CRAOBH NAITHÍ CCÉ 2014 / 2015

Chairperson’s Address

Craobh Naithí is a terrific branch with great people and I was honoured to act as chairman for 2014/2015.

We have a wonderful hard working and dedicated committee who give freely of their time, which ensures that we continue our very important teaching programme and also enables us to bring to our local community.

I would particularly like to thank Anne Morrison, Kathleen Duffy and Aishling McBride for all their support.

After a break of many years, Craobh Naithí took responsibility for organising Fleadh Átha Cliath 2015. Under the very able chairmanship of Sean Byrne and a hardworking fleadh committee, Fleadh Átha Cliath was delivered in great style and hugely successful. I would like to thank all the fleadh committee members and volunteers who contributed to its success, particularly Anne and Aishling once again and also Martin Gaffney, who brought a great degree of professionalism and colour to the fleadh. Míle buíochas.

This year we continued our popular programme of recitals in Divine Word Parish Centre with excellent evenings of music and singing. The series started with a terrific concert from all the young Craobh Naithí musicians who competed at na hÉireann 2014 in Sligo.

November’s recital was part of Féile Naithí with a top class line-up of Edel Fox, Colm Gannon, Donal McCague, Padraig McGovern and Tommy FitzHarris. Many thanks to Tomás MacUileagóid for another excellent weekend of masterclasses, recitals and sessions. Craobh Naithí is also indebted to the Arts Council who has provided financial assistance for Scoil Fhómhair / Féile Naithí annually since 2006.

January 2015 saw Nell Ní Chróinín and brothers Seán and Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl playing to a packed and very appreciative audience and our final recital in Divine Word took place in February with a magical evening of pipes and box playing from Padraig McGovern and Peter Carberry.

‘A Moment in Time’- a CD of Craobh Naithí under 18 and under 15 musicians, was recorded in Clasaċ on 3rd and 4th January 2015. The CD was produced by Padraig King and Oisín Morrison, with graphic design by Martin Gaffney. The official launch took place in Divine Word Parish Centre on 18th April with a number of fine performances from the young musicians. Well done to all the lads involved.

Following on from recording their CD, the U18 musicians once again represented Craobh Naithí at the Tradfest in January with a solid performance in the beautiful entrance hall of City Hall, .

The six-week programme of pre-instrumental music classes – Polka Tots – was held in March and April and proved hugely popular with our youngest members, most of whom signed up for general classes in September. Many thanks to Aoife Johnston for delivering the programme with great enthusiasm.

Craobh Naithí had literally hundreds of young musicians who participated in and achieved great success at Fleadh Átha Cliath, Fleadh Laighean and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Our U18 Grúpa Cheoil under the direction of Padraig King and Oisín Morrison and U15 Céilí Band under the watchful eyes of Mick Glynn and Martin Gaffney did us proud at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Sligo.

To reach an All-Ireland final is an achievement in itself for any musician and singer. This year five Craobh Naithí singers were medal winners – Anne Marie Bennett, Judith Cummins, Caoimhe Blennerhassett, Rachel Bennett and Beth Corcoran. Craobh Naithí salutes you all on your wonderful achievement.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann also bestowed the award of Ard-Ollamh on Séamus MacMathúna at a special ceremony in the Radisson Hotel in Sligo during fleadh week, acknowledging the significant contribution that Séamus has made to the on-going development of Irish traditional music. Craobh Naithí also marked this special occasion and presented Séamus with a scroll designed by Martin Gaffney.

I would like to say a sincere thank you to our many ‘partners’ within the community who helped us deliver our programme of activities during the year. The branch is indebted to Seán Mac Cinnéide and the staff of St. Colmcille’s Community School for the use of their fine school building for our weekly classes and for all their help and support during the year. Sincere thank you also to Eugene Duffy, Principal of Drimnagh Castle Primary School for facilitating us with the use of the school for group rehearsals leading into the Leinster and All-Ireland fleadheanna.

