Offaly musician selected for International Panel Discussion

COMHALTAS Ceoltóirí Éireann held its 2025 Annual Congress in Sligo this weekend, with a comprehensive programme of events in addition to the the business of Congress.

A highlight of the weekend was the New Generation Panel Discussion; the team comprised moderator Dr Robert Harvey (Laois); Colleen McCleary (Belfast), Dr Patrick Ballantyne (Liverpool), Ciarán Fitzgerald (Kildare) and Offaly native Máire Brennan.

Máire was nominated on the basis of her contribution to community and education and her exceptional achievements to date. A tin whistle, button accordion and piano player from County Offaly, Máire grew up playing in solo and group ensembles in her Comhaltas branch, Ballyboy CCÉ. She now tutors students and groups of all ages in various Comhaltas branches in Offaly.

In 2022, Máire won the Senior Tin Whistle All Ireland Title. She has been awarded two Performance Diplomas with the London College of Music, as well as being presented with the Award of Excellence in her Music Education Specialism on her Bachelor of Education degree in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Máire performs regularly at various festivals and orchestral commissions, as well as on Céilí House and RTÉ. She holds a Micheál Ó hEidhin medallion for Distinction in the SCT Traditional Music Exams, a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann teaching diploma the TTCT at advanced level and is also a qualified Comhaltas adjudicator.

Máire's contribution to the panel discussion was through both Irish and English speaking on the skills developed through Comhaltas' educational programmes and the value of music and Irish culture to communities at all levels.

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