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Comhaltas

Tears and Laughter as the ‘Wren’ soars High!

A smiling child wears a hat decorated with grasses and flowers and a bird
CCÉ Phila On-line Wren Hat Winner 2022.

Over 40 branches of Comhaltas throughout Ireland – and abroad! – resuscitated the ’Wren’ in 2022. On St. Stephens  Day hundreds of musicians, singers and dancers took to the highways and byways bringing joy and traditional entertainment to thousands of people in their homes, pubs, nursing homes and on the streets.

As they travelled through the community, dressed in their colourful and varied outfits wearing an assortment of ‘aghaidh fidils’, they were welcomed with open door and hearts. The older people wept with joy as they recounted their ‘Wren’ experiences in days gone by in shades of Jimín Mháire Thaidhg in our school days! Those in nursing homes had tales of nostalgia while those in pubs shared in the fun and there were many impromptu sessions.

The reports from the wren boys and girls reaching the Cultúrlann are a testimony as to how the ancient customs of the past like ‘Hunting the Wren’ on St. Stephen’s Day – still find favour in the modern fast moving world.

We give here a small selection of abbreviated comments from some of those who gave new life to the ‘Wren’ in 2022. Philadelphia and South Wales also get honourable mention. Needless to say, the wren itself is quite safe! All participants have vowed that, le cúnamh Dé, they will be back bigger and better in 2023.

A smiling child wears a hat decorated with grasses and flowers and a bird
CCÉ Phila On-line Wren Hat Winner 2022.
A group of people, one kneeling, the others standing, pose for a photograph in a variety of costumes
Ennistymon CCÉ Wren Boys.
A group of people dancing inside in pairs holding hands, one is wearing a red Santa hat with a white border and pompom
Philadelphia.
A group of musicians in costumes including sunglasses, a santa hat, tinsel and straw
Cavan Town.
A group of children and young adults are standing, most are holding instrument, they are wearing santa hats and tinsel, behind them is a large Christmas tree decorated with baubles, and large arched windows of a stone building
Kilrush
A group of children sit and stand round a table in a bar playing instruments, a man stands with them with an accordian
Dhuiche Sheoigheach.
Inside a room with a Christmas tree and decorations Irish dancers dressed in black with green embroidered skirts and performing for an audience
Philadelphia Delaware.
Outside Gormleys Bar and Lounge a large group of children and young adults wearing costumes including Santa hats, hats covered in straw, a mask and a white Santa beard, a few are holding instruments
Bring Back The Wren CCÉ Paddy Killoran.
A group of adults and children are standing outside, some are wearing costumes, some are holding instruments
Dromore.