Many thanks also to Divine Word Parish Centre, Marlay Grange and to Faughs GAA Club, Templeogue.

For all our young musicians who performed at fleadhanna and other events throughout the year, Craobh Naithí thanks you for your talent, hard work and all the pleasure you have given us. Your success and hopefully the pleasure you will enjoy over your lifetimes is the result of the very fine team of 26 teachers in Craobh Naithí and also to your parents support and commitment to the tradition.

Míle buíochas ‘is go n-éirí libh.

Le gach dea mhéin

Derek Johnston Cathaoirleach Chraobh Naithí

Deireadh Fómhair 2015

Secretary’s Report 2014-2015

Craobh Naithí Branch of Comhaltas was established in 1976. Our main objective is to facilitate the promotion of Traditional Irish Music by providing tuition to young people through our classes and by creating opportunities to perform and enjoy music through a variety of social activities.

It is the policy of Craobh Naithí that traditional music is taught and played in a pure traditional style.

Summary of Craobh Naithí branch activities for 2014 – 2015

September 2014  Music Classes Music classes were held on Thursday evenings in St. Colmcille’s Community School, Scholarstown Road, , from September 10th 2013 to May 12th 2015. Each week a programme of 106 half hour classes, accommodating in 330 places, was delivered by 25 teachers, as well as weekly classes for 5 grúpaí cheoil and 3 céilí bands in preparation for fleadhanna cheoil competitions and to encourage ensemble and session playing. An adult singing class was held each week also. A programme of 5 classes called ‘Polka Tots’ was run in the spring for young pupils who will be learning an instrument in September.  Child Protection Cathy Kearney and Des Treacy are our Child Protection Officers. Garda vetting has been processed for our new committee and teachers. Our policy is in line with the Comhaltas Policy.  Training and Development Day A number of the committee attended the training day which was organised by the County Board.

November 2014  Ceardlann an Fhómhair 15th & 16th Nov Our annual music workshops, now in their 20th year, once again opened with a session in Faugh’s GAA Club, where branch musicians, young and old played for many hours. The Master classes were held on Saturday; in St. Colmcille’s Community School. The tutors were Donal McCague, Tommy FitzHarris, Colm Gannon, Edel Fox and Padraig McGovern. Younger pupils attended a Music awareness and activity workshop which was co-ordinated by Sarah Jane Woods, with Niall de Burca providing a story telling session. The tutor’s lunchtime recital and the evening recital in Divine Word were attended by an appreciative audience who enjoyed the top class traditional music from our tutors. Craobh Naithí acknowledges the continued support of the Arts Council.

December 2014  Christmas Party Our annual Christmas Party was held on Sunday November 30th 2014, in Divine Word Parish Centre. It was once again a very enjoyable event, with our young members enjoying music and games.  Branch Christmas Concert Our annual Christmas Concert on December 18th 2014 provided all our young musicians and singers with an opportunity to perform on stage in St. Colmcille’s Community School. All the grúpaí cheoil played, and our new pupils, accompanied by older musicians had an opportunity to play for family and friends.  Seisiún na Nollag was on Friday, December 19th in Faughs GAA.  Wren Boys & Girls December 26th 2014 The wren boys, comprising of young and old musicians, met in Churchtown and spent a very enjoyable afternoon playing in various venues where they were warmly welcomed. The group made a contribution to the Peter McVerry Charity.

January 2015  CD Recording Clasac January 3rd & 4th Our U15 & U18 Grúpaí spent 2 days recording their grúpa arrangements as well as duets and trios. They were directed by Pádraig King, Oisín Morrison and Cian Kearins. The CD was titled ‘A Moment in time’.  Recital in Divine Word Jan 24th. Nell Ní Chróinín, Caoimhín & Seán O Fearghaíl provided a lovely evening of music and song to a full house. They were joined by Séamus MacMathúna at the end for a rousing version of An Puc ar Buile  Tradfest Family Concert Jan 31st A large group of our young musicians performed in Dublin City Hall on Sat 31st to an appreciative audience.

