he left behind him memorieswhich will be cherished wherevermusicians and Irish language loversmeet.He was a man much loved by thechildren who attended his music classes.He had a story to tell them about everytune, -- stories of the brave deeds ofThe late PIARAS 0 GREAGAINgreat Irishmen of the past, he neverneglected to impart to them his love ofour music and language, he spoke withloving tender care of Ireland, as a sonwould speak of his mother, for as we allknow he loved his music, language, andCountry of which he had a vast knowledge,a knowledge he was always readyand willing to share with young and oldalike.His music classes are being continuedby his niece Mliiread Ni Ghreagain, withthe same great enthusiasm as Piaras, andwe wish her every success.Branch sessions will continue everySaturday night at Culturlann na hEireann,Belgrave Square, Monkstown.Special session for Junior Branchmembers are held on the first Thursdayof every month in Culturlann na hEireann,Monkstown.Runai na Craoibhe29

A Tour of Australia?Michael ClearySyndey branch has again lost manyof its musicians. Many have left towork in country districts. The maincause has been the big increase in spendingon public works in the State ofNew South Wales. New dams and townwater supplies, sewerage schemes, powerstations, natural gas pipe lines, roadsand bridges have been under constructionin the State at a record level in recemtyears. Some sites are up to sixhundred miles from Sydney. YoungIrish workers have made work on suchschemes almost a closed shop. Theresult is a scarcity of Irish workers inthe Sydney area except for holidayweek-ends.One stalwart of the music sessionsaccordion player Jimmy Philibin has leftAustralia to live in America. Otherssuch as the Kennedy brothers fromWicklow have returned to Ireland.Jurruny Mularkey and J. J. Noonan havemoved north with their work. JackoKevans seems to have abandoned theSydney area. Other musicians have permanentengagements in Sydney clubsand pubs. Accordion player PhilMurray for instance plays every weekendat a pub in mid-Sydney where Irishpeople gather because of the music.Further set backs have been experiencedby the return to Ireland of bothbranch typists, Amanda Stokes of Corkand Liz Neylon of Dublin. If anyfollower of the music sees either ofthose attractive young ladies in Irelandplease remind them that we gave themexclusive rights to all our typing andthey repaid us by running away. Tellthem to come back, all is forgiven butto get a move on as the matter isurgent!NEWS OF OTHER AUSTRALIANBRANCHESBrisbane branch is thriving. Margareto Dowling is secretary for the comingyear. Sessions are held in members'homes for the present until a permanentvenue is obtained. Members are involvedin the community radio programmefor the Irish. Recently the branch tookon the presentation of a full hour's programmeand they made an excellent jobof it. This community programme is acommunity effort in the best sense ofthe phrase. Those involved have a verygood knowledge of Irish culture and aninterest to match. The programme is of60 minute duration and is heard onEM Radio at midday every Saturday.Melbourne Irish have a similar F .M.community radio programme. Unfortunately,for Sydney there is no equivalentprogramme at present.Perth branch, our nearest neighbourson the west of Sydney, had a change ofofficers recently and Trish Cahill retiredas secretary. She was responsible forthe formation of the branch - and thenew secretary is Ormondo Og Waterswho has taken up responsibility with accompanyingnew ideas.ST. PATRICK'S DAYSt. Patrick's Day 1985 in Sydneyproduced the usual flood of items ofIrish interest on radio, T.V. and in newspapers.It also produced a flood of IrishSt.. Patrick's Day postcards which apparentlycaught Irish and Australianpostal services by surprise as most cardsarrived a week after the event.The radio and T.v. publicity washelped by the presence of an Irish T.v.team who were in Sydney for twoweeks before St. Patrick's Day recordingprogrammes for Irish T.V. The officialradio and T.V. stations, the A.B.C. gaveIrish events during the week before the17th valuable pUblicity. Their Irish contributionsto music selections were nottoo bal;!. Whilst at times it is hard to understandthe persistent ignorance ofcommentators as to what Irish musicreally means, this year the periods ofembarrassment were down to a tolerablelevel.AUSTRALIAN BI-CENTENARYYEAR 1988Australians will celebrate their Bicentenaryduring 1988 in what promisesto be the biggest display of festivity witnessedon this continent for the pasttwo hundred years at least. There maybe doubt and controversy as to what weare celebrating and groups such as theoriginal owners may wonder why theyshould be asked to celebrate at all, butdespite such question marks 1988 inAustralia should be a great year for allits fifteen million inhabitants.People of Irish origin here will alwaysequate festival spirit with music anddancing. The same music and dancingshould be as near as possible to that ofthe period being commemorated. Themusical instruments should be of thesame type as those used two centuriesago and dances should, if possible, showthe same authenticity. This may seemto be far too difficult to accomplish,and with some groups who were representedat the landing in 1788, it couldbe virtually impossible.It is reassuring to know that the Irishtraditional music of today is the actualmusic played two hundred years ago.The type of instrument is the same. Nothinghas changed except the performers.The chain of musical traditionhas not been broken. The entertainmentin many places in Ireland today isthe same as it was when the first fleetlanded in Australia. It is logical toassume that the organisation most capableof supplying the authentic musicalculture of the period being commemoratedin Australia is CCE. Havingaccepted this, the best means of displayingthe culture of the period would bea concert tour of Australia similar tothose carried out in the USA every year,and which represented Ireland in EuropeanYear of Music 1985.Since many proposals for the festivitiesfor 1988 are already under discussionIrish group~ in Australia should bepressing for a full concert tour by CCEduring Bicentenary Year.Jl

(L-r Back Row): MICHAEL FL~AGAN,JOHN MULLIGAN, DIARMUID 0 CATHAIN, BRIAN CONWAY, LOUIS QUINN,MARTIN WYNNE, JIM CONWAY;(Seated): ROSEMARIE CONWAY, JOHNFITZGERALD, PATRICIA CONWAY,MARTIN MULHAIRE.five or six reels back in the 30s longbefore he left Ireland. On being pressedhe admits to having seen one of his reelsreproduced in a music book in Irelandwithout any credits being given to himfor its composition. He feels the musicof this tune was sent to Ireland by thelate Willie Coleman. Martin is anacknowledged authority on the origin oftunes and talks freely about varioussettings to be found in Cole's book andWhite's book as well as O'Neill's. Whilehe loves the informal session he has veryfixed ideas about the type of tunes thatshould be played at these sessions.Some tunes he lists as "variable" and hefeels that these are not suitable forgroup playing. Though he has a vastrepertoire he is loath to play tunes thathe has not "prepared and packaged".MARTIN MULHAlREAnother well-known performer atthis session was Martin Mulhaire, anative of Newcastle, Co. Galway. Martinemigrated to theU.s.A. in 1958.Prior to this he had played in an "onand off situation" with the Tulla CeiliBand for some two years. Since thenMartin has maintained the family traditionof traditional music in his adoptedcity. His wife comes from Portumnaand her maiden name was O'Mahony.Though her father played the flute andher mother played the accordeon, Mrs.Mulhaire does not play an instrument,yet she is an authority on the names oftunes. She loves going back to Irelandon holidays and never lost her East Galwayaccent. Among her favouritemUSIcIans are Paddy O'Brien and thelate Joe Cooley and Kevin Keegan.These are also the favourites of her husbandMartin who says that though thestyles of Paddy O'Brien and KevinKeegan are different both were great exponents.Martin has composed a total of 15reels, many of which are well known onthe circuit. He also admits to havingcomposed jigs and hornpipes but nevergot around to playing them. One of hisfavourite reels is called "O'Mahony's"and needless to say this was composedas a tribute to his wife. Of news to uswas the fact that the reel known as the"Golden Keyboard" is also one ofMartin Mulhaire's compositions. Theyears rest lightly on the jovial Martinand we can look forward to many yearsentertainment from this star performer.Another musician in the companywas American born John Fitzpatrick avery competent performer on both theaccordeon and the concert flute. John'swife also in the company, was born inthe States though her parents were Irishwith her father coming from Co. Mayo.John's daughter Maureen is now one ofthe best known fiddle players on theNew York circuit. He lists as hi~favourite musicians the late Larry Redicanand Tim Fitzpatrick the well knownaccordeon player, but not related.The versatile Michael Flanagan wasalso in the company. Michael was alsoborn in the USA but inherited his loveof music from his parents, both ofwhom were born in Miltown Malbay.He plays an anglo style concertina butthe fiddle is his favourite instrument.Michael claims his style is influenced bySean Magurie and Brendan McGlinchey.Patricia Conway is not related to thepeople in whose house the session tookplace but being a fanatic for traditionalmusic she spends enough time there toqualify for being termed a resident. Patriciawas born in the USA but her Mumcomes from Kerry and her Dad fromMayo . Her Dad plays the accordeonand Patricia is potentially one of thebest young accordeon players in theStates. Ask her who are her favouritemusicians and she has a string of themincluding Joe Burke, Martin Mulhaire,John Nolan and Bill McComiskey. Sheloves Ireland and as she says herself,goes there as often as she can afford.She has, however, one complaint andthat is the difficulty in finding regularsessions in Ireland, though she says ismay be that she happens to be in thewrong place at the wrong time. Whenspeaking of musicians in Ireland Patriciahas the highest regard for the versatileAnne and Nicky McAuliffe fromCastleisland. If we are to believe herfriends Patricia also qualifies for thesatile tag seeing that she plays the fiddlefriends Patricia also qualifies for the versatiletag seeing that she plays the fiddleand is a first rate step dancer. Outsideof the music, she is a hospitable younglady who, during our sojourn in NewYork, provided transport for us on morethan one occasion.JOHN "COLM" MULLlGANAlso in the company that night wasfiddle player and fiddle technician John"CoIm" Mulligan. Of all the performerson the night there was a special glint inhis eye as he loudly proclaimed that ina few weeks he would be back in the oldcountry. John was born in Co . Leitrim,a county that he is proud to say neverhad a gaol or a workhouse! As far backas he can remember his old home was agathering place for the local musicianssuch as Jack O'Boyle, Tom Cassidy,Willie McGarry and Mick McGowan.John says they played through the nightinto the morning and they as childrenwent to sleep "intoxicated by themusic". Having lived in Dublin for anumber of years he emigrated to theUSA in 1959. In 1961 he becameChairman of the Louis Quinn Clubwhich subsequently became a branch ofComhaltas in 1973. In the interveningyears John has met many fine musiciansat the monthly sessions but his outstandingmemory is of the day when thegreat Larry Redican died on stage. He isnow certain that thanks to Comhaltasand the classes music was never strongerin the USA than it is today.BRIAN CONWAYOf all the young mUSICIans in theStates today or for that matter in anypart of the world, surely one of thebrightest stars on the horizon is fiddleplayer Brian Conway. The love and33

.The CureCaoimhghiil b BrolchainWhen the world and I were youngand I still had a grandfather I was surroundedby wonderment - most of itsupplied by th' oul fella. He had terriblefee t and was murdered by the cornsand bunions and with the hopping fromone foot to the other he couldn't decidewhich hurt him most. "Bhi se sin donago leor" but then he caught a terriblecough that had him thumping his chestbetween the hops, so he decided to gointo Castlecomer to see what thechemist might have.At that time, the rare occasion youmade the journey to town, you got fullvalue - maybe you had a pig to se ll, butyo u had a list of things to get too beforeturning the ass's head towards " an slfabhaile" . Th'oul lad had glass to buyfor a broken window and off he wentup the town hopping and coughing andlathering about him with the ash planthe carried for the sizes of the glass.Country people bothered little withrulers and glass was measured by makinga couple of nicks in an ash plant. Fromthis nick to that was the width and fromthat to the next nick would be thelength.he called to the chemist and then collectedthe glass.First of all he called in to the chemistfor his twin afflictions and then he collectedthe glass. Well between the jigsand the reels, one the way home hebroke the glass, took a good slug out ofthe co rn cure and rubbed the cough medicineon his feet. From that on he wasa changed man. The cough medicinecured the corns and the corn curecleared up the cough and he forgotabout the glass.Perhaps because he had so many animalsabout the place, Granda got thename of being a great hand with the" cures". There was no doubt about it,he Was a wonderful fella to have aroundwhere there were horses, but when itcame to pigs he was out on his own. Hewould take me by the hand up to the"cro na muc" (sty) and give me bits ofcoal to throw to them. I would gaze forhours at the wonderful spectacle ofthem crunching the coal, grunting andhonking and squealing. He loved pigsand often quoted the old Irish proverbto me, " A pig is seven times more stubbornthan a woman, and a woman isseven times more stubborn than thedivil himself." I laughed then, but myfather thought it the highest wisdomand said that no man could live so longwithout gathering knowledge.Once a woman came carrying a Pekinesein her arms. She talked to it andpetted it and fed it titbits all the time .Her poor darling, she said, wasn't feelinghimself. He was out-of-sorts and wouldn'teat. The most he could manage wasa little lightly done chicken. Wasn't itterrible, she asked, and would grandaplease try to do something for him becausehe had the reputation for beingwonderful with animals and fowl - andpigs?"took a good slug of the corn cure"Granda muttered something about itbeing a terrible state of things surely, -almost as terrible as a dog being treatedbetter than a Christian, - but thewoman didn't hear him, for he wastaking snuff at the time and he had hishand over his mouth. He reached out tostroke the dog - in politeness - and thedog bit him, and the woman said what anaughty dog it was, forgetting itsmanners like that.Anyway, she left the dog and went'away with many a backward glance.Without a word, my Granda gazed atthe animal for a while, then he bentdown and picked it up by the loose skinat the back of its neck. Turning on hisheel, he went up to the sty and threw itin amongst the pigs. Well, the dog hadto step lively, I can tell you, for the pigsshowed every sign of being as keen on abit of Pekinese as on a bit of coal. Mindyou, the dog was wonderful how he wasable to gallop round the sty dodging thesnapping jaws. You could see the exercisewas doing him good by the minute.He stayed there for a fortnight or so,and if he was hungry, he had to bequicker than the pigs to the trough. Isaw him meet a mouldy crust in mid-airthree feet ofF the ground, and give a35

