Comhaltas na Breataine

In February 2008 we will host the Convention.

The annual Convention takes place in the Holiday Inn, East Kilbride from the 15th - 17th February and brings together CCE branch delegates, musicians, singers and dancers from each of the nations of Britain for a celebration of Irish culture and the AGM of Comhaltas na Breataine.

To open the convention, a reception is planned for 8 pm on Friday 15th, followed by a youth concert from 8.00 pm to 10.30 pm. Just to get everyone properly rosined for the weekend, a seisiun mor is at 9.00 pm.

On Saturday 16th we have workshops, and are fortunate to have an esteemed gathering of tutors, each a master in their chosen field, to teach and transmit their expertise.

Also on Saturday, there will be a drinks reception at 6.30 pm with dinner at 7.00 pm and a Ceili at 9.00 pm with music from the renowned St. Roch's Ceili Band.

On Sunday 17th February there will be mass at 9.00 am with the AGM of Comhaltas na Breataine at 11.00 am. All Comhaltas members are invited.

Friday 15th February 

7.30pm Youth Concert (£3)

Everyone is invited to support this showcase of young, vibrant and emerging talent

9.00pm Cois Tine

A beside the fire session of music, song, poetry, dance sets and whatever you're having yourself to get  everyone properly rosined for the weekend

Saturday 16th February

10-12 -  Workshops - In fiddle, flute, tin whistle, paino accordion, button accordion, singing, set dancing and Irish language

2-4pm  - Workshops - In fiddle, flute, whistle, piano accordion, button accordion, banjo, concertina, cupla focal, singing, set dancing

7.00pm - Dinner / Céilí        9-11pm - St. Roch's Céilí  Band     11- 1.00am Sets - Colin McGill & James Hogan

9.00pm - Seisún Ceol           9.00pm - Seisún Amhránaíocht              

Sunday 18th February

9.00am Mass,   11.00am Annual General Meeting of Comhaltas na Breataine

1.00pm Lunch 2.00pm AGM continued  4.00pm Tea and Biscuits & "Fare Thee Well"

Workshop Tutors

John McHugh – fiddle

John comes from the village of Rinanney near Foxford Co. Mayo. This area boasts a strong tradition of renowned fiddle players who have written many beautiful tunes and developed a unique local style. John is a much sought after musician and a member of Céide and the Swallow’s Tail Céilí Band. He has appeared on many albums including: Music at Molloys’, ‘Hell for Leather’, ‘The Sound of the Coleman Country’ and ‘Water from the Well’.  

Mairéad Uí Ghallchóir - cupla focal

A taste of Irish for beginners with our own Mairéad. 

Surprise Tutor - concertina

Karen Ryan – whistle

Karen, a founder organiser of the Return to Camden Town Festival, plays whistle and fiddle with the popular female group The London Lasses. She can be heard on their CDs; ‘Track Across The Deep’, and  ‘Enchanted Lady’. 

Jody Moran - banjo

Jody is a member of Comhaltas in Leeds and chaired the branch for several years. An All Ireland Champion in 1987 (whistle slow air), Jody is in popular demand as a tutor at summer schools and workshops in Britain and Ireland. 

Michael Hurley – flute

Michael is originally from Leeds and is settled now for many years in Ballymote, Co. Sligo. His father came from Athenry, Co Galway, and his mother from Kilkelly, Co Mayo. In 1989 he won the All-Ireland senior trio competition with P J Hernon and Philip Duffy. He is a regular tutor at summer schools and workshops and a fine exponent of Sligo flute playing. He is a member of the Swallow’s Tail Céilí Band. He plays on numerous CDs including ‘Wooden Flute Obsession’, ‘The Mountain Road’, a compilation of tunes popular in South Sligo. 

James Hogan – button accordion

From Killeigh near Tullamore, James is a member of the Dawn Céilí Band and the Esker Riada Céilí Band. James was a great success at last year’s Convention. 

Colin McGill – piano accordion

An All Ireland champion, a qualified adjudicator and music teacher, Colin is a regular tutor at traditional music workshops in Britain and Ireland and frequently tutors at our trad music workshops in Glasgow. 

Kathleen Ford – singing

From Letterkenny in Donegal, Kathleen is an esteemed singer in Donegal and across Ulster. Kathleen is the All Ireland Ladies (English) Singing Champion 2007/08. 

Gerard Butler - set dancing

Gerard is a well-known set and sean-nós dancing tutor and he teaches all over the world. He also plays drums and bodhrán and according to his Bebo site, enjoys making all sorts of noise!

 

 

 

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