Admiral Brown Comhaltas
Welcome to the webpage for Admiral Brown Comhaltas which is based in Foxford but with members from around Mayo.
Here we can keep you informed of upcoming events and happenings within the branch and on the trad scene. Text messages will still be sent out but this should prove to be a good point of reference.
If you have any query you can always contact the Secretary on 086 3999774 or cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com
Here we can keep you informed of upcoming events and happenings within the branch and on the trad scene. Text messages will still be sent out but this should prove to be a good point of reference.
If you have any query you can always contact the Secretary on 086 3999774 or cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com
Important Fleadh Dates
Fleadh competition dates need to be confirmed for 2021 but they usually run:
Mayo Fleadh - 2nd weekend in May
Connacht Fleadh - 1st weekend in July
All-Ireland - 6th, 7th, 8th August (confirmed)
Mayo Fleadh - 2nd weekend in May
Connacht Fleadh - 1st weekend in July
All-Ireland - 6th, 7th, 8th August (confirmed)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Notifications for all upcoming events will also be sent by text.
Junior Sessions
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These are very relaxed and informal sessions, led by Tom Doherty to encourage younger performers. Children play as a group and are also given the opportunity to play individually or in duets/trios. It is a fantastic way for children to see the fun side of music as they look forward to meeting and playing with their friends. Playing, singing or dancing individually, in front of an audience is also a fantastic way to prepare children for competitions and build their confidence.
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Date for next Junior Session: Sunday August 30th from 3pm - 4pm in Foxford Leisure Centre.
Teenage Sessions
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A chance for established musicians, singers and dancers to get together and enjoy the social side of their music. These sessions are open to all and usually attract high energy talented musicians from around the county and indeed further afield. A fantastic way to share and expand your repertoire with likeminded teens while making friends for life.
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Date for next Teenage Session: Sunday August 30th from 4:30pm - 6pm in Foxford Leisure Centre.
Culture Night 2020
We hope to host an outdoor event on Friday 20th of September to celebrate Culture Night. Time and venue to be confirmed.
Rambling House
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Pull up a chair, as you are taking back in time to he days of the 'Rambling House'. Enjoy a song, story, tune or dance. Always a fantastic night of fun with the various characters from around the county.
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Date for the next Rambling House will be announced shortly.
Foxford Traditional Singing & Poetry Group
The group led by John Horgan, meet on the last Thursday of every month in Guiry's, Foxford at 9:15pm. Individuals enjoy singing a song or saying a poem or just sitting back and enjoying the night. There is no pressure on anyone to take part and everyone is very welcome. Postponed until further notice.
Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo:
Dates and venue for the 2021 Mayo Fleadh has not yet been confirmed.
Members are encouraged to enter individual competitions, duets and trios. Tom Doherty will be working with Glór na Sí groups and we are delighted that they will once again represent our branch at the Fleadh. A number of our members are staying in the Camp Site or in the Achill area, for the weekend and we very much look forward to a great fleadh.
Fleadh Entries:
Fleadh Entries and fees will be taken up at group practice on in early march. You can also send your entries to Edel Doherty, Branch Secretary, Admiral Brown Comhaltas, Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo. Entries will need to be with the branch Secretary no later than 16th March. Please ensure to put your competition letter & number on your entry form (eg. 1A = Fiddle U12). Entry forms will be available during group practices or can be downloaded from Mayo Comhaltas. Competition letters & numbers can be viewed at the bottom of this section.
Prize-winners Photos:
All Prize-winners at the Fleadh are encouraged to have their photos taken by the Official Fleadh Photographer. This service is free and the photos are then sent on to the press and are used on social media and on the Mayo Comhaltas website. Competitors are encouraged to wear the Admiral Brown uniform for photos, but this is optional.
Fleadh Rules:
2020 sees a new version of the Fleadh rules introduced, as amended at Congress. Competitors and teachers are advised to read and become familiar with all rules. It is the competitors responsibility to ensure that they are adhering to the rules. Rules are available to view on the Mayo Comhaltas website.
