Golden year for Laois Camross Comhaltas branch

Young musicians of Camross Comhaltas carrying on the the work of generations

placeholder image — Young musicians of Camross Comhaltas carrying on the the work of generations

50 years of nurturing traditional music celebrated

Born out of the desire of a young curate to bring a few like-minded people together and play a bit of music the Camross branch has grown to be one of the biggest and strongest inComhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann over the past 50 years.

Fr Lar Dunphy a native of Cullohill, along with the officers and committee of Tim Bergin, Mr and Mrs Batt Crowley, Chris Larkin, Marie Higgins, Jim Dunphy and Johnny and Mary Dunne set the wheels in motion and it has just kept on turning since. The branch prides itself on promoting the strong traditions of music, song and dance.

It facilitates young people to experience these traditions at group classes, it encourages them to pursue individual tuition in a chosen instrument and it gives them the platform then to express and exhibit their talents to a wider audience.

While many members worked hard to ensure the growth of the branch a lot of credit has to go to Stephen and Mary Conroy and their family as they adopted Comhaltas and its members as a second family. They gave over part of their home to a Teach Ceoil where music classes were held but they also gave a welcome, a warm fire and a cup of tea to so many families that will never be forgotten.

Stephen was a Tour Manager for Comhaltas for many years, travelling all over the world and he gave every opportunity to a Camross dancer, singer or musician to be part of his touring group. Many of these musicians, dancers and singers have gone on to form their own music groups and have made it their career choice.

Camross Comhaltas members have entertained Presidents and foreign visiting dignitaries, played at major conferences and events and have performed in France, North America, Wales and the UK and the adventures are not over yet.

The branch has been blessed in its collaboration with Gabriel Lynam School of Dancing and now with Carmel, the dancers have added colour and artistry that has enhanced the music and the performances over the years.

We began our 50th anniversary celebrations over the weekend of September 22/24th in the parish of Camross and some great memories and stories were recalled. We were honoured to have in attendance the Ardstriúrthóir of Comhaltas Labhrás Ó Murchú and the President Éamonn Ó hÁragain along with other special guests.

While it is good to look back and acknowledge all the great work that has been done over the years we have to keep focussed on the future.

The branch has 130 young musicians attending classes on a Monday night on various instruments, 35 adults and young people take guitar tuition under the guidance of Martin Delaney and then over 50 adults and children take set dancing classes with Catherine Lalor so there is not too much time to get complacent.

We look forward to meeting you at some of our events over this special year of our 50th anniversary