A Sour Note in CookstownCookstown District Council has refused an application for a grant towardsthe running of the Tyrone County Fleadh Cheoil in Pomeroy. At the Council'slast meeting before the local government elections unionist and anti-unionistcouncillors clashed over whether or not to make the grant and on a 6-3 recordedvote the Council decided against it.The Clerk to the Council, Mr.William A. Bownes was about to read aletter from the Tyrone County Board ofFleadh Cheoil asking for a grant towardsexpenses for the annual event and alsothe provision of portable toilets. Aspart of the name was in the Irishlanguage the Clerk said he could notmake it out.Official Unionist Councillor EspieDonaldson interrupted and proposedthat as part of the letter was in Irish theCouncil should have nothing to do withit.SDLP Councillor Mrs. Brigid Neesonpsoposed that the Council make thegrant and said the event not only containedtraditional music but also benefittedthe traders of Pomeroy.She was seconded by her party colleagueMiss Peggy Laverty .Supporting Councillor Donaldson,DUP Councillor Alan Kane said he hadseen a similar kind of event being stagedin Omagh and he described it as nothingbut an excuse for the flaunting of Republicanpropaganda, emblems andflags. Went on Councillor Kane "Surelywith the same IRA type of supporters inthis district they will use the sameexcuse and the event will be used as aplatform for the IRA" .After the vote SDLP CouncillorDonal Davidson accused the Council ofhaving on previous occasions made contributionsto other organisations includingpipe bands.In reply the chairman Official UnionistCouncillor Victor McGahie said pipebandscrossed the entire political divide.Traditional music, song and dance enjoysvery substancial patronage in theCookstown district council area, particularlyPomeroy.Secondly it is a widely held viewamongst the vast following of traditionalIrish music that the music itself andthe associated festivals i.e. FleadhannaCheoil servc admirably as a catalyst forthe bringing together of people of varyingreligious and political beliefs.Cornhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is theorganisation universally recognised ashaving saved traditional music, song anddance from extinction and nourished itto the healthy state which it enjoys atpresent. The constitution of Cornhaltasdeems it to be non political, non sectarianbut no apology is made for holdinga great sense of pride in our Irish distinctivenessand in particular the joy wederive as a people in the playing, singingand dancing of our native art forms.Against this background the organi-sation enjoys temendous support fromvery many people who would undoubtedlyalign themselves with unionism.Within the Cornhaltas framework theyare afforded every respect for theirpolitical views and find no problem insharing their mutual interests with theirfellow Irishmen. The native culture ofour Country constitutes a threat to nooneexcept those who might deny ourpeople the right to exist within the parametersof a native people. Is it thatsuch people as those in Cookstown districtcouncil who were so vocal in theirobviously bigoted attitude towards allthings Irish feel so insecure that theymust distance themselves at all timesfrom people of a different backgroundlest they might loose their false sense ofdominance.Such outbursts as were experiencedin Cookstown council chambers do littleto enhance mutual respect in our community,but the example of people togetherplaying music, singing anddancing as the bards have done at majorgatherings for generations will lay afoundation upon which a great nationwill one day emerge.CO. BOARD STATEMENTThe following Statement has beenissued by the Tyrone Co. Board of Comhaltas:Without wishing to enter into anypolitical wrangle about the refusal bythe Cookstown district council to grantaid the 1985 Tyrone County FleadhCheoil in Pomeroy, we would like toreflect the views of our organisation andsupporters.Firstly the application for grant aidwas submitted because it is our beliefthat public money should be used in accordancewith the wishes of the people.WELL DESERVED TRIBUTE: Roscommon-born LDy Lawrle bascelebrated her 70th birthday and a larlle sUce of Blrmlnllham's Irishcommunity extended to her their congratulations and affection. Above,Michelle McCourt, on rlllht, presents LDy with a bouquet. That presentationtook place at the Tower Ballroom In Edllbaston. There was alsoa great party at St. Teresa's Centre, Perry Barr.Lily and her husband, Bob, on left In our photograph, are ratherspecial people. He is from Lancashire and now a retired doctor. Theirhome in Birminllham has down the years been a IIreat fount of Irishculture, especially of Irish music. Bob, who a lonll time allo becamemore Irish than the Irish themselves, has even been a member of theBirmlnllham Ceili Band.But it is those sessions of Irish traditional music down the years atthe Lawrie home which so many people recall with atrectlon.37

Gaelic Tongue Tied byPrejudiceJ effrey SimpsonThe Gaelic language, discriminatedagainst for centuries in Scotland, stillfights for survival in the Western Isles.Although Gaelic is spoken on CapeBreton Island in Nova Scotia and inparts of the Scottish Highlands, only onthe Western Isles is it the language ofthe majority.About 80 per cent of the WesternIsles' population reported speakingGaelic in the 1981 census. In Stornoway,the capital of the Islands, the proportionof Gaelic speakers has fallen toabout 50 per cent, but in the small villagesand rural areas, Gaelic remains thelanguage of daily intercourse.Gaelic has always struggled to survivein Scotland, its use actively discourageduntil recently by Government policy."We've also got a history in whichGaelic was considered the language ofthe poor people and crofters and Englishof the upper classes, so people wereencouraged to learn English," explainedDonald MacLean, secretary of theGaelic Society.The class distinction remains in adiluted form; English must be the languageof business with the rest of Britainand the world. But it is a testament tothe attachment to Gaelic that the languagesurvives as the major one on theW,estern Isles.Like the Inuit of Northern Canada,however, those keenly interested in thesurvival of the local language worryabout the influence of mass communications."Unless we do something about televisionand radio, we're going to reach acrisis," said Annie McSween, the bilingualismco-ordinator for the WesternIsles Council."If the children are speaking Gaelicin school and then rush home to watchtalevision which is all in English, thenit's going to be very difficult tocombat."Television negates the cocooning influencesof the islands' isolation fromthe rest of Britain. So far, the localauthorities in the Western Isles and highlandshave been unable to persuadeScottish broadcasting authorities to apportionmore than a few minutes everyweek to Gaelic programming.From the Government's point ofview, more Gaelic programming doesn'tmake economic sense . The 1981 censusrevealed that only 79,397 peoplespoke Gaelic among Scotland's populationof about five million. That represents1.6 per cent of the population,compared to 5.1 per cent at the turn ofthe century.Apart from the Western Isles, Gaelicis the language of the majority only onthe Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides.In the highlands region of Sutherland,Lochaber and Argyll, Gaelic speakersnumber between 10 and 15 per cent ofthe population.With 23,000 Gaelic speakers, theWestern Isles is in the vanguard of themovement to preserve the language. In1978, the Western Isles Council approveda bilingualism policy.Street signs are in both languages, asare many Government documents. Twocouncil committee meetings are heldentirely in Gaelic, and the council chamberis equipped with simultaneous translationequipment.A Stornoway publishing firmAcair- was established with Governmentsubsidies in 1977 to produce books inGaelic. The company, whose directorswant to expand their contact withGaelic-speakers in Canada, boasts an impressivelist of publications.A local radio station produces Gaelicprogramming, as do stations in Invernessand Glasgow. The Western Isles newspaperincludes two pages of Gaelic reportingin its weekly issue.These steps, however, lack legislativebacking. Nothing remotely like theCanadian Charter of Rights andFreedoms gives Gaelic-speakers the rightto use their language. Instead, the localauthority's policy is voluntary.Last year, a man tried to plead hiscase in Gaelic on the Island of Skye. Hewas refused permission on the groundsthat he could also speak English, andthe decision was upheld in the court ofsessions in Edinburgh."If I had unlimited resources, I'dwant a full-time television station, moremoney to consolidate and developGaelic and a few hundred psychologiststo prove that we're not a group ofcranks about our own culture," Mr. MacLean said.As in Canada, the major battle forthe flourising of the language takesplace in the schools. Gaelic is increasinglybeing used in primary schools asthe language of instruction. Governmentmoney is not available for extendingthat experiment into secondaryschools. There, Gaelic remains one subjectamong many.Now Gaelic is no longer considered alanguage only for the poor."The more highly educated- themiddle classes, if you like- are now proGaelic after generations when they wereanti-Gaelic," Mrs. McSween said.V~IJIII"" Flash!IGlOOaCOMHALTAS CEOLTOIRiEIREANN32 Belgrave Square.Monk'town, Co . Du blin.Fa n: 800295Funds for yourunit39

Co . Roscommon uiIleann piper JIM LAVIN who is renowned for his own highly individual style of playing. Aswell as being a fine musician, Jim is also generous in his encouragement of young traditional music exponents.

Spotted shaking hands and in deepconversation at the European Tour Concertin Strasbourg were John Healy ofthe "Irish Times" and Labhras bMurchu of Cornhaltas. Following therecent cut and thrust in the "IrishTimes", it is not known if the awayfrom-homeencounter was of the"sounding off' variety or not. Onething which was evident is that JohnHealy certainly enjoyed the concert.• • • • •One of the most pleasant OfficialOpening functions at any fleadh cheoilthis year was that of Fleadh naGaillimhe in Renvyle. The Openingceremony was held in the Teach Cheoiland excellently supported by the localcommunity. The atmosphere was reminiscentof the legendary housedancesand the non-stop music session was electrifying.Michelil b Neill has once againdemonstrated his innovative and organisingskills.• • • • •The two Seamases seamas bLideadha and Searnas b Ruadhaintogether with their fine organising committeeshould feel very proud at thesuccess of the 1985 Fleadh Nua. Thestandard of shows throughout the weekendmust be unequalled anywhere in theworld and the capacity audiences were atribute to the talent on display . Asusual, the National Cultural Parade wasearthy of the soil and the floatmakersdeserve all our appreciation. Cois nahAbhna, needless to say , was the meccaof the best in ceili and set dancing. Thevariety of the week-end was astounding.Well done Ennis and Co. Clare.• • • • •We note that the services of Cornhaltasare widely availed of in the matter ofentertainment for visiting dignitariesand groups. Among the functions forwhich Cornhaltas supplied entertainmentin recent times were : InternationalMedical Conference ; InternationalBankers Conference; President Regan inBallyporeen ; International AgriculturalConference; World Literacy Conference;EEC Seminar; Tip O'Neill of the U .S.A.and many, many more.• • • • •Finland next stop! That was thestory for the group of Cornhaltas performerswho were selected to representIreland at the 150th anniversary celebrationsof J oensuu in June. They travelledwith Aer Lingus to Helsinki andfrom there by train to Joensuu whenthey "stole the show" during a week ofperformances. The group includedJim Egan (flute and accordeon); KarenDoyle (dancer); Anthony McAuley(fiddle, whistle, bodhnin); Marion McAuley, (pipes and whistle); Miche31McAuley (concertina, accordeon,songs); Francis McDonald (dancer andbodhnin).The army of helpers drawn from all over the country who helped to make the Oiche Cheolin Cois na hAbhna a great success. An Clar abu!WILLIE REYNOLDSMAN OF THE YEARThe well-known uilleann piper WillieReynolds of Walderstown has beenselected as Westmeath Man of the Year.This is a well deserved tribute for thisoutstanding musician. Willie has givenlifelong service to the cause of Irishtraditional music. He was a foundermember of Comhaltas in 1951. Hismany friends and admirers wish Willie,his wife and family , many more years ofhappiness, success and good music.• • • • •What have the following in common:Leo Say er, Don McLean and Comhaltas?Perhaps not much apart from thefact that they all performed at SiamsaCois Laoi in Cork last year. One mightthink Cornhaltas would be the " oddman-out"in such a line-out but judgingby the television programme from theevent the 70,000 crowd loved the Irishtraditional performance. Cornhaltas hasbeen invited back again this year.• • • • •The new Cornhaltas Teach Cheoil inLixnaw, Co. Kerry, has just beenChristened. It will henceforth beknown as "CEOLANN" - a name selectedout of an entry of 67. The winningname was submitted by Eamonn bhArgain, a staunch member of theCoiste Cheili.• • • • •40

