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The Story of Kilnadeema C.C.E.
1951 Founding Members of Comhaltas
Results of 1955 Fleadh in Loughrea
Inaugural Meeting of Comhaltas
There was always a tradition of music in Kilnadeema. In more recent times the names that came to the fore were John Joe Forde, and the world renowned Joe Burke.
Both of these famous “Box Players” would also be associated with the town of Loughrea, which lies just across the Grey Lake from Kilnadeema. Loughrea had a long and varied history of Comhaltas, and many people still have fond memories of the All – Ireland Fleadh Cheoil being held there in 1955.In February 1999, Bernie and Pat Stapleton, with Ferdy Whelan and Donal Herlihy, decided that the time was right for us to form our own branch of Comhaltas Ceolteori Eireann.
We contacted Comhaltas headquarters, and so began the formal process. Little, did we think, what a huge success story was in the making. Our official launch was on the 3/3/99 in the local “Cruiscin” lounge. With a mixture of good planning, a lot of enthusiasm, and a little bit of luck, it was a night to remember.
With the words “let it rip” our Patron, Joe Burke accompanied by his wife Anne -Conroy Burke launched us formally. The huge attendance was treated to a night of lively entertainment from local musicians, and special guests.
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The first committee with Co. Board officers at our launch night in An Cruiscin Bar |
Our Patron Joe Burke and Bill McEvoy at the launch night on3/3/99 |
There also, were officers of the Galway County Board, Tomas O’ Baoill (Chairman) and Tom Joe Robinson (Treasurer). The legendary Bill McEvoy of N. America and Canada Comhaltas was a most welcome guest. He had heard our plans while he was going through Kennedy Airport, on his way home to his native Co. Laois.
Within days, news of our efforts, had spread to neighbouring parishes, and we were asked to take in new members from Ardrahan, Leitrim, Kilrickle, Loughrea and Gort. It soon became clear to us there was an enormous wealth of young talent around the area yearning to be recognised and nurtured. So here we are, in at the deep end, as we only anticipated having to cater for the needs of the youngsters of our parish, but now already we had treble that number wanting music sessions, and any other outlet that could be provided. It was a daunting situation.
At all times, we were maintaining a non – competitive attitude within the branch, but most of them were anxious to try their luck at the County Fleadh in Oranmore.
Most of our entrants had never competed before, but the regular practice sessions paid off handsomely, with several county champions and numerous medal winners.
There was to be further success at the Connaught Fleadh when, for the first time ever, Kilnadeema C.C.E. would be represented at the All-Ireland Fleadh ’99 in Enniscorthy by Lisa Whelan and Ciara Stapleton in the under 12 competitions, Aoife Stapleton in the under 15 and Louise Costello under 18. It was indeed a remarkable achievement for any Comhaltas branch to compete in 4 competitions at All-Ireland level. The fact that Kilnadeema C.C.E. branch did so within 6 months of organisation was unique. Celebrations followed in the form of local hall performances, and a 2-hour broadcast on local Galway Bay Fm radio station.
Then it was back to school and normality for everyone for the next few months. Our next adventure was preparing for, and taking part in Mummer competitions.
While there was a lot of time and hard work involved, the rewards were great. The Mummers Festivals of Woodford and New Inn, marked a great beginning of the 21st century when we achieved major successes.
Further success followed a few weeks later, when a team of 14 of our juniors, won the right to represent Galway, in the Ceoltrai competitions. It being a totally new experience for all involved, we couldn’t believe our luck when we beat Roscommon in Connaught and qualified to compete in Dublin at C.C.E. headquarters.The Galway team of 16(Kilnadeema 14) were placed 3rd, in the Finals.A truly remarkable experience. A truly remarkable year.
Suddenly, it was County Fleadh time again. This time, Dunmore was the venue. More new county champions and several new Connaught champions emerged from Mohill, Co. Leitrim. Seven of our members went to Enniscorthy for the All-Ireland Fleadh 2000 to compete in 6 different competitions and all were a credit to the branch.
Perhaps the greatest pleasure of the whole year 2000, was the new venture of forming 3 junior Ceili Bands, under 12, and one under 15 Ceili Band within the branch. Two of them qualified for the Connaught Fleadh.
As founding chairman, I am proud of the progress that has been achieved in such a short time and with continued good will; the Kilnadeema Branch of C.C.E. can achieve greater success and enhance the love of our traditional music, song and dance in the locality.
Pat Stapleton
Chairman 1999/2000
