Summer 2002

Eagarfhocal

‘Meitheal’ was the name given to the concept of neighbours helping each other particularly at harvest time. Comhaltas have also selected this traditional term to describe the working group at the heart of their new progressive ATHNUACHAN (Renew) programme. The members of this group are contributing their varied and specialist skills on a voluntary basis to help deliver the harvest of our native traditions and ensure their enhancement in the coming decades.

It is timely and appropriate also that the new Arts Bill takes cognizance of the status of Irish traditional arts. It provides a framework for a successful partnership between community endeavours and official policies.

The international dimension of the traditional arts movement has grown and flourished over the years. The scale of the potential awaiting development is a challenge for all who practice, appreciate and support our unique cultural heritage.