marvelous kind of skipping twist on theway down to avoid a couple of questingsnouts. He was a talented dog, youcould tell.The lady turned up unexpectedly toenquire about her darling and to seehow he was getting on - so my Grandatold me to go and fetch him. I had nobother getting him out because I wavedan empty sardine tin over the fence andhe took off like a rocket in a standingjump, and I grabbed him before hecould skewer himself on an old nailGranda hung the bucket on.The lady said, "Heavens-what-an-awful-stench!!"- all in a rush, but myGranda said it was an old Irish remedyhe had been rubbing on him and that itwould wear off in time. The dog wasdelighted to see her and nearly wentmad with barking and wagging and jumpingabout, - and when my Grandastroked it, you could see that itsmanners had returned along with itsappetite.The lady was delighted - but thengrew a little anxious at the spectacle ofthe dog chewing, with every sign of enjoymentat a mouldy piece of horsesbridle out on the rubbish tip, by thehalf door. Well, she took him homeafter giving the oul' fella a whole poundand she spread the fame of his 'cure' allround Dublin. Her dog, she said, hadn'tstopped eating for a whole five daysafter she got him home."forgetting its manners"Soon there were more dogs than pigsin the sty, and big cars used to comeand fur coats would appear and thereseemed no end to the pound notes myGranda was given . But I wasn't so pleased. It wasn't the same . When dogsjump and grab a bit of coal meant forthe pigs, they choke terribly and theireyes stand out a bit like toadstools -till they cough it up - and you can'tscratch their backs with a bucket handleand they can't grunt of squeal - and it'san awful long time since I was up at thepigsty with Granda, but I'll never forgetthe 'cure'."Ta leigheas ar gach uile short ghalarach amhain ar an mbas" (There's a curefor everything but death).It' s just a matter of finding it.-----~--He took off like a rocketPutting Musicon the MapEoghan 0 ReganOur music inspires different peoplein different ways. Composers write newpieces; fiddlers play; collectors hunt andaccumulate and ........ now, a cartographerhas made a map about music.As he says in the note at its foot, themap "seeks to give expression to bothstrands of Ireland's musical heritage -the classical or formal and the traditional."The locations of tunes and airs togetherwith the birthplaces of musiciansand collectors are shown. Some maycause surprise - who was J oseph Ran-son and did a harper live in threecenturies?As a contribution to European MusicYear the map is well timed and canstand by itself but it is also part of aseries of maps on Irish Themes. Lastyear IOMAINT appeared and a map ofthe War of Independence is being researched."Ceol" is 30 x 24 inches infour colours and comes in folded formatin a plastic sleeve or it can be purchasedframed from its publishers LEARAIDmaps of 159 Glenageary Park in DunLaoghaire.Is e seo an chead learscail da short adeineadh ariamh sa domhan agus mar adubhairt Labhras 6 Murchu agus e agglacadh le coip a bronnadh air ag failtu [sa Chulturlann, beidh suim mar ann marleir[onn se ce comh fluirseach is ata anceol traidisiunta igcomparaid leis angceol foirmuil ata teoranta do th[mpeallachtna gcathair. Learscail dha-theangachl ..... cen Bearla a chuirfea le, "UnaBhan" no la ainm mor Se an de hOra .....agus is maith san mar tug tar an teangailathair daoine nach suim lea [le naithemar seo. Deoltar an learscail tdd anComhaltas imBaile na Manach freisin ar£3.25 no £4 tdd an post.Failtimis roirnh a leitheid agus ganamhras beidh eolas breise le chur airnu air a bh[onn an dara eagran le duIigcla an bhlian seo chugainn ta suilagainn.• CEOL.. .. a Thematic map of th e Musicof Ireland published byLeirdid maps at £.3.25 Ir.36

dedication of his parents J im and Roseto Irish music has paid off in the case ofBrian. He readily admits that at the ageof ten he was forced to play the fiddlebut after three months he got to like theinstrument and the music and neededno further force . Though the expertswould say that Brian has developed apersonal style , he himself would like tothink that his style is American-Sligo.This is as it should be when one considersthe length of time that Brian hasspent playing with the great MartinWynne. He has played and savoured thedelights of the recordings of Coleman,Morrison and Andy McGann. His biggestregret is that he only met 'Lad'O'Beirne twice and would have likedto have heard more of Hugh Gillespie.A t college Brian took classical lessonsbut not seriously. He would advise anyyoung fiddler who wishes to make thegrade in the traditional sense , not totake classical training in isolation as heor she will find it very difficult to getout of the classical mould in later life.Brian's advice is to start on Irish musicand by all means take classical lessonswhile still playing traditional. The classicaltraining does help players toachieve a proper tone and to hold thebow and the fiddle properly . When hestarted to play he was constantly remindedby Martin Wynne of the need togive his greatest attention to thebowing. Brian feels there is too muchemphasis on speed nowadays and notalone are the reels played too fast buteven jigs and hornpipes have also suffered.At this point Martin Wynne concursand tells the story of his brother-inlawwho Coleman refused to teachbecause he tried to play the fiddle whilerelaxing on a settee.Brian's younger sister Rosemarie isalso a very nice fiddle player. In herown lighthearted manner Rosemariesays she inherited her love of the musicfrom "dear old Dad" . "I started playingat ten and I have lost count of the numberof times I have quit since then", shesays. She has competed a number oftimes but feels inhibited by the tensiongenerated in competitions. Among herfavourite musicians are Martin Wynne,Martin Mulhaire, Andy McGann and JoeBurke.This then was the setting for thisgreat session of music which has becomepart and parcel of ongoing Irish life inthe Bronx. They played a few hornpipes;they played a number of jigs; butthe favourites were reels. We had duetsby Martin Wynne and Brian Conway.We had Brian Conway and his sister. Wehad trios. We had group playing. Theyplayed the old favourites "The Colliers"; "Dowds"; "The Morning Dew"and "The Woman of the House". Theyplayed too the most recent compositionsincluding some of Martin Mulhaire'sand some of Martin Wynne's.They talked of other composers, for examplethe great Ed Reavy now living inPhiladelphia who was not alone a brilliantcomposer but was also a brilliantfiddler as can be seen from his one commercialrecording of the " Boys of theLough" and "Tom Clarke's Fancy Reel"(alias "The Green Fields of Rossbeigh")made in 1929.THE COMPOSERSThey talked about 'Lad' O'Beirnewhom many consider to be one of thegreatest of them all. They played a reelin the key of 'F' composed by 'Lad'O'Beirne and told us this was only oneof the many tunes that were either composedor arranged by the late 'Lad'. Itwas conceded that the ree l now knownas Andy McGann's was, in fact, origi-. nally arranged by 'Lad ' as was the reelcalled "The Geese in the Bog" - describedby Martin Wynne "as the reelversion of the jig" . They talked of alittle Irish- American girl Usa Dardinskiwho had composed a number of tunesand is well known in Ireland as a multiprizewinner at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.They told us that young fiddlerCharlene Corbett is now married butstill plays and is now making a name forherself as a first class singer. Variousversions of the tunes were discussed andMartin Wynne let it be known that theending of the jig " Fr. Tom's Wager", asplayed today, is not the ending to befound in O'Neill's book and is not theending recorded by Cawley but then nobodywould dispute the matter withMartin Wynne . He was the expertamong experts on this occasion.Looking at them and listening tothem one could not but admire thespirit and the dedication of these"greats" who come together time andtime again, year in year out, to play andto talk about aspects of our culture withwhich they have readily identified themselvesdown through the years. The hospitalityof the Conway fam ily and manyother families has helped to keep traditionalmusic going in this great city ofNew York - a city in which the standardswere established that all theyoung musicians of today try to reachin their playing.TomMurphy-A Man of High IdealsEveryone in Craobh Cluain Tarbhwould. like to extend their deepest sympathyto Tom's wife, Maureen who formany years was herself an activemember of Comhaltas, having been atone time secretary of the LeinsterCouncil, and to their children, Eileenand John.Tom, who died some. little time agoat his home in Raheoy, Dublin, was anative of Drumphea, County Carlow,where his great interest in musicbegan in his home.He played the flute for a number ofyears with Bunclody Ceili Band, whowon the Wexford Senior Ceili BandChampionship in New Ross in 1961,and was associated with the MayglassCeili Band and, occasionally, with theSouth Wexford Group, all this timebeing deeply involved with Comhaltas.Tom won the Leinster flute championshiptwice, came second in the All-Irelandflute Championship and in 1965,with Kieran O'Reilly and Michael• Tuohy, woo the All-Ireland Trio championshipin rhurles. He was also anenthusiastic sportsman and, as amember of Aclare Macra Group in itsearly years, took part in stock-judgingcompetitions at County level.Tom was a man of strong characterand high ideals. While he did not necessarilyagree with the majority opinion atall times, he was true and sincere in hisbeliefs and everyone respected this aspectof his nature. He had a greatregard for young people and wasanxious that they should learn and carryforward traditional music at its verybest for the future. During his longyears in Dublin he retained very strongties with Carlow and Wexford andvisited the P. J. McCall Festival eachyear, accompanied by his son anddaughter, who have both followed in hisfine tradition of mUSic, have becomegood musicians in their own right, andhave been members of Craobh CluainTarbh for many years.His comrades in Comhaltas playedsome of Tom's best loved tunes at hisRequiem Mass in Dublin and, at hisfuneral in Drumphea, some of hisfriends in the South Wexford Groupformed a guard of honour and played alament at his graveside.Tom's early death, at 53, is deeplyregretted by all who knew him. -T.e.34

