Clann Lir CCÉ 'can only go from strength to strength'

Clann Lir Comhaltas branch held the official opening of their new premises, Cairde Ceoil, in Castlepollard last Friday evening. This was a wonderful and immensely successful evening of Irish music, dance, and song.

Special guests for the evening included Senator Aidan Davitt, Brendan Doyle (chairperson of Westmeath CCÉ), who cut the ribbon, and Fr Moore and Rev Damien, who gave a blessing for the new centre.

David Boland, chairperson Ballymore CCÉ, performed for, and with, Clann Lir Comhaltas members at this unique event.

Thady Burke, chairperson of the branch, said the community showed up in an amazing turnout of support: “Clann Lir Comhaltas have been on the go since 1967 and we always were sort of going around borrowing, going into GAA clubs or schools or the old parish halls.

“We felt it was time that we could have our own base. A place where we can organise weekly events. This is for children, for music and for one-to-one teaching.”

Having a permanent home will help with the Comhaltas aim of maintaining and strengthening traditions: “It's great to be able to give the opportunity to young people to learn how to play music or sing, and it's something they will have for the rest of their lives. Unlike sports, where it's only for 30 or 40 years, music is forever.”

The longevity of music is represented in Clann Lir Comhaltas membership: “We have a great mix of people in our branch from, dare I say, the mid-80s, down to eight-year-olds. It covers every sort of age group.”

The club have a dynamic membership: “At the moment, we have roughly 140 young people learning music, from fiddle, tenor whistle, guitar, banjo, all those sorts of instruments. We feel it's a great opportunity for young people to learn the tradition of music.”

Thady said the Friday evening opening is the culmination of a great deal of effort: “I just want to thank everyone for supporting Clann Lir. We really appreciate all the people who have been playing music down through the years.

"People who have given up their time to pass on the great gift of music down to the younger people. We're proud of the branch, in fairness, that it's all going so well.”

The vibrancy of the club is a reflection on the community: “We're getting great support from around the local area, so we're absolutely delighted.

"We're also lucky we have some great musicians that meet up on a regular basis to play at events, which is great to promote the music in the area.

"With our new home, we can only go from strength to strength.”