U10 Competitions:
A special competition for children U10 (confined to the county) will take place for the following instruments: Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Button Accordion and Miscellaneous (to include all other instruments) as well as Sean nós Dancing and English/Irish Singing. Competitions will be formed for instruments dependent on number of entrants. Entries are to be made as normal to the Fleadh Secretary on the Fleadh entry form.
Children may not compete in both U10 and U12 competitions apart from duet, trio, groups, bands, céilí and set dancing at U12.
Duets, Trios, Bands & Groups:
Duets, trios, band and groups will take priority over all solo competitions and it is vital that this is complied with in order to ensure the smooth running of the Fleadh.
Returning of Cups/Trophies:
Please return engraved Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo cups/trophies to the Branch Secretary before March 10th.
New Competitions this year:
Traditional singing with self-accompaniment on the harp is being introduced at a County/Regional basis only, and is a non-qualifying competition to Provincial Fleadhanna. Full details can be downloaded below.
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Ballina Feis
Ballina Music Feis takes usually takes place in early in the Great National Hotel, Ballina. Please give your entries to your music teacher or contact the number below. We are very lucky to have such a well run Feis on our door step. Your support would be very much appreciated. Enquiries: 096 22633
Accomodation at the All-Ireland Fleadh
Accomodation details for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Mullingar have been released. Details available here. The campsite is 2km from the town and we believe there will be a hairdresser on site!! Campsite details here.
Practice Tips
The fantastic concertina player, Caitlín Nic Gabhann was asked recently, “how do you become a great musician?” We think her response was fantastic and is well worth a read. You can download it below.
| Caitlín Nic Gabhann - How to become a Great Musician |
Summer Schools & Festivals
Clare Island Féile Ceoil:
Usually the last weekend in June. This is always a very relaxed fun weekend. Accommodation usually books out very quickly for this weekend so if you are interested in coming along this year, please check out the Island website www.clareisland.ie Day trips from Roonagh Pier are also an option. A text will be sent to all members once date is confirmed.
Seosamh Mac Gabhann Summer School:
The annual Summer School in Kilmovee usually takes place on the first week of the school summer holidays. The ratio of teachers to students at this summer school is always very good. Checkout their facebook page as they offered fantastic free virtual tuition classes in 2020.
Facebook Page
Website
North Mayo Summer School:
Based in Killala the summerschool usually runs in early July. For full details click here to see their Facebook page.
South Sligo Summer School:
Dates for 2021 are July 11th - 17th.
This is a very well established Summer School which caters for various different levels. There are céilí's every night for the week. We will arrange to travel as a group to one of the céilí's this year...details to follow. Summer School details here.
Westport Scoil Cheoil:
Dates for 2021 are July 12th - 16th.
In the beautiful town of Westport, the Scoil Cheoil runs mid.
www.westportscoilcheoil.com
Scoil Acla Summer School:
Usually takes place the last week in July. Early bird booking opens in March. This is one of the biggest summer schools in the country. Over the last couple of years, a large number of branch members have attended Scoil Acla – for day trips, two-three days or the full week. We always have a fantastic time with members taking part in various classes and some surfing, kayaking and anything else that comes up!
www.scoilacla.ie for full details.
Scoil Cheoil Siamsa, Swinford:
Usually takes place at the end of July....Our good friends in Swinford Comhaltas run a week long set of classes, suitable for beginners/intermediate. For details click here to see their Facebook page.
Foxford Traditional Weekend:
The festival is due to run from 15th - 18th October 2020. Due to Covid 19 we will not run our full programme of events. We do however hope to run some events while moving others online.
Please ensure to follow Foxford Traditional Weekend on Facebook. We would really appreciate if you could promote this festival at the various music events you attend throughout the year. Business size promotional cards are available. This is very much your festival...and something we want everyone to feel part of.
Oireachtas na Samhna:
Rammed into 5 days, this festival features the best of sean-nós singing and dancing competitions which go out live on TG4. A fantastic few days of sessions and meeting of friends. This usually takes place during the Halloween break but unfortunately this year has been cancelled.
About the Admiral Brown Branch of Comhaltas
The Admiral Brown branch is based in Foxford and has members from various parts of Mayo. The branch has 130 members most of whom are quite young and encouraging these young members is one of the main focuses of the branch. Members are encouraged to take part in Fleadhanna as individuals and groups and they also take part at numerous performances and competitions throughout the year.