A Session in theBronxDiarmuid b CathainWallace Avenue could be described as one of the most fashionable Avenues inthe Bronx district of New York. Once described as 'Little Ireland,' the Bronxwas over the years a home for thousands of Irish born and their descendants, andwas an oasis of Irish culture in a city with colonies from every country in theworld. Times have changed, and for a variety of reasons, many of the Irish havemoved to Long Island, or to upstate New York, but there still remain in theBronx many hundreds, and probably thousands, who still play and enjoy themusic of the homeland, and pass on to the younger generation all that is best ofa culture so fondly nurtured by them over the years.In Wallace Avenue lives Jim Conway and his charming wife Rose, and in theirhospitable home we found ourselves one evening in March last, following theshort but successful tour of the West Coast. The invitation to a session in Conways'came the previous Sunday night at the monthly session of the Louis QuinnBranch in Mineola.This session in Conway's house wasnot a contrived session for our benefitbut was one of many sessions held on aregular though informal basis in thiswell-known habitat of traditional music.Mine host Jim Conway left his nativePlumbridge, Co. Tyrone, and arrived inConnecticut, U .S.A. in 1948. He secureda seasonal job with a contractorbut with Winter Jim moved to NewYork seeking employment and went towork with Con Edison. There he metMartin Wynne and as he admits himself,life has never been the same since then.Back home in Tyrone his mother playedthe melodeon and having learned a fewpolkas on that instrument, he acquireda fiddle and without any formal tuitionlearned a few tunes on it. With the helpof some friends he formed a Ceili Bandto play for Parish functions. Eventhough the style of playing in his areawas typically Scottish, J im admits heconsidered himself a reasonably goodfiddler until he heard Martin Wynne.Jim's wife Rose comes from Newtownstewardsome seven miles from her husband'sbirthplace. Though not a musicianshe has a great love for Irish musicand has encouraged her children to playand keep playing . . She feels, however,that too much emphasis is placed oncompetitions and says that she knowsmany competitors who are unable to dothemselves justice on such formal occasions.Jim and Rose set up home inthe Bronx and gradually made theacquaintance of many other musicians.Every Wednesday night Jim and MartinWynne visited Jim 'Lad' 0' Beirne'shouse. He rates the late 'Lad' O'Beirneas being as good, if not better, than thelegendary Michael Coleman and says heoften told this to Mrs. O'Beirne whofound herself in the invidious positionof being Lad's wife and Michael Coleman'sniece.At the session on the occasion of ourvisit were some of the people whosenames are known wherever Irish musicis played. We had the young, the not soyoung as well as the not so old-playingfiddles, accordeons and flutes. Greatemphasis was placed on the tuning ofthe fiddles and between tunes we hadthe usual small talk about styles andplayers of the past as well as thepresent.LOUISQUINNLouis Quinn was in great form.Louis left his native Armagh for theU .S.A. in 1931 and admits to using themusic over the years to cure his homesickness.For many years he had adream of eventually returning to Irelandand then he met and married his charmingwife Mary and as he says himself,that put an end to his homecoming aspirations.The music and the dancingthrives in the Quinn homestead. SonSean is a top class fiddle player; Kevinplays the uilleann pipes; Louis Juniorplays the fiddle and Brian plays thepiano accordeon. His daughters playthe piano and teach dancing. He knewMorrison, Killoran, Coleman. He playedwith the great Ed. Reavy. He playedwith Frank Thornton in Chicago. He isa veritable mine of information andperhaps some day somebody willsucceed in getting him to write his memoirs.He could tell, for example, of thenight when Michael Coleman, frustratedby the reluctance of another performerto yield the stage to him, actually pulledthe chair from beneath his rival and as aresult needed the quick intervention ofa few friends who were .present, orotherwise we could have been robbed ofthe pleasure of hearing some great recordingsmade by Coleman in the late30s and early 40s! No doubt Louiswould also tell of a versatile musicianwhome we shall call Eddie. Edd iedabbled a bit on the accordeon and concertflute and had as contemporaries,not alone Coleman and Morrison, butJohn McKenna the famous flute playe r.Having listened to these "greats" dressup tunes to their own liking, Eddiedecided to emulate their successes so hepicked a tune , took it apart and dressedit up . He then went to the best knownauthority on tunes - the late MikeCrowley (of Crowley's Reels fame).Mike was a brilliant fiddler but was notthe most diplomatic of people. He listenedto Eddie and when asked what hethought of the tune, he bluntly told him"If you put in what you took out andif you take out what you put in, therewill be nothing wrong with the tune."MARTIN WYNNEIn the company also we had theinimitable Martin Wynne. Born inBuninadden, Co. Sligo - in the nextparish to Killavil, the birthplace ofMichael Coleman- Martin emigrated toEngland in the mid-40s. He played inthe Band that serviced the Halls ownedby John Muldoon in the London areaand in 1948 he arrived in New York.Martin is a renowned fiddler and arenowned composer. He is also renownedfor his wit. He regrets he keptmissing Coleman by three years! Hewas born some three years after Colemanemigrated to the U .S.A . and thenColeman was dead some three yearsbefore Martin arrived on the New Yorkscene . Jim Morrison was also dead butMartin played their records over andover again and analysed as best he couldthe intricacies of their playing. The latePaddy Killoran was still alive andplaying and according to Martin andindeed J im Conway, Saturday nightwould not be complete without hearingPaddy and his group playing the ClareSets. Martin's favourite fiddle playersinclude both Coleman, 'Lad' O'Beirne,Jirn Morrison and Andy McGann. Heis very modest about his own compositionsand admits to composing just32

The late Paddy O'ReillyA veil of gloom and a grey sky hungover St. Cedd's Church, Goodmayes onthe morning of 26th March, 1985, thisbeing the base of East London Branchof Comhaltas Ceolt6ir{ Eireann. As oldand familiar faces assembled on thesteps one could sense an emptiness.Yes, Fr. McMahon was there, and sowere many of the familiar pilgrims andcoach trippers. There was, however,one face missing and as we boarded thecoach that vacant seat belonged to theman we were about to pay a final andsad farewell to.There was little comment, everyonesubdued, for this was our pilgrimagewith a difference. The funeral of ourdear friend Paddy O'Reilly. His suddenand tragic death devastated the heartsof his great number of friends andadmirers.Although he only became a memberof Comhaltas in the last six years or so,it felt as if it was a life span as Paddywas a natural and felt at home in thisenvironment. His humour and wit,singing and dancing were always ajoy tolisten to and observe. If he made a mistakethat was always the humorous bitas he got his audience involved. Thesewere the capabilities he had which madehim an ideal compere and concert organiser.Born in Cavan Town in 1936 hisearly days singing were achieved andperfected by the schooling of the De laSalle Brothers. They always set a veryhigh standard and were responsible forthe choir in the magnificent Cathedral.In 1950 Bishop Lyons (which turnedout to be one of his final ceremonies)requested a repeat performance ofPaddy's solo. The Bishop was so greatlyimpressed that the congregation witnessedtears of joy roll down his cheeks.The Cavan Technical School providedPaddy's basic training to a trade whichhe later served faithfully with his fatheras a Jomer. The Tech also providedfacilities for ceil{ dancing, singing anddrama. Paddy soon found himselffacing audiences at the annual pantomimeand various town hall stage shows.From their home in Killnavarra theentire family emigrated to London in1954. Father and son Paddy were notto be separated and continued to workharmoniously in the joinery trade andremained so up to dad's retirement in1973. Paddy's offer of promotion wassanctioned by his father when hebecame a general foreman with buildingThe late PADDY O'REILLYcontractors Sirnm & Co . His colleagues,both staff and employers, held him inhigh esteem and greatly acknowledgedhis capabilities and skill. It was one ofhis foremen, Paddy Burke, (a Limerickman) who introduced him to ourbranch. The firm had just been granteda new contract (converting a warehouse)and it was during a roof inspection thatPaddy met his tragic and untimelydeath.He leaves a partially handicappedwife whom he carefully nursed for sevenyears. That, with fulltime employmentproviding for his four children, twoboys and two girls, he still managed toget out, wear a smile, crack a joke andenjoy life to the full. His broken heartedfather and mother, who reside withtheir youngest son and daughter in BarnettNorth London, relate how muchthey will miss his faithful Sunday visit.Paddy is also mourned by a marriedbrother and sister in London and abrother in Ireland. He was pre-deceasedby his older brother in 1966.To all of the family we extend ourdeepest sympathy and thank God forall Paddy has done and left with uswithin his short span of life.A Dhia, Dean tr6caire ar a anam.-MICHAEL BA YNESSLANA great hurricane has swept through ourbranchDevastating the hearts of each one of usFor God in his mercy has left us indoubtWhy he robbed us of Paddy in the primeof his life.Killnavarra near Cavan was the 0O'Raghaile homeA true son of Breffni decided to roam,His culture and faith as everyone knowsHe proudly displayed when the occasionarose.Now Paddy performed in many greatplacesEven in churches with piety and graces,At concerts or ceill he was equally athomeAnd made a success of our pilgrimage toRome.In St. Cedd's he would sit having crackwith the talentAnd wait for his turn that so manydemanded,When his name was called out hisaudience awaitedHe was up in no time for he neverhesitated.His stocky round stature with a heartybroad smile,Paddy strolled up the floor or sometimesthe aisle:Then up on the stage he'd discuss withthe bandWhat he wanted to do and then take thestand.The emigrant song of "The ShamrockShore"Was the first on his list, but we wantedmore!His vast repertoire was ours to admireFor Paddy could sing in any hall, coachor choir.Then on the floor with humour and wit"The old Siege was the way to keep aman fit!",With his friends around him dancing asetHe'd dance rings round and round withsmallest wee kid.The evening now over, time forArnhran na bhFiann"From some part of the hall you couldhear his voice ringWith Gaelic, and feeling expressing hiswishThat peace and unification were closerto us.26

land and which has been a success storyover the last 14 years?One thing which has emerged quiteclearly out of the public debate is thatthe Arts Council have no policy whateveron Irish traditional music. Theynever had and it was only when theCornhaltas National EntertainmentScheme was transferred to the Councilfrom Bord Failte that they employed afull time traditional music officer. It isa travesty of language to describe thefew school recitals in two counties as anational policy or scheme. We certainlywould praise such recitals (and in normalcircumstances even co-operate withthem) but integrity demands that theybe seen for what they are - a few isolatedrecitals with no plan and nofollow-up programme and in no waycould they be described as a nationalpolicy. We understand that theserecitals existed prior to the confiscationof the Comhaltas grant.The time has arrived for a publicaccountability of the Arts Council treatmentof Cornhaltas and this statutorybody's neglect of the native arts. Todate the Council have ignored the findingsof their own Survey (perhaps becausethe results were not to theirliking); they continue to allocate lessthan 2% of the £5% million budget tothe native arts; and now they brutallyendeavour to silence Comhaltas intosubmission.A Reflection on Irish ArtRoy BushbyA Luton Comhaltas member hasextended his talents to include theresurrection of an ancient Irish art. 29year-old Gerard Lynch has always beeninterested in drawing. It is probably aspin-off inherited from his mother, whowas a popular step dancer and was saidto be artistic in her movements.During Gerard's yearly visits to Ireland,he noticed tourists were being'ripped off with shoddy sketches andconsidered that he could do a better jobthan the many he had seen.He undertook his first masterpieceback in 1976 called "Cead Mile Failte"which was to hang in his room. It washis father - a Tipperary man - who explainedto Gerard what "Cead MileFailte" meant. Being brought up inEngland Gerard never had the chance toacquire the knowledge of the GaelicLanguage at an early age.Gerard is also a keen traditional musician,playing when time permits, thebodhnin. A member of the Luton Leagravebranch, he makes the journeyfrom his Woburn Sands home to attendsessions and competitions. When a musicianfriend called at his home and sawGerard's sketch, he asked him to drawand paint a drum skin. As a result ofthat, he was asked to extend his talentand produce a banner. This he did,using the back of a roll of wallpaper toproduce his completed result.Gerard works from the Book ofKells trying to capture Irish history. Todate, he has completed 7 works which,like his music, has to take a back seatwhile he attends Bedford College wherehe is a lecturer.His completed works are despatchedto a printing house in London, where itis reproduced to the required sizes andthen framed.There is now a considerable demandfor Gerard's work, as historians haveG ERARD LYNCH is pictured with one of hissketches which has been reproduced in twodifferent sizes, one in black and white andone in colour. Picture ROY BUSHBYrealised that he is capturing somethingof Ireland's history in a traditional style.Gerard has a considerable interest inthe Irish language, it is difficult to knowwhether that's a result of his sketches,or whether his sketches are enhanced byhis gained knowledge.Should anyone want to find outmore about Gerard's work then you cando so by giving him a telephone call onMilton Keynes 584704, or by letter to:11, Deethe Close, Woburn Sands,Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK17 8UP,England.Gerard's hobby is one which is notpractised by many. It takes a considerableamount of time and patience tocomplete a sketch from the proofingstage to the final print. Sketches are undertakenin black and white and colour.As to whether his work is better thanthe sketches one will see in the souvenirshops in Ireland I could not say, butthen, that just proves how easy I couldbe fooled. Those who are able to be acritical judge of art may be able to notethe quality of Gerard's art. One thing isusre , those who have his drawings hangingin their homes will have no doubtas to which is the better.Oiche ChewCome and enjoy a night of Irishdances, music and songs. Learn thesteps and join in the fun.Presented by Comhaltas CeoltoirlEireann with the co-operation ofShannonside Tourism.July 1 - August 109 pm to 11.3Opm Taille: £2ADARE, Co. Limerick(Teach an Cheoil)Wednesday nightsCOROFIN, Co. Clare(Teach an Cheoil)Thursday nightsENNIS, Co. Clare(Cois na hAbhna)Saturday nightsFILFINANE, Co. Limerick(Teach na Cille)Wednesday nightsLAHINCH, Co. Clare(The Entertainment Centre)Tuesday nightsMURROE, Co. Limerick(Teach an Cheoil)Tuesday nightsSPANISH POINT, Co. Clare(Golf Club)Wednesday nights24

