Autumn 2001

Eagarfhocal

The 50 Bliain ag Fás celebrations of Comhaltas have provided many memorable and inspiring moments which in years to come will be valued gems of our cultural folk memory…

The octogenarian surviving founders Paddy McElvaney and Willie Reynolds as they proudly participated in the Mullingar celebratory event… The sheer passion and dedication of Cumann na bPíobairí Uilleann veterans as they assembled at the site of 14 Thomas Street, Dublin… The Leeds extravaganza which manifested the vitality of the Comhaltas movement in Britian… North America’s inspiring celebrations in Toronto… An tAifreann nua-chumtha ag an bhFleadh Nua in Inis… Hundreds of events at local, county and provincial levels highlighted the extensive cultural programme. The Ceílí Bands reunion at the Fleadh Nua was, indeed, symbolic of the whole 50 Bliain ag Fás Golden Jubilee - nostalgia, excitment, artistry, passion and a palpable sense of tradition.

The echoes will be heard well into the next 50 years.