Relaunched Comhaltas branch in Athlone looking forward to a busy year

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has been part and parcel of Irish life since 1951, working hard to promote Irish music and culture all over Ireland and around the globe.

Here in Athlone, the recently relaunched Comhaltas branch is a member of that movement and it is busily planning a programme of events for the year ahead, with their first, a 'Welcome Seisiún' taking place on Sunday, March 10 in the Knights of Columbanus Hall in St Ciaran's House, St Mary's Square.

Comhaltas Craobh Átha Luain is delighted to introduce a new committee appointed following an AGM earlier this month. Chaired by Ellen Costello, with Cian Cunniffe as Vice Chair, the relaunched branch is looking forward to, and planning for, a busy year of cultural events, first of which is getting sessions and lessons back up and running again in the town post-Covid.

The other committee members appointed are Mary Norton, secretary, Tom Shine, treasurer, Fiona Moran, PRO, Lucy Nally, youth officer, Philippa Barry, competitions officer and Anita McEnroe, Irish language officer.

The newly elected committee thanked the outgoing committee for their hard work and dedication to Comhaltas Craobh Átha Luain, with particular gratitude for Tom O’Connor, Chair along with Maureen Cunniffe, Tom Shine, Eileen Daly, Aileen O’Connor and Patrick Mullooley.

At the first meeting of the new committee earlier this month, ideas and the objectives of the branch were discussed for the year ahead, including putting in place a programme of sessions and lessons for young and old.

The branch is also planning on working closely with the committee of Féile na Sionainne, to give their support in making this year’s Féile even bigger and better than last year.

Comhaltas Craobh Átha Luain's first session will take place on Sunday, March 10 from 4pm to 6pm in the Knights of Columbanus hall, St Ciarán’s House, St Mary’s Square, Athlone (N37 H270). All musicians, dancers, storytellers, reciters (both children and adults) are welcome and tea/coffee will be available. The branch is keen to encourage people of all ages and standards to participate.

Keep an eye on the Facebook page - Comhaltas Átha Luain and Instagram - cce.athaluain for updates.

Anyone who wants to become a member of Comhaltas Craobh Átha Luain can do so via the Facebook page - Comhaltas Átha Luain. The completed registration Form can be emailed to cce.athaluain@gmail.com. Individual membership is €12, family membership is €20.

Tá an Coiste spreagtha agus ag tnúth leis an mbliain nua atá romhainn, agus tá súil againn sibh a fheiceáil ag an seisiún!

The committee is excited and looking forward to the new year ahead, and hope to see you at the session!