And the Boys of Barr na Sraide whohunted for the wran.And when the wheel of life runs downand peace comes over me,Just lay me down in that old townbetween the hills and sea;I'll take my sleep in those green fields,the place I grew a man,Where the Boys of Bm na Sraide wenthunting for the wran.SIGERSON CLIFFORDSolidarity at Comhdhciil '85The 34th annual Comhdhail of Comhaltas, held at Culturlann na hEireann inMay, was one of the biggest held to date. This was considered significant whenneither the Bumeacht or Fleadh Rules were up for revision. The largeComhdh3ll is interpreted as a show of solidarity by units of Comhaltas at homeand abroad with the Ardcholnhairle in their determined stand against the unfairtreatment being meted out to the movement in the matter of State funding.Unanimous approval was expressed for the Ardchomhairle in their efforts toconfront the victimisation to which Comhaltas is being subjected.(Diarmaid 0 Cathain recalls that thenow famous ballad "The Boys of Barrna Sraide" was first published in "TheKerryman" of the 1950s under the titleof "Hunting the wran in South Kerry ").GAEILGE SNA PRIOSmNRoinn an Chultuir Sinn Fein,147 Br. BhaiIe Andarsan,Beal Feirste 11,, EireMar cheannasai an Roinn an Chultuirde Shinn Fein ta me ag scriobh chug at'le do thacaiocht a iartaidh san fheachtasle deireadh a chur leis an chose naireachata ar an, Ghaeilge sna ,priQsuin idtuaisceart Eireann.,I suirbhe a rinne Sinn Fein ar namallaibh leiriodh go bhfuil ' 385 cime a. bhfuil Gaeilge acu no ata ag foghlaimGaeilge i bpriosuin anseo. Le tri blianaanuas bhain 188 cime amach fainne naGaeilge.Ta an Ghaeilge ag duI chun cinn snapriosuin dh'ainneoin go bhfuil cose iomlanuirthi. Ni cheadaitear litreachaGaeilge, foilseacItain Ghaeilge no fiu anpheil Ghaelach. Fosta tacosc ar labhamna Gaeilge le linn cuairteanna agusni cheadaftear caitheamh an fhainne.'Se lion na bpriosunach ata bainte lecursai Gaeilgein achan phriosun na:Na Blocanna- H 106 Gaelgeoir, 160foghlainmneoir;' Ard Macha 7 Gaelgeoir,5 foghlairnneoir; Casanna na Ceise Fada '43 Gaelgeoir (agus 'Gaeltacht' bheag);Priosun BMal Feirste 12 Gaelgeoir, 23foghlaimneoir; Campa Mhic Ghiollagain10 Gaelgeoir, 19 foghlaimneoir.Ta suil agam go ndeanfaidh tu dodhicheall ceist seo an choisc a ardu lehOifig Thuaisceart Eireann agus leRialtas na Breataine. Bheinn buiochdiotach sinn a choinne,ailt aT an eolasfaoi aon ghniomhaiocht a bheartaionnsibh.Mairtin b MuilleoirAmong the highlights of Comhdhail '85was the unanimous election of MicheaIb Lochlainn as Uachtanin for thecoming three years. Micheal, who wasChairman of the Munster Council andCork Co. Board, has been associatedwith Comhaltas from the very earlyyears. A Clareman, Micheal is a keencollector of books relating to nativeculture and history . He is himself afiddle player and is steeped in the traditionsof his native county.Seamas MacAmhlaoibh, outgoingUachtaran, was elected Registrar-Genea1.Many tributes were paid to Seamasfor his tireless endeavours on behalf ofComhaltas and a presentation was madeto him by the Ardchombairle. An SeanadoirSeamas de Brim, Trustee, performedthe presen tation ceremony.The outgoing Secretary andTreasurer, Sean b Cianan and PadraigMac Giolla Mheana, were re-elected unopposed.Sinead Nic Chraith was ratifiedas Liaison Officer from the Derryand Antrim Fiddlers Association.DIPLOMASDuring the Combdhail Diplomaswere presented to the successful candidatesfrom the last T.T.C.T. Course. Apresentation was made to Departmentof Education Music Inspector, Michealb hEidhin, Course Director, in recognitionof his outstanding work in bringingthe Course to its present status. TheDiploma recipients were: Maire NiCheallaigh, Willie Reynolds, Padraic MacDonncha, Noreen O'Donnell, Maura McGrath, John Burke, Treasa Bermingham,Bridie Kearney , De~s Liddy, BridHarper, Emelia Harper, Eamonn Walsh,Geraldine Webster, Laurence McEvoy, 'Lorraine Hickey, Frances Nesbitt, Alan 'Lochead, John Lee, Celine O'Keeffe,and Patrick Murphy.There was a long and detailed discussionon the Annual Report - eachsection being considered by the delegatespresent. The Report demonstratedthe extensive nature of the Comhaltaswork programme, involvingseveral hundred major projects at homeand abroad.The Comhdhciil unanimously passeda vote of censure on the Arts Councilfor their vindictive treatment of Comhaltas,and called for equitable and, adequate State funding for the movement.There was no shortage of entertainmentthroughout the week-end. Therewas a ceili organised by the CoisteCheili - each night and several informalmusic sessions.The BansheeMaire Ni hAragain Vi BheaslaoiA story which was told in theRambling House - it was May Eve. Theusual procedure was to shake the HolyWater on the four corners of the land -it was the custom for a good harvest.The storyteller went on to tell us, as hewas strolling along by a place called theCrab Meadow, he suddenly heard thisvery lonely weird cry. It came from theeast, like a whirlwind. He stood andlooked up to the sky and all around, butcould see nothing. He came home andmentioned it to my Aunt. "Yerra, agra", she said, "that was the "gabhairinrua" you heard. "I'm afraid" he said"my grandmother is dying". My grandmotherwas nicknamed "the Cowl".The next morning he was ploughing thegarden with a neighbour Jim Kissane,who used to "core" with him on thefarm. A messenger arrived telling himhis grandmother was dead. "I know",he said to the messenger, "I heard theBanshee last evening." So there andthen he untackled the horses anddressed himself in a black suit and hatand the family cane. This cane washanded down from generation togeneration of his family - O'Horgains -to be used at family funerals. He thenwent on horseback to the wake andfuneral of his grandmother. It was saidin those days that the Banshee followedthe O'Connors and the Mac's.22

THE BOYS THAT SMASHED THE VANCome all you true-bred Irish men wherever you may beI hope you'll pay attention and listen unto meIt's of those gallant Irishmen who voluntarily ranTo release those Irish prisoners from an Englishprison van.Come all you true-bred Irish men wherever you may beI hope you'll pay attention and listen unto meIt's of those gallant Irishmen who voluntarily ranTo release those Irish prisoners from an English prison van .On the eighteenth of September, it was a dreadful year.When sorrow and excitement ran all through Lancashire,At a gathering of brave Irish boys they volunteered each man,To release those Irish prisoners from an English prison van.Kelly and Deasy were their names, I suppose you knew them well,Remanded for a week they were in Bellvue Gaol to dwell,When taking those two prisoners back, their trial for to stand,To make a safe deliverance they conveyed them in a van.William Deasy was a man of good and noted fame ,Likewise Michael Larkin, we can never forget his name,With young Alien and O'Brien they took their part so grand,In that glorious liberation and the smashing of the van .In Manchester one morning those heroes did agree,Their leaders, Kelly and Deasy, should have their liberty,They drank a health to Ireland, and soon made up the plan,To meet the prisoners on the road and take and smash the van.One cold November morning in eighteen sixty-seven,These martyrs to their country's cause a sacrifice were given ,"God save Ireland," was the cry, all through the crowd it ran ,The Lord have mercy on the boys that helped to smash the van.So now kind friends I will conclude, and think it would be right,That all true-hearted Irishmen together should unite,Together should sympathise, my friends, and do the best we canTo keep the memory ever green, of the boys that smashed the van .THE BOYS THAT SMASHED THEVAN: we recorded this song about 10years ago from J ames Murphy of Aclare,Co. Sligo, at the home of his sonEdmond Murphy in London . Thoughthe words are nearly identical to thosegiven in Colm 0 Lochlainn's 'IrishStreet Ballads' the tune is quitedifferent.With courage bold those heroes went and soon the van did stop,They cleared the guards from back and front and then smashedin the top,But blowing open of the lock, they chanced to kill a man,So three men must die on the scaffold high for the smashingof the van.

STENSON'S REELpa le at! I Era rr fi I Crr Ft r I ern EfFF I~JJJJ DI rrtJ (FEr I ffrr EdJ I fFr~ J :11[( //ijt rtt frrilW j 3j J I FEf rE r r I ITEf E UT IP'rcr- Errf lJflj JJ1'rrEt [ril frEr~ ·:'1THE LASS OF BALLINTRA Y

Fitzpatrick).Mrs. Wall Egan aged 93 years fromBawnreigh and first cousin of Larry's -they shared mutual maternal grandpa~ents we re Honest James Wall and hiswife Mary Healy , born pre famine. Shelived to be 100 years old - (Mary Healywas a weaver, and played concertina).Mrs. Barnville aged 90 years, musician,who has a store of old traditionalballads unequaled in the area, her familyare noted musicians in Britain and Australia.Mrs. Ryan Nesbitt aged 90 years,sister of another famous traditionalmusician Michael Ryan, Fennor andmother of accordeon player John JoeNesbitt, Lo ughmore. These familiesand many others were represe nted atthe unveiling to their old colleal!ueLarry'.vROOTS REQUEST3844 Kirkwood.Cleveland Hts_,Oh. 44121,U.S.A.I am writing in regards to my ancestry.For the last year I have beentrying to find out more about myfamily's past. So far, all that I havebeen able to determine is that our lastname originates from the Dundrum Bayarea. That puts our family in Ulster,Down. Since I was a very small child, Ihave wanted to live my life in Ireland. Ihave decided to try and.make a dreamcome true. That is why I am writing toyou. I would like to live in Ireland anddo some research on my family. Iwould also like to live with a familyuntil I could afford my own living quarters.Employment is impossible to findvia long distance. That is why I needyour help. I have no idea what needs tobe done, who I would write , etc ... I amnot seeking charity, but, rather yourassistance. Currently I am employed atthe local branch of the Y.W.C.A. Theyare a non-profit organization geared tothe community. We basically are a recreationfacility. I am the gymnasticsinstructor. ' I have also taught swimming,diving, tennis, volleyball, weighttraining. I work with children, ages 3years to adults over 50 years old. I amalso a nanny, and when I get off work,I help out at a day care centre. I amquite good with children. I am seekingemployment in one of those fields. Ofcourse any work would be accepted. Iam a hard worker, and can provemyself. I am 26 years old. I am from aChristian family. My father is aLutheran High School principal.DIANE L YNN WALLACETHANKS FOR THE MEMORIES91 Kenneth Ave.,Toronto,Ontario, 'Canada M6P 152How well I can associate with thesentiments expressed by Liam bMurchu in his article titled "The Songsare the Key to the Language." Itcertainly struck a ke,y note for me.In the fifties, the "Claisceadal" serieswas the highlight of the week for thelikes of me growing up in rural Leitrim.Of course, we had "The Foley Family"and "Living with Lynch", not tomention "Take the Floor". However,Claisceadal was different - we couldparticipate and that we did. My motherpurchlls~d . all the booldtts, and religiouslywe listened to and practised/rehearsed with 0 Tuama and the RadioEireann Singers. Even at that tenderage I could not help but wonder if perhapsthe latter were too sophisticatedand well trained for the job. Yet SeanOg b Tuama somehow managed to getthe sean nos style across via the singersand I subsequently concluded that perhapsthey w.ere as ethnic as the rest ofus after all!With the emergence of groups such asThe Chief tans, De Dannan, Clannad,The , Bothy Band, etc., Irish traditionalmusic has experienced a great revival.The arrangements have become sosophisticated that it might not seem tobe a pastoral after all. Not indeed thatIMPECCABLE AMBASSADORSLeicester Branch,24 Rendell Road,Leicester, LE4 6LE,England.On behalf of the committee and membersof Leicester branch, I would like toexpress our sincere appreciation for thewonderful Tour of Britain concertwhich we were privileged to host here inLeicester once again this year. All toooften people are quick to criticise wheninevitable hitches sometimes occur andtoo often also the well deserved thanksgoes unmentioned. Well, I sincerelyhope that this letter will serve to redressthe balance somewhat.The concert itself was a re'ally livelyand vibrant experience and the feedbackfrom the audience was that it was thebest one that they had seen to date.The tour group themselves were impeccableambassadors for Ireland and forour organisation as a whole. However, Ithere is anything wrong with pastoralmusic but now one might almostsuppose that some of it might perhapsaspire to the perhipheral realms ofclassical music?Meanwhile, 'the songs have, for themost part, taken ~ ,back seat. O'Riadawas a genius, and 0 Tuama is, too, butin a differnt rite. 0 Riada concentratedon arrangements whereas 0 Tuama endeavouredto bring the traditional Irishsong to the non-native speaking Irishpublic - somewhat of a marathon taskwhen one considers the cultural andpolitical climate of the time.During my secondary school years, Ialmost hated Irish, and we had to pass itor fail the entire exam. It seemed sounfair! and especially for those studentsin my class who'd received their earlyeducation in Northern Ireland, but weretransferred to the Republic because oftheir parent's jobs. Nonetheless, theseeds of a love affair were sewn duringthose 'Claisceadal' years. They germinatedsometime later during my years atCoIaiste Mhuire in Parnell Square, whenI attended the Oireachtas on a fewoccasions. Subsequently they havegrown and bloomed and I've nowbecome one of the purists who at one :time believed that 'Tir $an amhran, Tirgan anam' . Thanks to 0 Tuama, for thespadework, and to b Murchu for thememories.Mairead Walshdo feel that special mention must bemade of the tour manager, Mick Cantwell,who made a very great impressionon us all here by his total co-operationwith the organising cOmn1ittee and whowas always there when needed. He dida really excellent job and I would likehim to know that it was very much appreciated.I hope we see him over againsometime in the future. Our thanksmust also go to the coach driver SeamusBurke, another great Comhaltas stalwartwho is now as much a part of the Tourof Britain lineup as any artiste and anothergreat 'behind-the-scenes' man.In conclusion, may I thank all concernedagain and just say how veryproud we all are tQ be part of such agreat organisation that is a continued assuranceto us that our cherished traditionswill be passed on to future generations.Our warmest wishes to you all,PAT GREASLEYRimai na Craoibhe20

