Learn to Play the Mouth Organ – Free Class and Instrument!

A free day of classes and a free mouth organ can be yours if you are under 16 years of age and can already play another instrument.

In an effort to encourage young people to take up the mouth organ , Comeraghs Comhaltas are making this offer available to the first two people who apply.

The one day master class with the world renowned John and Pip Murphy takes place on Monday 16^th  July as past of the Comeraghs  Summer School from 10am to 4pm. The first two to call Valerie on 087 7737716 can avail of this offer!

Munster Fleadh Photo Competition Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the Munster Fleadh Cheoil Photo Competition: The McGrath Family, Borrisokane (Baile Ui Chiomín CCÉ) and Tony Pryor, Dungarvan (Craobh na gComarach). Both winners have won €100 for their branches and their photos will be printed in the Fleadh Clár

Tony Pryor Winning Entry

                                                           McGrath Family Winning Entry

FLEADH CONCERT TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

Tickets for each of the four Fleadh concerts are now on sale from various outlets in Dungarvan town - the Tourist Office, Ben O'Neill's Music Shop and The Wine Buff.   Tickets can also be booked via email - send your full name, contact number, the concert(s) you wish to attend and number of tickets required to munsterfleadhtickets2012@gmail.com  Your tickets will be held at the door of the venue for you for up to ONE HOUR before the concert is due to start.

 

NORTH CREGG,- Sun 15th Park Hotel 8.30pm - €10

RAW BAR COLLECTIVE - Weds 18th Dillon's Lounge 9.30pm - €10

DANÚ - Thurs 19th Park Hotel 8.30pm - €15

CALADH NUA - Sat 21st Town Hall Theatre 8.30pm - €15

 

Music to our ears…. Munster Fleadh Cheoil officially launched!

The 52^nd Munster Fleadh Cheoil was officially launched by RTÉ’s Kieran Hanrahan on Wednesday May 30^th  in the Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan.

The 2012 Fleadh mascot - a happily grinning Bodhrán, affectionately known as the “Fleadh Blaa” greeted guests at the door while musicians and dancers from Comeraghs Comhaltas entertained the assembled group - many of whom represented the worlds of local business, politics and the arts.

Micheal Marrinan, Chairman Fleadh Cheoil Committee, Mark Knowles, Clonea Strand Hotel. (Sponsors) Michael Burke, Lawlors Hotel. (Sponsors) Denis McCarthy, MaManager WCC (Sponsors) and Imelda Walsh, Park Hotel (Sponsors) at the Launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Clonea Strand Hotel.

Unveiling the festival programme, Fleadh Chairman Micheál Marrinan paid tribute to the generosity of the Fleadh Sponsors and thanked them most sincerely for their support and belief in the event. The assistance received from Waterford Local Authorities and the Comhaltas Munster Council was also gratefully acknowledged, along with the tremendous hard work and commitment demonstrated by the Comeraghs Fleadh Committee and the many Volunteers in the community.

Alongside the many concerts, céilithe, sessions, singing club events and gig rig entertainment, the Fleadh Committee have added several unique elements to the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in 2012.

Tadhg O'Maolcatha, Chairman Munster Council. Kieran Hanrahan, RTE and Micheal Marrinan, Chairman Fleadh Cheoil Committe listening to the sweet music of Shannon Kearney, Tin Whistle and Sarah O'Gorman, Fiddle at the Official Launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan at the Clonea Strand Hotel. Dungarvan. Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2012 will be held in Dungarvan from the 15th to the 22nd July 2012

The South East’s first traditional music Summer School will be launched in the early part of the week, while the playing of the Mouth Organ will be given special attention with a one-day workshop by world-renowned exponents, John and Pip Murphy from Wexford.

In an ambitious School’s Song Project, several of the local schools will join together to form a substantial choir and will perform a repertoire of traditional Déise songs in a special concert on Fleadh Cheoil Monday (16^th).

In a surprise announcement, Mr Marrinan also revealed that the Australian Ambassador to Ireland will travel to Dungarvan during the Fleadh Cheoil to officially open the Conneries Memorial Garden. This Garden commemorates the Connery Brothers of Bohadoon who were transported to New South Wales in 1838. Contemporary songs telling the story of the Connerys are still in existence, and the slow air is played regularly all over the country.

In a warm and good-humoured speech, RTÉ Presenter Kieran Hanrahan complimented the Fleadh committee on their comprehensive programme of events, and expressed delight that what was once a weekend event of competition has in 2012, grown into an 8-day festival and celebration of our national culture.

