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02 Oct 2025
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02 Oct 2025
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Santa Claus was among the crowd who were entertained by children at the party.
A GREAT night was had by all when the children who attend music lessons with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Westport branch, played for their families and friends. The MC for the night was the newly elected chairperson, Aoife Ní Chathasaigh and she started by praising the children for attending lessons every week and for making great progress over the last ten weeks. Aoife thanked the tutors, Laoise Ni Chionnaith, Michael Lavelle, Cormac Langan, Paddy Heneghan, John Thornton, Mary Kate and Rachel for their dedication in teaching Irish traditional music every week. Paddy Heneghan, an outstanding All-Ireland Fleadh winner, delighted everyone by singing a sean-nós song about Grace O Malley. Aoife thanked the wonderful Comhaltas committee and reminded everyone that Comhaltas is a voluntary organisation and invited any parents or friends who would like to become a volunteer to chat to any member of the committee.
A surprise presentation was made to an exceptional member of the Westport Comhaltas committee - Cormac O Cionnaith. He was presented by Aoife and Ann Knowles, Vice chair, with ‘Gradam na hÉigse’ – an award sent down from the Comhaltas headquarters and is reserved for members who have made an outstanding contribution to the branch. Cormac has worked diligently for the branch for over 40 years, his commitment, dedication and hard work has been second to none. At no time was this demonstrated more so than the past two years when Westport hosted the Mayo Fleadh. Cormac and his wife Fran, attended every meeting, concert, event and they single-handedly produced the Clár - the official programme for two years. They were also instrumental in collecting a large amount of financial support for the fleadh.
A surprise visit was made by the big man in red - Daidí na Nollaig - and the children played Irish traditional music and sang Christmas carols for him. He then left a treat for each of the children.
The concert was a massive boost to everyone and a great start to the Christmas season.
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