February 2015  Recital in Divine Word Feb 14th. Padraig McGovern and Peter Carberry entertained us on Valentine’s night. Once again the performance was greatly appreciated by a large audience.  County Board Workshops Feb 21st 6 of our pupils attended a series of 3 workshops organised by the County Board. They continued into March & April.  Polka Tots Feb 26th 15 young people attended ‘Polka Tots’, 5 lessons which began on Feb 21st.

March 2015  Seisiún Lá Fhéile Pádraig March 16th We met in Faugh’s GAA for a lively session with young and old musicians.  National League for the Blind March 21st Oisín Morrison organised a group of U18 musicians to play for their St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Their music was greatly appreciated.

May 2015  Children’s Concert May 14th The end of year concert, which was held in St. Colmcille’s Community School, where all our pupils played their instrument or sang on stage. The audience had an opportunity to hear the grúpaí Cheoil and céilí bands which had competed in the Dublin Fleadh the previous weekend.

Fleadhanna Cheoil Many of our musicians & singers competed in the Dublin, Leinster and All-Ireland Fleadhanna Cheoil. We congratulate them for the manner in which they performed and represented the branch. Special congratulations to all our musicians who competed in Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann in Sligo, our U15 Céilí Band & U18 grúpa Cheoil, and in particular the following who were placed in their competitions. Amhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós:- Judith Ní Choimín 3rd Faoi 12. Caoimhe Blennerhassett 2nd 15-18. Beth Corcoran 3rd O18. Amhrán Nua Cheaptha (Gaeilge) Aon Aois Annmarie Benéid, 3rd. Comhrá Gaeilge Rachael Benéid 2nd 15-18

CRAOBH NAITHÍ COMMITTEE 2014 / 2015

Officers Chairperson: Derek Johnston

Vice-chairperson: Anne Morrison

Secretary: Kathleen Duffy

Treasurer: Aishling McBride

P.R.O.: Eilís Cummins

Auditor: Michael Glynn

Treoraí na Gaeilge: Mary Blennerhassett

Child Protection: Cathy Kearney + Des Tracey

Youth Officer: Áine Duffy

Committee Dymphna Grenham

Marie Therese Lyne

Sue McDonagh

Claire Sherry

Pat Ball

Jarlath Brennan

Tomás MacUileagóid

Oisín Morrison

CRAOBH NAITHÍ TEACHERS 2014 / 2015

Grúpa Cheoil faoi 12 Jarlath Brennan + Leonora Lyne

Grúpa Cheoil faoi 15 Cian Kearins + James Duggan

Grúpa Cheoil faoi 18 Padraig King + Oisín Morrison

Céilí Bands Mick Glynn + Martin Gaffney

Polka Tots Aoife Johnston

Flute /Whistle Leonora Lyne

Eimear Duffy

Eibhlís Ní Shúileabháin

Ciarán Ó Briain

Cian Kearins

Martin Gaffney

Fionn Morrison

Iarlath MacGabhann

Christina Dolphin

Button Accordion Padraig King

Graham Guerin

Piano Accordion Martin Gaffney

Concertina Aoife Johnston

Áine Chambers

Peter Denmead

CRAOBH NAITHÍ TEACHERS 2014 / 2015 (contd)

Banjo / Mandolin Claire Sherry

Jarlath Brennan

Fiddles Claire Walsh

Aidan Connolly

Cormac Chambers

James Duggan

Mick Glynn

Turlough Chambers

Harp Oisín Morrison

Singing Úna Mhic Mhathúna

Mary Blennerhassett

Áine Ní Chearnaigh

Rita Grehan

CHRISTMAS 2014 CONCERT

End of year Christmas Concert featuring all young Craobh Naithí pupils

St. Colmcille’s Community School 18th December 2014

JUNIOR SESSIONS

SEISIÚN FHÉILE NAITHÍ

SEISIÚN NA NOLLAG

SEISIÚN LÁ FHÉILE PADRAIG

A MOMENT IN TIME

CD Launch, Divine Word Parish Centre

18th April 2015

END OF CLASS YEAR CONCERT

End of year Class Year Concert featuring all young Craobh Naithí pupils

St. Colmcille’s Community School 14th May 2015

FLEADH CHEOIL ÁTHA CLIATH 2015 Hosted by Craobh Naithí CCÉ

Competitions were held in St. Paul’s Secondary School, Greenhills, Walkinstown Fleadh Programme cover, pictured above, was designed by Martin Gaffney

