The Annual Convention of Connacht Council, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann was held in theWyatt Hotel, Westport. Westport is this year’s venue for the Connacht Fleadh. As Chairman Seamus McCormack pointed out to the big attendance of delegates from Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway, “this is a great time to be in Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann”. Each County is now hosting a very successful Fleadh Cheoil, Classes in traditional music, song and dance are growing in number, Ceolarus Coleman in Gurteen has now been completed and the Comhaltas website was launched in February. There are numerous seminars, projects and training opportunities for members and interest in the traditional arts is growing steadily as was evidenced by the attendance of young members of comhaltas at the convention. During his address Seamus McCormack thanked his fellow officers for their hard work during the year and wished the counties success with their fleadhs. Seamus thanked Bertie Heneghan for his very hard work and many years of service to the Connacht Council. Bertie this year stepped down as PRO but will continue to be involved actively in other areas. The Council presented Bertie with a lovely lamp to thank him for his hard work. *Officers elected:- Uachtaran: Seosamh MacGabhann Cathaoirleach: Seamus MacCormaic Leas Cathaoirleach: Padraig Egan Runai: Helen Duggan Cisteoir: Michael Brennan PRO: Deirdre Parnell Iniuchoiri: Nancy Woods, Michael Howley Toscairi don Ard Comhairle : Vera Barrett, Des Collis Trophies Officer: Brendan Canney Treorai na Gaeilge: Seamus O Dubhthaigh Fleadh Co-Ordinator: Marian Lyons Oifigeach na n-Og: Sharon Connell, Cian Kearns.* The Council are delighted to have two younger members in the persons of Sharon Connell and Cian Kearns to serve as Youth Officers and it’s a sign of the times and the growing interest in the music, song and dance amongst the younger population. Fleadh Cheoil Connachta will be held this year in Westport from 1st to 6th July. Deirdre Parnell PRO Connacht Council Comhaltas