Spring 1998

Eagarfhocal

As we approach the new millennium we will also celebrate a half-century of service by Comhaltas to the Irish nation. There have been many challenges which our members tackled with a sense of idealism and determination. Comhaltas at home and abroad was motivated by a spirit of generosity.

During those exciting and pioneering years musicians, singers and dancers shared their skills with the younger generation. There was an atmosphere of urgency: the mission was to pass on our native traditions and ensure their survival and enhancement for posterity. It was an ambitious and visionary mission and the popularity today of those traditions is a tribute to the tenacity of those who ploughed the lonely furrow, sowing a harvest for others to reap.

Ireland’s rich cultural heritage today gains for our country unstinted admiration in international circles. We are very often the toast of the most prestigious circles in the world. Our achievments give us an immense pride in ourselves and our ancestors. Ta dóchas agus neart ionainn don todhchaí. Ní dhéanfar dearmad riamh ar na daoine go raibh an spiorad acu an aisling a chur i gcrích.