European citizens award for comhaltas

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was presented with the prestigious European Citizen’s Prize last Saturday at a ceremony at Brú Ború Cultural Centre, Cashel.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, ardstiúrthóir CCÉ, and Vincent Jordan, president CCÉ, accepted the prize on behalf of Comhaltas from Lynn Boylan, MEP, after which Senator Ó Murchú addressed the gathering.

MEPs Martina Anderson, Matt McCarthy and Leah Ní Riada also contributed to the ceremony, as did Francis Jacobs, representing the European Parliament Information Office.

Each year the European Parliament awards ‘The European Citizen’s Prize’ to citizens or organisations having contributed to promoting better mutual understanding and closer integration between citizens of the member states; or to facilitating cross border or transnational co-operation contributing to the strengthening of a European spirit.

The Sinn Féin MEPs nominated Comhaltas for the prize.

Founded in 1951 Comhaltas now has 16 cultural centres throughout Ireland and provides services to three million people annually worldwide. With 420 branches in 15 countries on four continents, it plays a leading role in fostering strong links with the Irish diaspora and those who consider themselves Irish.

In 2013 Comhaltas achieved a milestone in the Peace Process when it brought Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Derry. This event attracted a record attendance of 430,000 visitors and generated €50m for the region.

That was the first time that the event was held in the North. It diminished barriers, embraced all communities and was an outstanding example of friendship, reconciliation and co-operation.