Welcome to the Coventry Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Comhaltas is in an international organisation dedicated to the promotion of traditional Irish music, dance and language. We are “A Creative Community Nurturing Irish Culture”. Our mission is to pass on our Irish musical tradition and our ancient language to a new generation.
We hold weekly classes in Irish music on Tuesday evenings; a weekly traditional Irish music session on Tuesday evenings; and weekly lessons in the Irish language on Wednesday evenings. We are based at the Hearsall inn, Craven St, Coventry, CV5 8DS.
Scroll down to see all the latest news and notices from our branch.
A funeral service will be held for Hughie Gallagher (RIP). The service will take place 12pm Monday 9th November 2020 at St Osburg’s Church Barras Lane, Coventry CV1 4AQ. Soon after the service Hughie will be returned to Ireland, where he shall to be buried with his beloved parents and brothers in Letterkenny. Sadly, due to Covid-19 restrictions many of us will not be able to attend to pay our respects to Hughie and show our support for his family. But I am sure where ever we maybe Hughie, his family Maria, Yvonne, Nigel, Roxanne, John and Hughie’s grandchildren Jake and Lola will be in our thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam Board Members & Committee Coventry Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann
The Board, Committee and members of Coventry Comhaltas were deeply saddened to receive the news that Hughie Gallagher had passed away on Tuesday 20th October 2020.On behalf of the Branch we offer our deepest condolences to his daughters, Maria, Yvonne, Roxanne, and grandchildren Lola and Jake, for the sad loss of their father and grandfather.
We ask members, friends and supporters of Coventry Comhaltas to keep Hughie, his family and also his youngest brother Frankie who recently passed away, in your thoughts and prayers.
Hughie was a member of the Coventry branch since the mid 1970’s and over many years he served at branch and regional level. Comhaltas became like a second family to him.
His passion for the music and his commitment to see it played to its full potential in the right hands, led him to become a teacher and mentor to so many musicians young and old. His vast knowledge of the music resulted in him becoming a highly respected adjudicator at many ‘All Ireland Fleadhanna’. Many of the musicians in our branch often said, no matter where they travelled to a session or competition, once you mentioned Coventry someone would always ask if you knew Hughie Gallagher, and regale you with a story about a mighty session they had played in with him, or a competition where he had adjudicated, and even though they hadn’t done so well, he always gave them some sound constructive advice.
Hughie was the man to come to if you wanted to learn the box, get it tuned, get it repaired, get hold of one, or get rid of it.He also liked to compose tunes, some of which were published in the Treoir Magazine. Having Hughie in your branch gave it Kudos!
And all the time he remained the corner stone of the Coventry branch as Chairman for 30 years or more.
But for all the caps Hughie wore in Comhaltas, the one he truly loved the dearest was being a box player, sitting in a session, whether it be in the Hearsall, Listowel or Letterkenny, immersed in the tunes of Paddy O Brien, Tommie Cohen or Vincent Broderick.
Thank you, Hughie,
It is you and your likes that have preserved the music and keep it lit!
The upcoming Echoes of Erin Concert Tour will be coming to the Midland Region on 20th February, at The District Club Braunstone Cl, Narborough Road South, Leicester LE3 2GE.
If you have never been to the Concert Tour before, it is a fantastic night’s entertainment featuring some of the very best Irish musicians and dancers from around the world at the moment. It is a great opportunity to inspire our young and learning musicians and great entertainment for music and dance enthusiasts.
More information can be found on facebook, including the full list of performers and information on their background in music and dance, and videos from their recent tour of Ireland: https://www.facebook.com/comhaltasconcerttours/
Our Annual General Meeting will be taking place on Tuesday 15th October 2019 at 8pm in the back room of the Hearsall inn, 45 Craven St, Coventry, CV5 8DS. This means that there will be NO LESSONS on that night.
All fully paid members are welcome to come along to the AGM. If you wish to become a member or renew your membership then please see Boo Cullen or another member of the committee before the AGM. Please take note of the new membership prices, as set by the Provincial Council:
Adult – £10
Child – £6
Family – £16
As with last year, all paid members will be receiving an AGM pack either via email or through the post, depending on which preference you selected when renewing your membership/becoming a member. This will be received at least a week in advance of the AGM.
If you have any questions at all then please do not hesitate to contact either myself or any other member of the committee.