RTÉ's Kieran Hanrahan speaking at the launch of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan

 

 

For lots more photographs from the Fleadh Launch Click here

Comeraghs Comhaltas recent Fleadh fundraiser - the St Patricks Céilí Mór which took place  in Lawlor's Hotel in Dungarvan on St Patrick's Night. The 4 Courts Céilí Band who travelled from down Clare to be with us, had the task of keeping the floor full and lively all night. The set dancing crowd more than rose to the challenge and a brilliant night was had by all. 

New Major Sponsors for Munster Fleadh announced

We were delighted to get confirmation of more major sponsorship recently for the Munster Fleadh Cheoil.

 

McCARTHY INSURANCE GROUP will sponsor the first events of Fleadh week - the launch of our Summer School and our first Fleadh concert (North Cregg). Both events will take place in Dungarvan Shopping Centre on Sunday 15^th July.

GENZYME IRELAND LTD who are based in Waterford, have also agreed to come on board as a major Fleadh Sponsor, and are very enthusiastic about being involved in the Festival.

Finally, Marcus Goodwin, Sponsorships Manager for BULMERS Ltd has announced that BULMERS LTD will sponsor the Fleadh Session Trail, which will take place around the pubs of Dungarvan during Fleadh week.

Expressing his delight at receiving news of the recent sponsorship, Noel Power, Munster Fleadh Finance said “It is wonderful to attract the attention and sponsorship from three prominent organizations like Bulmers, Genzyme Ireland and McCarthy Insurance Group. We are very grateful for their support.  This level of sponsorship just goes to prove that the stature of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan is visibly growing with each passing week, and the benefits of being associated with such an event are widely recognized.

Munster Fleadh Blaa Hooley is a great success

Comeraghs Comhaltas and friends held Ireland’s first ever ‘Fleadh Blaa Hooley’ in Dungarvan last weekend.  The Hooley – a joint fundraiser for the 2012 Munster Fleadh Cheoil and the Waterford Festival of Food*, celebrated the very best of traditional Irish music and dance and the famous Waterford “Blaa” - a distinctive floury bread roll unique to the Déise.

Here in Comeraghs Comhaltas, we have adopted the culinary symbol of the Déise, put a tipper in it’s hand and baked up our very own FLEADH BLAA as a mascot for Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2012. Our FLEADH BLAA’s first outing was to the Hooley – named in his honour, and which he appeared to thoroughly enjoy. (By the way, he wasn’t the only one – we also spotted a couple of familiar faces from Comhairle na Mumhan amongst the very large crowd of rowdy revellers!)

The craic was mighty at the hooley, with the wonderful Bobby Gardiner and musicians from the Comeraghs and several other branches providing many a lively tune to keep the toes tapping and the dancers fit. We definitely needed a bit of exercise to work off the earlier over-indulgence!  Conor Foran (Lawlor’s Hotel) served blaas with tasty gammons, sausages and rashers (provided by “Truly Irish Country Foods”) straight from the BBQ, along with a selection of dips, salads and grilled vegetables. Homemade ice-cream and chocolate brownies followed. Those who still had the energy after such a feast, took to the floor for a few sets. The rest of us sat back and watched enviously. All the time, the FLEADH BLAA smiled benignly from his vantage point at the top of the room.  Like the rest of us,  I bet he can’t wait for the Fleadh to come to town!

* (The Waterford Festival of Food will be held in Dungarvan, April 12th to 15^th)

Large Attendance at Munster Fleadh 2012 Public Meeting

Despite the appalling weather, on the night, we had a tremendous turnout for our Open Meeting on Nov 30th in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. The information provided by Fleadh Chairman Michael Marrinan, supported by Tadgh Ó Maolcatha and Assunta Uí Chathasaigh from Comhairle le Mumhan, obviously hit the right note!  Chief Steward, Ben O'Gorman was kept busy taking details from members of the general public who were willing to volunteer assistance during Fleadh week. The Open Meeting followed a Fleadh Executive meeting where the various sub-committees reported much progress.

Ben O'Gorman, Chief Steward, taking details of Volunteers at the Open Meeting

First Impressions - advertising the Fleadh and Open Meeting, Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Nov 30th

Tadgh O' Maolcatha, Comhairle le Mumhan, Marianne Ryan Fleadh Secretary, Micheál Marrinan Fleadh Chairman, Assunta Uí Chathasaigh Comhairle le Mumhan at the Munster Fleadh Open Meeting, Park Hotel, Dungarvan, on Nov 30th

Dungarvan Shopping Centre provide major sponsorship for the Munster Fleadh

Dungarvan Shopping Centre joined the growing list of Fleadh Sponsors recently, when its management team presented Fleadh Chairman Michael Marrinan with a cheque for €1,000 as part of its Local Community Sponsorship Initiative. Speaking at the announcement of the Sponsorship, Dungarvan Shopping Centre Manager., Gerry O'Connor wished the Fleadh Committee and all the Volunteers every success in hosting such a prestigious event, and said that the Centre was delighted to be involved with such a fantastic organisation as the local host branch, Comeraghs Comhaltas.

