Make friends with people and music in Laois with Portlaoise Comhaltas

As children return to school, parents are looking for extracurricular activities to complement their child's development, Portlaoise Comhaltas is holding an open evening to assist those thinking of taking up music as a rewarding pastime and lifelong.

The branch says that when developed in the right environment music acts as a nourishment of good mental health as well as being as a source of enjoyment for a lifetime.

They say that the Comhaltas system of teaching traditional Irish music strengthens skills of concentration, memory and teamwork which can be applied in all aspects of education and career development. This takes place in an atmosphere of friendship and fun as individuals bond with friends in bands and music groups.

Portlaoise branch is widely recognised for its broad range of tutors with an outstanding record of community involvement as well as outstanding performances at Fleadh competitions.

The Portlaoise branch has been to the fore in promoting traditional music in Laois and was one of the first branches set up when the Laois Comhaltas Coun Board was formed in 1961. After a lapse of some years, it was reformed in 2009 with P J Phelan as chair. 

"Our ethos has been to make sure those learning to play music have an enjoyable experience and make friends," says PJ.

"After that their talent can be nurtured by the excellent panel of teachers who each specialise in a specific instrument".

Amongst the longest-serving teachers are Mary O’Reilly, well-known member of the Bridge Ceili Band and Áine McGeeney founder member of Goitse.  Other regular teachers on the panel for 2024  include Colm Phelan, percussion; Aaron Mackessey, banjo/mandolin; Marian Curtin, whistle; Catriona Killeen, concertina; Alain Carroll, pipes; Erin Lalor, harp and recently Sarah Hale flautist from St Louis USA has joined the team.  

Older teenagers are encouraged to assist where appropriate in order to gain experience and continue the tradition.

While much activity centres on Comhaltas events, the branch is committed to working with local organisations and charities. Performances with the Garda Siochana youth liaison scheme for example were very well attended.

Portlaoise has twice hosted the Leinster Provincial Fleadh which brought significant attendances to the area in 2011 and 2022 and will host the laois county Fleadh in 2024.

Irish dancing is included in all events with the co-operation of the Buggy school, bringing life and meaning to the reels, jigs and hornpipes.

The open night takes place on Tuesday, September 5 at 6.30pm in St Francis School, Borris Rd

For further information email : tolearnmusic@gmail.com or contact any member of Portlaoise Comhaltas.

For those living further from Portlaoise, there are several branches of Comhaltas to choose from across Laois.