The branch informs its members of various upcoming musical events and competitions and encourages all to attend workshops, sessions and summer schools everywhere and anywhere throughout the year!
Junior Sessions and Teenage Sessions take place monthly and everyone is welcome to attend. At different times of the year the branch run Workshops, Culture Nights, Concerts, Céilís, Rambling House, Competitions, Radio Performances and Days out!
The branch was very successful in hosting 'Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo' in 2018 and again in 2019 and are also responsible for running the annual 'Foxford Traditional Weekend' which takes place in October each year.
Both junior and senior members have been successful throughout the years at various county, provincial and All-Ireland competitions and indeed some have gone the professional musicians route, touring the world. Last August alone, the branch had numerous prize winners at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in music, song and dance.
Certainly, one of the highlights over the years was when Fr. Towey and Packie Tynan let the ‘St. Patrick’s Céili Band’ to All-Ireland glory winning the Junior Céilí Band competition in 1961 and again in 1965. The branch was ecstatic in 2011, when John McHugh led the U18 Céilí Band to All-Ireland glory and brought the ‘Mrs Crotty Cup’ back to Foxford. Mayo bands have won the All-Ireland on four occasions - three of those bands were trained in Foxford!
If you would like to introduce your child to the fun side of music, song and dance...or perhaps you are an adult who would like to get back into music, why not join our branch...we will be delighted to welcome you!
The branch informs its members of various upcoming musical events and competitions and encourages all to attend workshops, sessions and summer schools everywhere and anywhere throughout the year!
Junior Sessions and Teenage Sessions take place monthly and everyone is welcome to attend. At different times of the year the branch run Workshops, Culture Nights, Concerts, Céilís, Rambling House, Competitions, Radio Performances and Days out!
The branch was very successful in hosting 'Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo' in 2018 and again in 2019 and are also responsible for running the annual 'Foxford Traditional Weekend' which takes place in October each year.
Both junior and senior members have been successful throughout the years at various county, provincial and All-Ireland competitions and indeed some have gone the professional musicians route, touring the world. Last August alone, the branch had numerous prize winners at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in music, song and dance.
Certainly, one of the highlights over the years was when Fr. Towey and Packie Tynan let the ‘St. Patrick’s Céili Band’ to All-Ireland glory winning the Junior Céilí Band competition in 1961 and again in 1965. The branch was ecstatic in 2011, when John McHugh led the U18 Céilí Band to All-Ireland glory and brought the ‘Mrs Crotty Cup’ back to Foxford. Mayo bands have won the All-Ireland on four occasions - three of those bands were trained in Foxford!
If you would like to introduce your child to the fun side of music, song and dance...or perhaps you are an adult who would like to get back into music, why not join our branch...we will be delighted to welcome you!
Comhaltas Branch Membership
The branch has currently 130 members. Membership is open to all on completion of a form and membership runs from September 1st - August 31st each year. The branch gets to keep approx. 20% of membership fees with the remainder going forward to Mayo, Connacht and Nationally. Along with some fundraising this helps to pay annual costs of €400 for insurance and €200 fleadh levy.
Membership Fees:
Child - €6
Adult - €12
Family - €20
Please email cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com if you would like to register/re-register.
Membership Fees:
Child - €6
Adult - €12
Family - €20
Please email cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com if you would like to register/re-register.
| Admiral Brown Comhaltas Membership Form |
Branch Uniform
We are very grateful to Áine Quinn Hyland who sources and looks after the branch uniforms.
Branch members who take part in many of our group performances are provided with a branch uniform. The Waistcoats, Ties and Tunics will be given to each child on loan from CCÉ Admiral Brown in advance of any musical performances. The children are requested to take care of the uniform and return (in plastic bag provided) to the Branch Committee as soon as possible after performing. Parents are asked NOT TO WASH or IRON the uniforms. We encourage Parents/Guardians to keep costs to a minimum and recommend sourcing the trousers/jeans/shirts/blouses and footwear in Next, Dunne’s Stores, Penny’s or Marks & Spencers. Musicians will be expected to have the correct uniform requirements if they are participating in any of group performances at upcoming Fleadh Cheoil.
