A warm and celebratory atmosphere filled Sligo City Hall on Monday evening as Cathaoirleach Cllr. Declan Bree hosted a special reception in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Sligo Town Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).
Sligo Town Branch CCÉ Honoured at Special Reception Celebrating 50 Years of Musical Tradition
The event was attended by musicians, founding members, supporters, and friends of the branch, many of whom have played key roles in preserving and promoting traditional Irish music in Sligo over the past five decades. Guests were welcomed with live traditional music performed by local musicians, setting the tone for a night of reflection, storytelling, and celebration.
In his address, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Bree spoke with deep personal pride and emotion, reflecting on the branch’s rich legacy and his personal involvement in its re-establishment in 1975:
"It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all here this evening as we celebrate a truly remarkable milestone – the 50th anniversary of Sligo Town Branch Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
This branch has been the heartbeat of traditional Irish music, song, and dance in our town and county for half a century. Its story is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing our rich cultural heritage."
Cllr. Bree recounted the branch’s origins, dating back to 1958 with sessions at Old Kelly’s Hotel on Bridge Street, and its revitalisation in 1975 by a group of passionate individuals, including Cllr. Bree himself, Carmel Gunning, Joe O'Dowd, Martin Enright, Carmel McManus, Din Mannion, Catherine McConville, Paul Jennings, Jim Meehan, Anton O'Hanlon, Joyce Enright, and others.
"From those early Tuesday night sessions in the Sligo United Trades Club to the establishment of a second weekly session at The Strand House in Strandhill, the branch's popularity and influence grew steadily. The music was calling, and our community was answering with enthusiasm."
He also highlighted the branch’s golden era, which included hosting the Connacht Fleadh in 1986 and three consecutive All-Ireland Fleadhanna in 1989, 1990, and 1991 — events that established Sligo as a centre of Irish traditional music.
Particular praise was given to the branch’s revival of the Fiddler of Dooney Competition in 1988, a cherished event now enhanced by the Ashling Murphy Memorial Scholarship for young musicians.
"It is a beautiful tribute to a young woman who embodied the spirit of Irish music, and a fitting legacy to carry forward in her name."
The Cathaoirleach also paid tribute to the legacy of Sligo’s legendary fiddlers such as Joe O’Dowd, Fred Finn, Michael Coleman, James Morrison, and Paddy Killoran, acknowledging how the branch today continues their proud tradition.
"You are the custodians of something truly precious – the soul of Irish music itself."
The evening featured a moving address by Martin Enright, Chairperson of the Sligo Town Branch CCÉ, who shared stories from the branch’s history, accompanied by a visual presentation of archival photos and event highlights. The floor was then opened to attendees, who contributed personal stories and fond memories of gatherings, concerts, and fleadhanna hosted by the branch.
The event was a celebration not only of the past 50 years but also of the living tradition carried forward by today’s musicians, teachers, and young learners.
"Over these past 50 years, Sligo Town Branch CCÉ has been more than just a musical organisation. It has been a community, a family, a bridge between generations," said Cllr. Bree. "May the music never stop, may the traditions continue to flourish, and may Sligo Town Branch Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann continue to be the heartbeat of traditional Irish music in our county for the next 50 years and beyond."
The evening concluded with a rousing session of music, as musicians young and old joined together in a spontaneous celebration of the living tradition that the branch has nurtured for half a century.