by Robert Prole
Tuesday 23nd September 2008
While none of those who attended this outing on the 23rd September volunteered to sing, do a jig or reel Larry Mooney did us proud playing his Bodhran. One of the first to arrive at the impressive Comhaltas headquarters in Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Co Dublin was our President Jim Barton, seen here going in the front entrance with Michael Colbert. Following a friendly welcome from our host for the day, Bernard O'Sullivan, Project Officer, tea, coffee and chat was the order until we had all assembled and attached our name badges.
Yes, golden oldies sometimes find it helpful to even be reminded of their own identity! Larry Mooney, our director of operations for the outing and chief organiser of the event, was quietly making sure that everybody was feeling comfortable and at the same time was seen to be getting his Bodhran unpacked and ready for playing.
In the meantime Robert Prole had formally welcomed to their first C.A.R. assembly both Victor Owens and Bill Hennessy. There was a special welcome also for Ann Kelly from Greystones but why was she the only lady in attendance? Bernard then started to tell us all about Comhaltas. With the exception perhaps of Larry I think it is true to say that his outline took us all by surprise.We had no idea as to the scale and range of
activities undertaken by the organisation.
With over 400 branches in 15 countries on 4 continents with the objective of promoting Irish music,dance,song,story telling and the Irish language it is truly a remarkable organisation which depends on volunteers not only at home in Ireland but all over far away places such as Britain, the US, Canada, Russia, Japan, Hungry, Australia and South America.
Volunteer musicians Tom Tierney (fiddle) David Simpson (Mandolin) and Larry Mooney then entertained us with a number of tunes and Kate, a student from Birmingham, Alabama danced a reel to their music. A lovely lunch followed and having thanked Bernard, the musicians and the kitchen staff, to our great surprise we all left with a most generous 'goody bag' which included tickets for a Spectacular Irish Traditional Concert in Belgrave Square on the 5th October. Talk about icing on the cake! Go raib mile mait ag Comhaltas.