Fleadh Committee, chaired by Seán Byrne, included Anne Morrison, Aishling McBride, Kathleen Duffy, Therese Lyne, Mary Whelan, Helen O’Sullivan, Claire Sherry, Tom Chambers, Des Tracey, Mick Glynn, Martin Gaffney, Derek Johnston

Sincere thank you to all the volunteer workers who contributed to the success of Fleadh Átha Cliath 2015

CRAOBH NAITHÍ LAUNCHES FLEADH ÁTHA CLIATH IN DIVINE WORD PARISH CENTRE ON 5th MAY 2015

Eimear Duffy and Éibhlís Ní Shúilleabháin

Coiste Fhleadh Átha Cliath 2015

Ceolchoirm na Seaimpíní 2014

Oíche cheiliúradh i gcuideachta ceoltóiri Naithí a raibh pairteach i bhFleadh Cheoil na hÉirinn, Sligeach

Divine Word Parish Centre, Marley Grange

3ú Deireadh Fómhair 2014

FÉILE NAITHÍ JUNIOR CHRISTMAS PARTY th th 14 + 15 November 2014

Instrument masterclasses Session in Faughs GAA Club Junior Music Activity Workshops Scéalaíocht le Niall de Búrca Tutors’ Concert in Divine Word

GUEST TUTORS th Sunday 30 November 2014 Colm Gannon / Edel Fox Divine Word Parish Centre Donal Mc Cague / Padraig McGovern Marley Grange @ 3pm Tommy Fitzharris

TRADITIONAL MUSIC RECITAL TRADITIONAL MUSIC RECITAL th th Saturday 24 January 2015 Saturday 14 February 2015

Nell Ní Chróinín Padraig McGovern Seán and Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl & Peter Carberry Cathal and Fiachra Ó Muirgheasa Conor and Donal Leavy Lilly Tracey and Tama de Búrca

Divine Word Parish Centre, Marley Grange @ 8pm Divine Word Parish Centre, Marley Grange @ 8pm

WREN BOYS + GIRLS 2014

Mick Glynn and his merry band of Wren Boys and Girls on a very wet St. Stephen’s Day 2014

A Moment in Time

Craobh Naithí U15 and U18 musicians recording ‘A Moment in Time’ in Clasaċ on 3rd and 4th January 2015

Craobh Naithí U-18 musicians performing at Tradfest Dublin City Hall - 31st January 2015

Presents POLKA TOTS

A programme of Pre-Instrumental Traditional Music Classes for Children aged 6 to 7 years old

This Fun Introduction to Irish Traditional Music is for Children hoping to begin learning an instrument in September 2015

Listening and responding to Traditional Music Finding the Pulse and Keeping a Steady Beat Learning about the Basic Tune Types Exploring a selection of Instruments in the Tradition

Classes will take place from 6pm to 6:30pm Commencing on Thursday 26th February and finishing on 26th March (5 weeks)

Tutor: Aoife Johnston

ARD OLLAMH – FLEADH CHEOIL na hÉIREANN 2015

The Árd-Ollamh award was bestowed on Séamus Mac Mathúna at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2015 in Sligo

The award honours the significant contribution which Séamus has made to the ongoing development of Irish Traditional Music

Séamus is a longtime member and supporter of Craobh Naithí CCÉ and has been a huge influence on the quality and style of our music

At the award ceremony in Sligo, Craobh Naithí presented Séamus with a scroll, designed by Martin Gaffney, to mark the occasion