Full uniform details can be downloaded below.
Branch members who take part in many of our group performances are provided with a branch uniform. The Waistcoats, Ties and Tunics will be given to each child on loan from CCÉ Admiral Brown in advance of any musical performances. The children are requested to take care of the uniform and return (in plastic bag provided) to the Branch Committee as soon as possible after performing. Parents are asked NOT TO WASH or IRON the uniforms. We encourage Parents/Guardians to keep costs to a minimum and recommend sourcing the trousers/jeans/shirts/blouses and footwear in Next, Dunne’s Stores, Penny’s or Marks & Spencers. Musicians will be expected to have the correct uniform requirements if they are participating in any of group performances at upcoming Fleadh Cheoil.
Full uniform details can be downloaded below.
| Admiral Brown - Branch Uniform Details.pdf |
Preloved Uniforms
If you have uniforms in good condition which are now too small or you are no longer using, we would appreciate if you could pass these to Clíona Ní Ailín. Please also check with Clíona before buying new uniforms as she may have some preloved in stock.
Glór na Sí Zippies
Sheila McNamara and Mary Murphy are currently working on sourcing 'Glór na Sí' zippies. We hope to have these available before the Mayo Fleadh this year.
Branch Cups:
Tom Doherty USA Cup
Tom Doherty, originally from Foxford but now living in Michigan, USA is a great friend to the branch. In the early years of the branch Tom sent money to pay for annual fees like Insurance. This was greatly welcomed at the time and allowed the branch to keep afloat. It also gave an incentive to get things going within the branch. As a ‘Thank You’ to Tom, in 2014 the officers of the branch purchased the ‘Tom Doherty, USA’ Cup. The cup is awarded at the monthly junior session to the individual who has shown the most improvement within the branch.
Admiral Brown Perpetual Cup
In 2016 the Admiral Brown Society in Foxford presented the branch with the 'Admiral Brown' Cup. The branch awards the cup annually to the 'Branch Member of the Year'.
Maureen Murphy Perpetual Cup
In 2016 the Family of the late Maureen Murphy presented a cup in her memory to the branch. Maureen played with the St. Patrick's Junior Céilí Band, from Foxford, which won the All-Ireland in 1961. The cup is presented by the branch annually to the 'Fiddler of the Year' within the branch.
Morgan Pinder Perpetual Cup
This cup is dedicated to the memory of our good friend, thirteen-year-old Morgan Pinder, from Clare Island who tragically lost his life in August 2018. Morgan was a fantastic storyteller, dancer and musician and so the Admiral Brown Committee purchased the cup in October 2018 in memory of Morgan. The cup is awarded annually during the Foxford Traditional Weekend to the person showing great character.
Admiral Brown Comhaltas Committee
Executive Committee:
Chairperson: David Doocey
Vice-Chairperson: John McHugh
Secretary: Edel Doherty
Treasurer: Tom Doherty
P.R.O: Stephen Doherty
Other Committee Members:
President: Christina Doherty
Vice Secretary: Michael Fox
Vice Treasurer: Paul Hyland
Auditor: Maria Lynn
Youth Officers: Molly Granahan & Annie Moylett
Treoraí na Gaeilge: Clíona Ní Ailín
Delegate (County): Michéal Ó Sionnaigh
Delegate 2 (County): Carmel Uí hEanaigh
Áine Quinn Hyland, Barbara Granahan, Sheila McNamara, Mereith Dolan, Maggie Cooney, Mary Murphy, Catharina Morley & John Horgan
Child Protection:
Admiral Brown CCÉ branch has formally adopted both the Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Statement.
Branch DLP: Áine Quinn Hyland
Míle Buíochas / Thank You
A massive thank you to everyone who helps make the Admiral Brown branch what it is. It would not be possible with the help of numerous individuals.
Postal Address for Secretary: Edel Doherty, Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo
Tel. 086 3999774 Email: cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com
Foxford Traditional Weekend | Facebook Page | Instragram
Tel. 086 3999774 Email: cceadmiralbrown@gmail.com
Foxford Traditional Weekend | Facebook Page | Instragram