The Commons Remember Larry WallBy "Tipperary Observer"The unveiling of a memorial to thelate Larry Wall Fitzpatrick (renownedtraditional musician) mustbe rated as one of the most memorableand successful events held in thelocality.Long before the appointed time of2.30 p.m. on Sunday, 12 May , 1985crowds were pouring into the village ofhis birth. The organising committeeunder the direction of Mrs. AnneHeaphy had all things in readiness followingweeks of preparation.A day of glorious sunshine gave theoccasion the festive atmosphere of anAll-Ireland Fleadh. The Rory O'MooreBand opened the proceedings with selectionsof Irish martial airs, recalling memoriesfor the Old Stock of the villagewhen the 'Commons' had its own PipeBand.Mrs. Heaphy acted as bean-a-'Ti andintroduced the speakers which includedMicheaI '0 Lochlainn- Uachtanin Com-The late LARRY WALLhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann; Donncha 0Cinneide - Chairman" Tipperary Co .Board of CCE , Domhnall b Lubhlafthegaelic scholar who taught Irish formany years in the area. Rev. Fr. Crosse,C.e. Tipperary town, (who was a personalfriend of Larry's) was also one ofthe honoured guests. Also on the platformwas Paddy . Troy, Treasurer ofMunster Council bf CCE and MichaelFitzpatrick PRO of Gorey CCE and agrandnephew of Larry Wall Fitzpatrick.Mrs. Anne Heaphy addressed the crowdon behalf of the Commons OrganisingComJ;l1ittee.Micheal b Lochlainn, speaking inIrish, said he was delighted to be associatedwith the tribute to Larry WallFitzpatrick. He recalled his years as ayoung Garda in Gortnahue when he firstmet Larry and traced some of their escapadesin pursuit of traditional music.He went on to say: "It was people thecalibre of Larry who kept the spirit ofour music alive, until the fo unding ofComhaltas, when it was developedinto its present extensive form " .Micheal also spoke on the history oftraditional music in the area and expressedhis wish to see a revival of Cornhaltasin the Commons. He also spoke ofmany other notable musicians from the'Sliabh Arda' countryside, but LarryWall Fitzpatrick is remembered for hismusic and warm personality. He congratulatedthe Sculptor on a fine work,also Comhaltas and the organisingcommittee.Donncha b Cinneide, also paid histribute to Larry Wall Fitzpatrick and appealedto all present to keep up theirdedication to traditional music. He alsoTRIBUTE TO GRAND LARRYWALLThey came in their thousands to honourhim,And they set up a plaque by the wallIt read, this is so we won't forget youBut, who could forget Larry Wall?From all o'er the country they gathered,Musicians from all walks of lifeWith bodhrans, fiddles and whistlesWith banjos, frne flutes and bagpipes.ChorusOh, the reels and the jigs were enchanting,And the dancers were having a ball,Many speeches were madeAs the tribute was paidTo the Memory of Grand Larry Wall.The Comhaltas were there in theirnumbers,Great dancers and singers were theyAs they danced round the Cross of theCommonsFine talents they all did display.Oh! the music would set your heartthumpingAnd your feet, sure, would answer thecallTo strains of the flutes and the fiddlesAt the tribute to Grank Larry Wall.- Harry Mullins, The Commons18

In the Footsteps of CusackBy Gerry Slevin, "Clare Champion"Last year, the country's top sporting organisation, the G.A.A., recalled onehundred years of achievement and in the many celebrations throughout thecountry, the name and work of Carron-born Michael Cusack loomed large. Itwas Cusack who lit the flame. For the past thirty-four years, another organisationhas worked side by side with the G.A.A. in the promotion and developmentof many aspects of Irish culture and it is appropriate that the man ~centlyelected t9, the position of National President of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eireann,Micheal 0 Lochlainn, should hail from the same North Clare district, as theorganisation moves into one of the most critical periods iD its history.Micheal, who will hold office for athree· year period, succeeds Seamus MacAmhlaoibh, Kilkenny, and he was theunanimous choice of delegates who metrecently for the annual get-together atthe Comhaltas headquarters in Monkstown,Co. Dublin. He is the third Claremanto hold that prestigjous office,predecessorsbeing Padraig 0 hEidhin fromSmithstown, Kilshanny, later to beChief Inspector of the Department ofEducation, and Cappawhite (Tipperary)Vocational School Principal,Sylvester Conway, who came from Kildysart.A member of the Garda Siochana formany years and later an employee of AlliedIrish Finance, from which he retiredtwo years ago, Micheal was mtroducedto Irish music and things traditionalthrough his teacher in Carron, PaddyFlanagan, later to be reinforced atEnnistymon C.B.S . with Michael Mulqueeney.On leaving school he joined theGuards and was stationed in Dublin forfive years. The opportunity didn't presentitself to indulge in his great love ofIrish music though he was quite an exponentof the fiddle which he learnedfrom Mickey Hogan in Ennistymon.I t was when transferred to Gortnahoe(Tipperary) on the Kilkennyborder, that Micheal was to fmd readyoutlet for his love of music. The Sergeantthete, Michael Dempsey from Offaly, was also a fiddle exponent and coincidentallyanother Garda there,Thomas Looney, who hailed from Frey,Miltown Malbay, was also keenly interestedin an early conversation withThomas, it transpired that he hadplayed the concertina at the wedding ofMichael's parents.MUSICAL BACKGROUNDThere were a number of very talentedmusicians in the Gortnahoe area andmany an hour was spent in genial company,playing and exchanging tunes.There too, Michael met his future wifeKitty Lannigan. He was transferred toCrookstown in Cork and when Comhaltas was founded in 1951 , he wasthere to bring the 'message' to Cork,when transferred in to the city. InCork, he worked on crime investigationmostly but also found time to spreadthe Comhaltas news, being instrumentalin the founding of the first branch inthe city, of which he became Chairman.He was soon to graduate to Chairmanshipof the Cork County Board, aposition he held for twentY-One yearsand from which he retired just recentlyon his elevation to the highest post inthe organisation.At the time of his u.,nanimouselection as National President, Michealwas also Chairman of ·the MunsterCouncil, a post he will also relinquishshortly so that he has had the distinctionof being Branch, County Board,Provincial and National leader - all atthe same time. A tireless worker forComhaltas and a great believer in thepromotion of Irish music and indeedeverything Irish, Micheal has no illusionsabout the tasks ahead of him in thecoming three years.AN INSULT TO NATIONHOODWhen he officially opened FleadhNua in Danlann an Chlair- his firstmajor exercise during his term ofoffice-Micheal b Lochlainn said thatnever in the history of Comhaltas had itbeen so grleveus!y offended than by theinsult meted out in recent time's by theArts Council. He was referring to thedecision of the Council to withdraw itsfinancial aid and said that if this insultcame from a foreign power, one mightunderstand its purpose, but that itshould come from a body purporting toact on behalf of the Irish people andusing taxpayers money, was an insult toour nationhood.He described the action as destructive.The Arts Council had goneagainst the fmdings of its own Survey, ,MICHEAL 0 LOCHLAINNand against the wishes of the Irishpeople who had indicated their premierpreference for Irish traditional musicamong the living arts in Ireland.The intention seems to be to starveus into silence and submission, but letthe message go out loud and clear tothe art barons of Merrion Square, youhave declared war on a native culture,but the harp will never be silencedagain', he said.Fighting words indeed, but sentimentscoming from a deep realisation ofwhat Irish music means to the vastmajority of Irish people. An indicationtoo, of how forcefully the new CCEPresident will plead its cause during histerm of office.But Micheal 0 Lochlainn for all that,is very confident in the future of ComhaltasCeolt6iri Eireann for the simplereason that it is a movement comingfrom the people and not imposed fromthe top. The groundswell for music andother things Irish has never beenstronger and he sees the continuance ofthat promotion maintained through thegreat interest being taken by the youngpeople and the co-operation so readilyreceived from the Vocational EducationalCommittees throughout thecountry.16

eckoned Billy McGuiness to the pianostool. Sidling over he perched himselfprecariously on its edge. Slouching himselfover the piano as the Schoobert hadtaught him to do over the fiddle . Headto one side , left shoulder down as if hewere going to catch the piano by thepedals and play with the lid. "Did noone ever teach you how to approach themusic before?" cried Sister Maria Gratiatrying to keep ascetic and remain calm."Yes Missus. I was teached by TheSchoobert Connolly." "H.. .. m .... m .. ....the sho ....... ... ......?Every Saturday for a year, theycame for their lessons and graduallylost their shyness and first -time nervousness. They nowand then took to slithering alongthe shining, frozen linoleum. In Octoberthey whipped apples off the conventtree. But the atmosphere in our parishwas against the seriousness of real pianopractice.Their fathers after a hard days graftwanted a bit of peace in their ownhomes of an evening and were nearlydriven out of their minds with the hammeringof key boards in the parlours."What the Hell? He'll pull the goddamnedceilin' down on top of us." "Ifyou want to hammer that thing, youcan hammer it inside with the nuns inthe town. Is it a madhouse you thinkwe have here?"The other lads in the school began tojeer at them ... call them sissies and 'oul"piano musicianers".The climax was reached when scruffySpikey Hannigan told the master atschool about his Irish reader. "Pleasesir, J think I left it on the piano."Towards the end of the year poor SisterMaria Gratia died.Meanwhile, The Schoobert had takenup the challenge of the pianos. He redoubledhis efforts with his sole remainingpupil, Jeremiah Dooley. He persuadedJer's father to buy an old fiddle .While the Hannigan and McGuiness duowere hammering ou t 'arpegios' and 'allegros'and rattling off scales, Dooleywas sawing off jigs and rolling up reelsby the dozen, bursting himself keepingup with the Schoobert himself. He evenpassed him out with Schoobert's ownfavourite "The Blackbird."At the end of the year, letters camefrom the nuns ..... ....." we regret thatowing to the death of our beloved SisterMaria Gratia we are rather short-handed,hence our disability to continue withmusic lessons."The fathers went out and got drunkto celebrate the fact that their torturewas over. The mothers were very indignantand could not get themselves tomention the letters to each other. TheSchoobert was not a very vindictivetype but he could not help getting a bitof a kick out of what happened. Thisspurred him on to greater efforts still,and now people passing the old ramblinghouse could hear the music of twofiddles swishing swiftly and sweetly together.Next winter Masie Hannigan -Spikey's sister - was approaching her21st: birthday and they decided to giveher a deb's coming of age party. "Masieis no oil paintin an' twould be as well toleave her age out of it," people used tosay. The specially designed invitationswere something new to our parish. Forthe first time in memory Schoobert wasnot to perform.A dapper little sparrow of a fellowfrom the town called Albert Masefieldwas hired to play the piano. The bignight came . The flowers were all arrangedand the carpet rolled back. Theguests were assembled. But there wasno sign of Masefield. He had been outthe night before with Glennina RugbyClub and was in no condition to playanything. The growd was getting a bituneasy while Masie was getting hysterical'ma... maaing' and 'pa.... paaing" allover the place. But Mama nor Papacould not help her any."What about The Schoobert?",one suggested. "Aye! But who'll go forhim?" "I wil," blurted Billy McGuin-.ess and was up and gone like a shot.Raching off down the road, throughSchoobert's open door and up the stairsto the fiddler's sanctum. There theywere, himself and young JeremiahDooley . hammer and tongs into "TheFloggin' Reel", the perspiration on theyoung lad's brown keeping up with hismaster.Schoobert saw Billy and sizedup the situation with a wink, keeping onplaying as if totally submerged in themusic. Young McGuinness stammeredand shaped his lips to speak, till eventuallySchoobert lowered his bow andlooked up at him.14