GSK Dungarvan provide major sponsorship for Munster Fleadh

GSK Dungarvan were quick off the mark to show their support for Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan, presenting local branch Comeraghs Comhaltas with a cheque for €3,000 last weekend. Well done and many thanks to GSK for their support!

Marianne Ryan (Munster Fleadh Secretary), Gregor McNabb (Site Director, GSK), Micheál Marrinan (Munster Fleadh Chairman), Naoive Coggin (Logistics Director GSK), Noel Power (Munster Fleadh Finance), Michael Callaghan (H.R. Manager, GSK) and Mairead Fahey (Munster Fleadh Joint-Treasurer)

Fundraising Table Quiz is a great success

Thank you to all who attended our Mega Fundraising Table Quiz in the Gold Coast Golf Hotel. 


Over 30 tables took part in the quiz on the night and a great night was had by all.


Prizewinners were as follows:

1st Prizewinners at the recent Munster Fleadh Fundraiser Table Quiz in the Gold Coast Hotel. L to R: Tom Cox, Pauline Cox, Ben O'Gorman, Valerie O'Gorman

Quizmaster Bob O'Brien and Micheál McGrath from the Gold Coast Hotel with the 2nd prizewinners in the Munster Fleadh Fundraiser Table Quiz, Mairéad Fahey, Tomás Ó Gealbháin and Eimear Fahey

Quizmaster Bob O'Brien and Micheál McGrath from the Gold Coast Hotel with the 3rd Prizewinners, Scott Simons, Mary Marrinan, Maura Govers and Alice Fitzgerald 

Fleadh Organising Committee Elected

Front row (l to r): Michael Marrinan (Cathaoirleach Craobh na gComorach & Siamsaíocht Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan), Marianne Ryan (Rúnaí, Fleadh Cheoil na  Mumhan 2012), Tadgh Mulcahy (Cathaoirleach Chomhairle na Mumhan), Assunta Casey (Rúnaí, Chomhairle na Mumhan), Michael O'Brien (Cathaoirleach Choiste Chontae Phort Láirge), Martin Forristal (Rúnaí, Choiste Chontae Phort Láirge)

Middle Row (l to r): Alice Fitzgerald (Lóistín), Mary Marrinan, Mary-Jean Timmins (Bia & Dí), Anne Halpin (Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí),Donnacha Ó Cinnéide (Comh-Cisteoirí Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan), Máiréad Fahey (Comh-Cisteoirí Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan), Marguerite Walsh (Rúnaí Cúnta)

Back Row (l to r): Richard Hill (Clár Chuimhneacháin), Ben O'Gorman (Maoir), Martin Mannion (Ionaid/Comharthaí), Noel Power (Airgeadais).

Elections to the 2012 Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan Executive and sub-committees took place at a very well-attended inaugural meeting held on August 10th 2011. This meeting was held in Cúil na Sméar, the home of Craobh na gComarch, which lies in the foothills of the beautiful Comeragh mountains, just outside Dungarvan town. Many of you will be familiar with the names of Michael Marrinan and Alice Fitzgerald, both stalwarts of the branch, well known to many in traditional music circles and heavily involved with the organisation of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2012.

Craobh na gComarach is very enthusiastic about hosting Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Dungarvan in 2012 - the first time since 1988 that the town has hosted this prestigious event. We are planning an ambitious, comprehensive programme of music, song and dance to entertain our visitors, and in particular, are determined to put "the stamp of the Déise" on the festival, highlighting those aspects that have a particularly strong local tradition or strength. In particular, given our close proximity with An Rinn Gaeltacht, we are placing a special emphasis on gaelige across all aspects of the programme. In addition, the first three days of the festival will be taken up with a summer school in all instruments, music, song and dance. This will be a first for the South-East, and represents an exciting innovation for all concerned!

The second meeting of the Fleadh Committee was held on Oct 5th, where the various sub-committees reported progress, particularly in the areas of fundraising and sponsorship. Further fundraising events are being planned over the next few months and all committee members are beavering away behind the scenes, working on plans to deliver the biggest festival Dungarvan has seen in decades!