Gerry O’Donnell

Martin Doyle‘s good friend Gerry O’Donnell recently organised a concert for musicians and dancers from the Bray and Roundwood Comhaltas organisations. Held at The Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray, County Wicklow, a total of ninety-eight dancers and musicians were involved. Gerry observed that it was a big undertaking but an important step forward for all involved. Comhaltas is an traditional Irish music organisation that promotes traditional Irish music and culture around the world.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. We’re a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world, and as you can read in our history we’ve been working for the cause of Irish music since the middle of the last century (1951 to be precise). Our efforts continue with increasing zeal as the movement launches itself into the 21st century.
Read more: About Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann »

Martin Doyle

Martin Doyle drove to Bray especially for the event and Gerry managed to get a good number of his flute students together just before the concert for a photo with Martin – the connection being that almost all of them play Martin Doyle flutes. The entire group proceeded to play a tune and Gerry was very proud of the fact that they were all in tune as well! He also commented that there are some really great young players among his students.

The Bray branch of Comhaltas was started officially in September of 2007 and, like the Roundwood branch, has become an important focus for Irish traditional musicians in the area.

Comhaltas in Bray provides the focal point for community action. The branches are more than simply local music schools. Comhaltas provides the “nursery” setting in which young students spend most of their formative years learning and perfecting their art forms, while developing an attachment and commitment to our rich cultural heritage that will stay with them throughout their lives. Pupils learning instrumental music are introduced to other art forms such as singing and dancing.