International Interest in the SetConsideration of plans for next yearsFleadh Nua may well be somethingthose hard working organisers, underChairman, Seamus b Lideadha wouldprefer to forget about for the present.They deserve a well earned rest.However, when they set about their programme,they will surely give veryserious consideration to the workshopsaspect of the Fleadh and in particularthe set dancing. In so doing, they canbe very confident that whatever theylay on will be appreciated and will beamong the items that will be moreavidly sought by visitors.Saturday was a revelation as far asthe workshops were concerned. It was afacet of the Fleadh which hadn't capturedthe imagination of the ordinaryvisitor up to now but when placed inthe very capable hands of Sean McDermott,its organisation took on a new dimensionthat was reflected in the verybig attendance of deeply interested andcommitteed people.The harp (Brendan McMahon), thefiddle and banjo (Frank Custy), thebodhran (Frank McTigue), the whistle,Geraldine Cotter) and singing (GerryCronin), all found a most responsive andreceptive audience but it was the setdancing under the tutelage of Pat Liddythat 'took the biscuit' in terms of participation.Set dancing was given a cursory trialat the Queen' s Hotel during last year'sFleadh. It worked very well and agreater publicity campaign was carriedout this year by Sean McDermottresulting in 'pupils' from New York,Chicago, Denver, Paris, Great Britain,Australia and several Irish counties, devotingthe entire day to the intricatesteps of the Clare step and finishing upafter several hours of intense 'grilling'with the ability to take their place atany Ceili. Indeed so well did the sessiongo , that public demand ordained that anextra session be held in Cois na hAbhnaon Sunday night before the Ceili.Throughout Saturday the banquetroom at the Old Ground Hotel was ahive of activity . Over one hundredpeople assembled with 'plants' amongeach group, passing on the steps underthe overall tutorship of Pat Liddy.Some, especially the Americans, hadPAT LIDDY and MARY O'HALLORANteach the McRory Family from Donegal the"Oare Set" at the Dancing Workshop at theFleadh Nua, Ennis.The Liverpool CI~ili Band are no strangers toFleadh Nua, Ennis.At the informal sessions in the Leabharlann,Cois na hAbhna, SONNY MURRA Y (concertina)and friends exchange tunes .... "the RealSpirit of the Fleadh".done some kind of dancing, probablysquare dancing, and this helped enormouslyin getting to grips with the set.Others were there to see it all for thefirst time but were not content to beviewers. They wanted, eagerly, tosample it and were more than willmg todevote the entire day to becoming atleast adequate set dancers.As the day progressed, one could seethe confidence rising. Repetition ofvarious steps didn't seem to botherthem. They wanted to become proficientand it didn't matter one bit, howlong it took them.Pat Liddy is, of course, the man todo the job well. Interspersing friendlychatter with his instructions, he soonhad the 'pupils' in the palm of his hand,and he received marvelous assistancefrom Mary O'Hailoran, Quin, andConnie Ryan, Dublin, while SonnyMurray and his team of musicians respondedalso, all helping to make theexercise both enjoyable and well worthwhile.The basics about dancing andespecially about the set with particularreference to the local context of the setwere lucidly explained to all and helpedthe participants to a greater grasp of thescene. His object in taking on the workchopwas to make the dancers competentdancers, with no reference to competitionor public display and it wasplain to see the enjoyment each andeveryone derived from their intensiveprogramme.BOOK & TAPE ON SETDANCINGA new joint Comhaltas CeoltoiriEireann • Cumann Luthchleas Gaelcommittee has been established atNational level to produce a bookletand an accompanying video ontraditional set dancing. As part ofthis project, the committee are collectingbackground information onthe sets in each area. The type ofinformation we require would referto:• the area in which the set isdanced;• historical information about theset;• information on lesser knownsets;• press cuttings, old photographsand articles of interest on setsand set dacning in your area willbe welcome.Any information will be gratefullyreceived and can be sent to:Eamonn b hArgain, CCE, CearnogBelgrave, Baile na Manach, Co.Atha Cliath or Tadhg de Bhulbh,An Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Paircan Chrocaigh, Baile Atha Claith, 3.12

Colour Abounds in ParadeAt 1 p.m. on Sunday the rain came down so heavily and it was inconceivablethat a parade of the magnitude normally associated with the Fleadh Nua, couldbe held. There were consultations held and strong consideration given to callingit off. Was a great tradition about to be broken? Opinions were divided butweighing heavily on the side of the 'go ahead' brigade was the fact that going onpast records, a host of floats would have been prepared. People were alreadycoming in to the town, the atmosphere was rising, irrespective of the weather.The rain ceased, the skies became brighter and fmgers were crossed that it wouldremain so, at least until the parade was over.It worked out precisely in that way.The cultural parade, always the peakpoint. of Fleadh Nua got under way, anda colourful exposition of tasteful floatswended their way through the narrowstreets of the town returning to theplace from which they set off, theCourthouse, to be reviewed by politicaland Cornhaltas Dignatories, led byLimerick, T.D., Tom O'Donnell, M.E .P.The Ennis Brass band led the paradewhich comprised forty eight items in all.There were bands from Fermoy,Nenagh, Limerick, Templemore, Loughreaand several school bands from allparts of Clare. Irish dancing schools,scouts, majorettes were there too andthe interest shown by a host of industrialand commercial firms was reflectedin the magnificent floats prepared. Allavailable vantage points were taken upby eager onlookers as the parade madeRecreating the Old Forge in the Fleadh NuaCultural Parade were Cloughleigh CCEmembers (left to right) THOMAS BROOKS,TOM COFFEY, JlM JONES, JIMMY FRAWLEY and DICK O'CONNELL.its way along the route. It was an occasionto be savoured - especially soas the weather had made a miraculousrecovery.When all floats had returned to base,the attendance was addressed byDeputy O'Donnell and the CornhaltasDirector General, Labhnis b Murchuand then it was the turn of the LiverpoolCeili band to mount the stand andpresent a concert in their own inimitablestyle to a most appreciativeaudience. Robbie McMahon joinedthem too and his "Spancilhill" broughtthe inevitable cheers from the enthusiasticassembly.DANCE CHAMPIONSThose renowned set dancers from 0'Callaghan's Mills proved their peerlessnesswhen coming out on top in theNational championships held in Cois nahAbhna on Saturday at the Fleadh Nua.Their senior set took first prize fromvery stiff opposition, with another Claregroup, Dysart, as runners-up, andGrange (Limerick) in third place.The Ryan duet, Tipperary, performing at theAos Og Concert in theDanlann at the FleadhNua, Ennis.The senior half set title also stayed inClare with the Sixrnilebridge G .A.A.group. Emerald (Ballinasloe) wererunners up and Wexford CCE camethird.The first competition of a long dayagain brought the top award to Clarewith St. Mary's, Lissycasey, winningthe U/ 14 category. Killorglin and Tullafilled the minor places.The only set title to leave Clare wasthe half set (0/ 18) the winners herebeing Emerald, Inish Oir and Gort weresecond and thrid respectively. Bodykewon the U/ 18 set competition from St.J oseph's (Doora/ Barefield) and Ard naRi.Both figure dancing titles went toCork, Cumann Locha winning the eighthand dance from Oriel (Clones) andAthlone repeating that win in the fourhand dance, from Oriel and SixmilebridgeG.A.A.Under Padraig MacMathuna's directionand guidance, these competitionswhich attracted a very large gatheringthroughout the day , proved to be mostenjoyable. Very keen competition ofa high standard made adjudication extremelydifficult.mGH STANDARDSThe standard of the stageshow, pro-10

ker's Fancy" (hornpipes) "Contentmentis Wealth" and "Finlay's Jig" (Jigs),Dowd's Number Nine" and "Jackson's"(reels), "The Pigeon On The Gate" and"The Woman of The House" (reels),"The Stage" and "The Rights of Man"(hornpipes).And what of Gillespies style? Musicologistshave analysed it. Scholars havewritten theses. Anthopologists havetraced it back to primitive man when heslew his first boar and uttered his pristinepraise to the daities.We the people of Ireland feel in it allthe pride, the passion, the exuberantleaps of the spirit to God, and the darklonely black despair of defeat that camewith Kin sale and Aughrim, that isencapsuled in that untranslatable Gaelicword DUcbas.We hear it in the magic and melodyof an island that sings, that has defiedadversity and will again rise to greatnessin spite of craven governments and corruptheads of state who seek to degradeand brothelize our youth.Saint Thomas Aquinas bade us listen." Through listening alone comes faithand knowledge of a perfect God ." Ifwelisten to the music of Gillespie we shallfind in it the highest aspiration of ourrace.Long may he live to spirit us away toa world beyond the worlds end, th Landof Heart's Desire. Maybe John Cowanwas right. We may all have to be fiercecareful that we'll find our way back.If Hughie Gillespie can bring me andothers half-way along the road to Hevenit can truly be said of him, "Andsurely the Eternal Father found thesingle talent well employed."The Rambling HouseMemories of the Rambling Houseover 60 years ago, are as fresh today inmy memory as they were when I was achild. Every time I pass myoId homestead,memories keep flashing back tome of those happy nights, hearing andseeing all the ramblers arrive, whetherhail, rain or snow. Everyone of themhad their own special sugan chair.Actually each one of them carved hisown initials on his chair. The ramblerswould arrive at the house around 8o'clock and take their places around thebig open turf fire. The house was a longthatched white-washed one, the floorswere flagstone. Music and story tellingwere the main events. There was aspecial place over the fireplace calledthe loft where all the musical instrumentswere stored - the harp, thefiddle, concertina, melodion, jews harp,flute, tin whistle and mouth organ. Ofcourse there were many more ramblinghouses in the area, but this was specialin my memory, as it was myoId home.The tradition of the rambling house waspassed from generation to generation.Saturday night was a special night in therambling house and this was storytellingnight. The storytelling went onwhile my Aunts and Grandmother wentquietly about preparing for Sundaymorning Mass. Shoes were polished,trousers pressed while my father and theworkmen all shared one razor to cleanup for 6 0' clock Mass on Sunday.Some of the people who played inour house were: Lil Carmody, Kate Horgan,Hannie Horgan, Jack Dillon andPatsy Horgan. Patsy was a dancingteacher and a fine fiddle player. SteveO'Connor was known for his fine voiceand gave many a rendering. Some ofthese played at the great house in Ennismorefor the Harvest Home Hall. Someof the tunes they played were "Tim theturncoat", "The Quarrellsome Piper"Maire Ni hAragan Vi Bheaslaoiand "The Lark in the Strand."I remember one very cold Novembernight in 1925 . Well, a robin couldn' twalk the road that night with the blackfrost. I overheard my Aunt saying "I'mafraid we won't have ramblers tonight",when 10 and behold, suddenly the latchwas lifted and in came the ramblers. MyAunt greeted them with the usual" suigh sios" and they took their chairsaround the fire. Up with the music -the hornpipe, the "High Cauld Cap" thefour hand reel and many other tunes. Alot of tunes played that night werehanded down from a fine old masterhimself - Patrick Reidy. My Grandmotheralways said that whereverthere's music there's love.Any night that we didn't have musicians,we had a character who playedan ivy leaf. His name was Jack Gogginand he hailed from Gweenguillin. Heworked on the farm with my Father.He would say to me when I was a child" watch out for the biggest ivy leaf."The older the leaf the sweeter.the tune.He would put two leaves together hewould then grease them together withgoose grease, then place them on a flatstone and tease the outer edges togetherwith the palm of his hand. Sometimeshe would use an iron. He would thenuse foal's covering to reseal the leaves.When this was done he would hold theivy leaf between his thumbs and gentlyblow. This produced a very plaintiveand lonely sound. His favourite tunewas the "Culfhionn", he loved to playslow airs. The poor man died as helived, he was found under a tree coveredin ivy . An ivy leaf was found in hiswaistcoat pocket.Looking back now, people werenever very lonely . They made their ownenjoyment. They were "easy going",everyone had a story to tell. There wasa great sense of togetherness. There wasno drink in the houses that time, nofalse courage. Men and women whoknew how to laugh and who had songand music in their hearts. May God resttheir souls.8

