40 years of Ceol, Caint agus Craic at Doora-Barefield

CEOL, Caint agus Craic sums up the 40-year history of the Doora-Barefield branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and to celebrate four decades of the branch, a book has been released in recognition of the branch’s longevity and success.

CEOL, Caint agus Craic sums up the 40-year history of the Doora-Barefield branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and to celebrate four decades of the branch, a book has been released in recognition of the branch’s longevity and success.
Compiled by Seamus O’Sullivan, the book entitled Ceol, Caint agus Craic details the history of the branch and outlines all of their winners since 1973 at county, Munster and All-Ireland level up to the present. In addition, it includes 130 photographs, which offers a snapshot of past branch activities and musicians over the years. In addition, Seamus has included a number of poems and songs associated with the branch. 
The Doora-Barefield branch of Comhaltas was founded in 1972 by the then chairperson Lott O’Halloran of Ballymaley, Mary McNamara of Roslevan, secretary and treasurer, Philomena Nugent, Barefield.
Initially, the branch held meetings at the former priest’s house in Roslevan. At that time, Frank Custy was chairman of the county board, and together with Pat Liddy he went around the county encouraging people to set up branches of Comhaltas. Within a year, there were branches set up in Doora-Barefield, Cree, Kilrush and Truagh.
“In the early years of the branch, Lott O’Halloran, Buddy Reddan and Mary O’Halloran, the current chairperson, had Frank Custy, Philomena Nugent, John Houlihan and Gus Tierney giving music lessons and there were big classes in those days. Various locations were used around Roslevan such as the priest’s house, Bobby Kennedy’s, Scanlon’s and the old school in Doora, now the community centre,” Joe Conlon, secretary of the branch, explained.
The Doora-Barefield Comhaltas branch were the first branch to own their own hall, which was built in 1980 on a site provided by Colm Fahy in Roslevan and all the work was voluntary.
“It was funded by céilí silver circles, a county council grant and sales of work in the hall has also been used as a church for many years, it was recently extended by the parish to cater for the large numbers attending mass,” John said.
Other Comhaltas activities featured include the great work of the late Buddy Reddan, who was the main driver behind the branch floats at the Fleadh Nua and were always noted as among the best floats in the parade.  Themes for the floats over the years included the old West Clare Railway, poitín making, the Land League, the county hospital and various other topical issues over the years.
The success of the Comhaltas branch was evident in the musicians it produced, which had its peak between 1997 and 2002 when it produced a total of 120 winners across county, Munster and All-Ireland competitions.
The All-Ireland winners over the years included Anthony Quigney, Hugh Healy, Clive Earley, Cathríona Fawl, Joe, Rena and Monica Queally, Martin Quigley, Tara and Fergal Breen, Paul and Stephen Madden, Daire Mulhern, Lorraine O’Brien, Leola Lillis, Leah Kenny and Evanna and Edward McMahon.
One particular item of interest outlined in Ceol, Caint agus Craic is that Lott O’Halloran travelled with Sean Reid in 1952 to the first meeting in Dublin that was arranged to set up Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. However, due to the absence of Dr Galligan from Cavan, Comhaltas was not formed until the next meeting.
Seamus has been working on the book since January, having taken on the challenge of compiling the archive material. He said he chose the title Ceol, Caint agus Craic because it really summed up what the branch was all about.
“The craic agus caint was nearly as important as the music,” he said.
To celebrate the 40-year history of the branch and the publication of Ceol, Caint agus Craic a number of events have been organised this weekend.
A tribute concert to the late Stephen Madden will be held this Friday at 8pm at Fahy Hall. Stephen was a wonderful banjo player and two pages of the book are dedicated to the banjo virtuoso. He died in 2010 aged 23.
Workshops in comhrá, fiddle, concertina, and whistle will take place on Saturday. 
Ceol, Caint agus Craic will be launched at a function in Fahy Hall at 3pm on Sunday with refreshments followed by an evening of music and song.