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06/10/2009 -

County Sligo Comhaltas Honoured

CATHAOIRLEACH HONOURS ‘HISTORIC SUCCESS’ OF COMHALTAS

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Gerry Murray has honoured the ‘historic’ successes of County Sligo Comhaltas musicians at the 2009  Fleadh na hEireann. In his address the Cathaoirleach paid tribute to ‘the exceptional people’ convened in County Hall for the reception held on 25th September. ‘It is fitting that this reception is held on Culture Night, as the people we honour this evening have made an enormous contribution to Irish music and culture.’

 
- Uachtarán Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Seamus McCormack

The Cathaoirleach made a special presentation to Seamus McCormack, Uachtaran Comhaltas Ceoilteoiri Eireann ‘who has devoted his life-time to Comhaltas, and his elevation to the post of President is deserved recognition of the esteem in which he is held at national level, and the contribution he has made to Irish Music, song, dance and the Irish language.’

Pride

‘We can reflect with great pride in the roll of honour at the national fleadh. For the second year in a row, a Sligo band had the distinction of winning the top prize of the fleadh, with the DartryCeili Band being crowned All Ireland Senior Ceili Band Champions. Another major achievement was the Fred Finn Branch’s success in the Senior Grupa Cheoil competition, with the result that Sligo won the two top prizes at the Fleadh.’

The Cathaoirleach outlined the background to this outstanding achievement. ‘Success at this level comes with hard work. But hard work and talent alone will not deliver what this county has achieved in recent years. Our county’s strength in Irish culture is a direct tribute to the leadership within our county. I am always taken by the manner in which Comhaltas and the many branches across the county work together. Individualism is certainly not the motto, rather it is working as one, we all succeed, we all benefit, and we all grow.

 
- 2009 All-Ireland Fleadh na hÉireann Senior Céilí Band Winners - The Dartry Céilí Band

 
- 2009 All-Ireland Fleadh na hÉreann 1st Place Winners in the Senior Grupaí Cheoil /Instrumental - Grúpa Ceoil Fred Finn

Leaders

Real leaders are those who have us all working together, who make space and give recognition to everybody’s input, and who set personal standards we can all aspire to. People with such qualities are the real resources of our county. Martin Enright and Seamus McCormack embody all of these qualities and are leaders par excellance.

We are fortunate to have then men working for us and taking our county and our young people to heights other counties can barely aspire to.’

- 2009 All-Ireland Fleadh na hÉireann 3rd Place Winners in the U12 Céilí Bands - Sligeach Theas Céilí Band

 
- Individual Winners in the 2009 All-Ireland Fleadh na hÉireann

Community

The Cathaoirleach praised the role of Comhaltas in the community, and commended the many volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. ‘These are the foot-soldiers who are the hear-beat of Comhaltas, the dedicated volunteers and music tutors whose passion and commitment have made Comhaltas one of the most dynamic and successful voluntary groups in the country.’

The Cathaoirleach reflected on the genesis of his passion for Irish music. ‘I grew up a time when we listened to Irish Music on the gramophone by the fire-side. I remember my father getting in the 78’s from America of Coleman, Killoran and Morrison. I grew up enthralled by the musical genius of these 3 gentlemen, and it is a gift to see that tradition carried on with such distinction by the musicians we honour this evening.’

- Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray with elected members and members of County Sligo Comhaltas and Connacht Comhaltas

Valuable Contribution

Tributes were also paid to Christy Leonard and County Manager Hubert Kearns. ‘Their valuable contribution across a range of important projects is greatly appreciated. Facilities such as the Coleman Centre and Morrison Cottage would never have seen the light of day without the Trojan efforts of these two gentlemen.’

The Cathaoirleach presented certificates to each of the prize-winners, and also made presentations to two special guests on the night.. Junior Davey, five-time All Ireland Bodhran Champion, and ‘Sligo Rose’ Sinead McGill, who attended with her parents Mary and Kieran and her Fiance Paul.

- Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray makes a presentation to Special Guest Sligo Rose, Sinead McGill