The Orpheus of the North EastHUGH GILLESPIE OF CARRICKMAGRATH, BALL YBOFEYOn a high hill overlooking the twin towns of Stranorlar and Ballybofey,guarded by spruce spears and ringed by rhododendron, stands the abode of HughGillespie , prince of fiddle players and fearless custodian of the musical traditionrescued , perfected and immortalised by the mighty Michael Coleman.Why Hugh decided to return to the old sod from the Land Of The Free is amatter of speculation. In New York he had wrought long and hard inco-operation with Coleman to raise Irish traditional music from the morass ofmediocrity into which it had fallen ; to refine and mould it once more into anartistic medium of national expression second only to that of the Irish language.In the States these two were revered and highly esteemed. Even to this day theyare referred to as Professors Coleman and Gillespie.Perhaps it was that, like Saint Patrickof old, Hugh heard the voices of resurgenttraditional Ireland beseeching himto come back and teach the youth ofthis land the true music . I mind wellthe excitement and pleasure generatedhere in Ireland by the issue of a new 78record made by Gillespie or Coleman.Money was scarce in the late thirtiesbut the people of West Fermanaghwould gladly have gone without theirbreakfasts to scrape and save the priceof such a precious disc.I recall a fair in Belleek during theyears of the cattle-smuggling. A wellknown,widowed, cattle-dealing womanentered Ross's, the biggest shop ill thevillage at that time and approached theowner."Great God Almighty Mr. Ross! " sheexclaimed, " have you got Lord Gordon's? "Mr. Ross who had served in the GreatWar and invariably wore plusfours andwent about his business with a brusqueand military bearing reminiscent ofClive or Kitchener, replied that he hadnot and that in fact he had never metthe fellow .It was at that very moment Francie'Bell' Keown, the grand, old troubadour,who had hawked records downthe highways and byeways of the loughshorecountry, crossed the thresholdand informed the shopkeeper that it wasa musical record the good woman waslooking for.I well remember the first time Iheard Coleman's recording of Lord Gordon'sReel. It was night-falling and Iwas out on the Rocks, a heathery humpof high ground that looked out overLough Erne, foddering a couple ofstirks. Maureen, my eldest sister, hadPaddyTunneyjust come home from her work, bearingwith her triumphantly the famousrecord . Lamplight spilt out over thehalf-door and with it came the music. Itwas a calm, quiet, frosty night anddown the air that was taut as a fiddlestring, music drifted, magic and melodious.I stood there glued to the ground totallybewildered and bewitched. Werethe 'wee people' making this music?There was a fairy fort on the Rocksright enough. And then it dawned onme where the music was coning from. Imade a bee line for the house.When, at a later stage, I met JohnCowan, unquestionably Fermanagh'sfinest fiddle player and told him of thespell Coleman's great reel cast over me ,'listen Paddy,' he cautioned, 'you'll haveto be fierce careful. You've heardnothing yet! Wait till you hear MasterCrowley's Reels or The Star of Munsterby Gillespie! You'll be whiskedaway to another world and will get ittight to make it back." How right hewas!Hugh Gillespie was born near Ballybofey,County Donegal on Septemberthe 7th, 1906. His father was a fiddleplayer, but it was his uncle Johnnie,reckoned to be one of the great music·ians of his time, made the deepest impressionon him. However, he was influencedby other tutors of a mysteriousand noble nature.Here's how it came about. WhenHugh was around eighteen years of ageand working as a lumberjack in a localdemesne, he became friendly with aMicky McGinley who did a bit of dealingin sheep . They attended fairs todemense,he became friendly with agether and went to the dances and rafflesin the locality . This night theyheaded out for a dance and a raffle in ahouse away beyond Meenalaghey in theAughayarn country.As they crossed the mountains andthe marshlands a thick mist came downand in a short time they realised theywere astray. Fine well both men knewthere was a 'stray' on the same mountainbut of course one would not let onto the other. The truth was that bothmen were scared out of their wits forhard-bitten shepherds had disappearedon the same mountain, never to be seenagain.Suddenly a light appeared throughthe mist a good mile away. They decidedto make for it. No sooner hadthey started out in the direction of thelight than a smooth, moss foot-roadnot unlike a carpet stretched out beforethem but fast as they walked theydidn't seem to be getting any nearer thelight.The knowledge came in a flash toHugh. They were on the Fairy Pass!They stood still, took off their jackets,turned them inside out, made the Signof the Cross and put on the jackets insideout. At once the mist blew awayand they found themselves standing onthe bruagh of a treacherous marshlandor sgrath-Iuinge. Another step and thatquagmire would have swallowed themlike quicksand.They retraced their footsteps andfound the raffle house some hundredyards up the slope. " Had we gone onand slipped into the swamp" Hughie related,"I'd have been with the 'weepeople' still and I'd know every tunethey composed."- Instead they went into the housewhere the dance and the raffle was6

A Dog atthe FairCAOIMHGHIN b BROLCHAINWhen I was a child, I often heard tellof an old tinker who had a wonderfuldog. It was great after hares and couldtake a pheasant off a low ' branch atnight without a sound, but its greatesttalent was to find its way back to theold man, no matter how far up the roadhe had travelled since he slipped it overa high demesne wall.Whenever he was broke, which wasfrequently , he would go to a fair andsell the dog. The first chance the animalgot, it would slip the lead and within acouple of days it would be back trottingunder the axle of his old pony and cart,no matter if it was in the next county.Over in England, in West Yorkshire,my memory was stirred. I had beencalled on to drive a carload of 'hard'men to some sort of a hound trials.Every man of my passengers tu"rned outto be a rogue and a poacher and thechat was worth a couple of pints to anyman who does a bit of writing 'anuis isads - we didn't feel the journeypassing. Arrived at the destination, Ibeheld a huge field , white with hoarfrost and with wisps of morning miststill lingering. This is 'Country SquireCountry' where forelocks are stilltouched respectfully by the yokelswhen the 'gentry' pass, - the samecrowd we persuaded to leave by boycottingand petrol through the slates.The 'beaters' were out in extendedlines, flapping flags as they drove thehares before them towards the fieldwhere the coursing greyhounds wereheld in readiness. When a hare brokethrough the hedge, a pair of hounds wasloosed and points awarded for the waythe hare was 'bent' (made to changedirection by each dog. Usually the hare,after jinking about the field for severalminutes, managed to get away. It isusual, I understand, for no more thantwo or three to be caught, out of severaldozens 'coursed'. To me , the hare is anoble creature - never more beautifulthan when seen at full gallop - withnothing in pursuit. I can't say that Icould do a lot of watching hare-courssing.Strict rules were printed on the programmeand the judge's verdict wasfinal. There he sat, out in the middle ofthe field , magnificent in red huntsman'scoat and black hat and mounted on afine horse. He is usually the local magistrate,and nobody argues much withhim. He blows his horn and gallopsabout awarding points. 'Fear mor-le-d',gan amhras.I was about to retire to the car andcurl up with a book and a flask ofcoffee, when there was a stir of extraexcitement. A big hare had just brokenthrough the hedge and a particularlyuseless pair of dogs had been loosed.One of them scampered half-heartedlyafter the hare, then gave up and returnedto its master, to huge abuse fromthe crowd. The other dog was completelyoutclassed. The hare made asmooth curve in front of the spectatorsat an arrogant half gallop and you couldalmost imagine a sneer on its face . Forthe crowd. it was pathetic to watch -though I was delighted.Suddenly, an Irish tinker slipped alurcher and you could see at once itknew its business. It shot across thefield running low, flowing beautifullyover the contours of the land. The harereacted immediately and its speedincreased. It jinked and doubled back,crossed into the next field , circled itand came back to the first. It could notshake off the tinker's lurcher. Thecrowd was delighted and cheered everyyard of the chase , whilst the judge gallopedup and down, blowing his hornangrily . This 'demmed animal' had paidno entry fee. It wasn't even a pure-bredgreyhound. It was an outrage!After an enthralling twenty minutesor so , it was all over. The hare was deadand the tinker fined ten pounds besidesbeing banned from every other coursing'meet' in the county. They wouldn'teven let him have the hare . He wasn'tbothered. He had come to sell his dogand been able to demonstrate before alarge knowledgeable crowd that it knewits business.To the organisers' disgust, the rest ofthe meet was ignored as fierce biddingfor the lurcher began amongst the spectators-naturally the final price includedthe ten-pounds fine!As we drove homewards, one of mypoacher passengers muttered throughtfully, "Whoever it was bought that lurcher-he had better keep it well tied upfor a few months!!" We all grinnedquietly to ourselves. God be with theoul' times. They're not entirely forgotten!4

Big American TourIn the Autumn, Comhaltas will undertake one of its biggest NorthAmerican Concert Tours of all time. From September 23 to October 20 theTour will include 23 Concerts and will cover a vast territory including severalvenues on the West Coast. The group of performers selected for the Tourinclude a number of those who made up the very successful Tour of Britainlast February.The North American Co-ordinator, BillMcEvoy, in a message to ComhaltasHead-Office states that he is delightedwith the response to the 1985 Tour. Hehas had more applications for concertsthis year than it is possible to service.This is a remarkable achievement consideringthat the annual Tour of NorthAmerica is now in its 15 th year. Theinterest in the Tour is also a tribute tothe standards achieved in this· extensivecultural programme.A major element in the continuanceand success of the annual Tour of NorthAmerica is the support received fromthe Cultural Relations Committee, AerLingus and Waterford Glass. The Touris an exceptionally expensive projectbearing in mind the size of the groupand the extent of territory to becovered. Comhaltas are ever-consciousof the need to represent differentregional styles in their Tour programmeand , therefore, a large and representativegroup is always selected.The artistes for the 1985 Tour are:Austin Dawe, fiddle; Sharon Shannon,accordeon ; Siobluin O'Donnell, flute/songs; Karen Tweed, accordeon; Fiontan0 Meachair, mandolin ; Maeve NiLawlor, uilleann pipes, Carol Cummins;harp/ song ; Paddy Fallon, Fear a' Ti;Seamus MacMahon, flute ; dancers:Kathleen Griffin, Francis McDonald,Michael Boyle, Karen Doyle; setdancers:Jim Halpin, Christy Kelly,Helen Caffery, John Smith; KathleenNesbitt, fiddle ; Tom Gleeson, songs.Helen Caffery, John Smith; KathleenNesbitt, fiddle Tom Gleeson, songs ;The Tour Producer is the well-knownRTE personality Breandlin b Duill. Thegroup is assembled from the many partsof Ireland and Britain for three weekends'of intensive rehearsals. They willgive a Farewell Concert at Culturlann nahEireann on Sunday, September 22. Onthe Monday they will fly to New Yorkfor the first leg of this momentous Tourwhich will bring them to such places asBoston, Chicago, st. Louis, Arizona,New Haven, Manhattan, Long Island,Poughkeepsie, Ottawa, Winnepeg,Regina, Vancouver, San Francisco,2Some members of the 1985 North AmericanTour group pictured at Cuiturlann nahEireann.Pictured at Culturlann na hEireann duringrehearsals for the North American Tour (I-r)SHARON SHANNON (Clare); KATHLEENNESBITT (Tipperary) : AUSTIN DAWE(Louth); CAROL CUMMINS (Cork);MICHAEL LAWLOR (Wexford) ; MAEVE NIWCHLAINN (Dublin); SEAMAS McMAHON(Clare); and SIOBHAN O'DONNELL(London).Orange County, Phoenix, St. Louis,Ontario, Toronto, Cleveland, andDetroit.This is a fete of unprecedented

SpreadingThe NewsOur magazine Treoir continues toretain its popularity. Even though itwas necessary because of financialpressures to reduce publication to fourissues annually, two of these are"double" issues thus continuing togive value for money. It is now generallyagreed that our magazine Treoir isa very prestigious journal, and continuesto develop and improve. It is theonly magazine of its kind published ona regular basis. We are pleased to notethat it is widely quoted by the media.It has the very obvious function ofdisseminating information ; presentingviews and opinions; and generally expoundingthe philosophy and policyof the movement.Treoir is intended as an ':openforum", and literary contributio nsare welcome . We again ex hort theunits of the movement to ensure th aithe fo lklore . tunes, so ngs and persollalities of their area are retlected in themagazine. It is widely read and jt isalso an ideal archive document.If you would like to be an annualsubscriber to TREOIR, the followingrates (post free) apply: Ireland andBritain £5 ; Other European Countries£6; U.S.A. and CANADA $10; Australiaand New Zealand £1 2.An annual subscription to TREOIRwould make an ideal gift for a friend orrelative.ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONName ......... . .. .. .. . . . .. . .Address .... .. .. . ..... .. .. ... .Subscription enclosed . . . . . .... ... .To: CCE., Belgrave Square, Monkstown ,Co. Dublin, Ireland.

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