Mullingar Grúpa Cheoil 1988 winners reunite at an Áras
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Noel Battle, cathaoirleach of the Mullingar Branch of Comhaltas, welcomed visitors from across the midlands to Áras an Mhuilinn on Sunday for the celebrations marking the 1988 All-Ireland Grúpa Ceoil victory in Kilkenny by Grúpa Ceoil An Muileann gCearr, from left, Siobhán Rutledge, Carol Fagan, Noel Battle, Richard Hogan (partially obscured), Dessie Hynes, Catríona Connolly, Shane Egan, Liz Devine and Marie O’Shea.Image 2 of 4
Liz Devine (Ballynacargy) and Marie O’Shea (Mullingar, now Athea, Limerick), both members of Grúpa Ceoil An Muileann gCearr, winners of the All-Ireland Senior Grúpa Ceoil title at Fleadh Ceol na hÉireann, Kilkenny, 1988. The two musicians were reunited on Sunday in Áras an Mhuilinn, performing once again with fellow members of the original group as part of celebrations marking the 38th anniversary of their historic win, following a celebratory Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar.Image 3 of 4
Catríona Connolly, formerly a staff member of AIB Mullingar, and a member of Grúpa Ceoil An Muileann gCearr, who won the All-Ireland Senior Grúpa Ceoil competition at the 1988 Kilkenny Fleadh. She was in Áras an Mhuilinn on Sunday, attending the celebrations marking the 38th anniversary of that landmark victory, following a commemorative Mass in Mullingar Cathedral.Image 4 of 4
Noel Battle, one of the most decorated competitors in Fleadh Cheoil history. First crowned All-Ireland Senior Harmonica Champion in 1967, he went on to win the title on at least 12 occasions. A member of the victorious Mullingar Grúpa Ceoil at the 1988 Kilkenny Fleadh, he is pictured on Sunday in Áras an Mhuilinn, celebrating the 38th anniversary of that achievement.Shane King
A memorable celebration took place in Áras an Mhuilinn last Sunday as the Mullingar Grúpa Cheoil, winners of the 1988 All-Ireland senior title, came together for a special reunion almost four decades on from their historic success.
The group claimed national honours at the Fleadh Cheoil in Kilkenny in 1988, a landmark achievement for Mullingar, Westmeath and the local Comhaltas community. While almost 40 years have passed, the quality of musicianship and camaraderie on display suggests the intervening years have done little to dull the group’s shared passion for traditional music.
Proceedings began with Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, celebrated by Fr Philip Gaffney Adm, and offered in remembrance of deceased members of the group and of Comhaltas.
The group lifted the bilingual Irish and English liturgy with the same flair and camaraderie that had carried them to victory all those years ago.
That was followed by a ceremony and refreshments in Áras an Mhuilinn, where musicians, family members and supporters gathered to reflect on a remarkable chapter in local musical history.
Key figures behind the group’s All-Ireland success, including Noel Battle and Dessie Hynes, were among those in attendance, alongside many other accomplished musicians who travelled from around the country to mark the occasion.
For some, it was a rare opportunity to reunite in the place where they enjoyed their early musical experiences.
Music formed the centrepiece of the afternoon, and the group performed a selection of tunes, including the waltz that featured in their winning set in Kilkenny.
Presentations were made to the musicians in recognition of their contribution to the group and to acknowledge the significance of their All-Ireland success in 1988.
Sadly, one member of the group, Paddy Crinnigan, had passed away in the intervening years, and his son Damian was present to mark the occasion on his behalf.
Paddy was one of Mullingar’s quiet musical pillars, a gentleman of the flute and whistle. His clear, unhurried playing became the gentle heartbeat of countless sessions, céilís and Comhaltas gatherings across Westmeath, leaving a legacy felt as much in the warmth of his music as in the respect he earned from all who knew him.
Speaking at the event, Siobhán Ní Chonnaráin of Comhaltas reflected on the evolution and importance of grúpa ceoil competition within the organisation.
“Grúpa ceoil has changed over the years, but what has always remained is the bond it creates,” she said.
“It brings people together, it creates friendships, and it teaches teamwork in an intense moment. You might only have six or seven minutes on stage, but the experience stays with you for life.”
Ms Ní Chonnaráin said the Mullingar group’s achievement was one that resonated far beyond the competition itself.
“For Mullingar and for Westmeath, winning the senior All-Ireland in Kilkenny in 1988 was an incredible achievement. It wasn’t just for the musicians on stage, but for their families, their supporters and the wider community who travelled with them and followed their journey.”
She also noted the wider impact of such successes on traditional music at grassroots level.
“We see the legacy of these moments in the growth of music classes, grúpa ceoil and céilí bands across the country. People come together through music at a particular moment in time, and sometimes they may never meet again, but the influence of that moment lives on.”