Comhaltas is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music - a non-profit cultural movement with hundred of branches around the world. The Admiral Brown branch is based in Foxford and has members from all around Mayo. The branch has well over 130 members, making it one of the biggest branches in Mayo. Most members 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. There is also a real focus on the social side of music where everyone (young and old) are encouraged to take out their instruments, give a song or dance a few steps. 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! During non covid times, 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. Early in 2021 the branch were delighted to be approached by both Comhaltas and TG4 and asked if Foxford would be the host town for the 'Connacht TG4 Fleadhfest' programme. It was a massive compliment to be the first choice in Connacht, in the first year of such a programme. The programme its self was aired in July and featured high profile musicians, singers and dancers from around the province. The programme also featured a performance from the Foxford Céilí Band. While Foxford hosted the Connacht Programme, Derry were hosts to the Ulster Programme, Listowel the Munster Programme and Tullamore the Leinster programme – three towns which have previously held All-Ireland Fleadhs! 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!
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 & Families. Míle buíochas.