|
|
Comhaltas honours Newtown musician
09.05.11
HIGHLY-regarded
Inishowen traditional musician Seamus Gibson has
been honoured for his 30 years of work on behalf of
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Accordian player Seamus, who was chairman of
Letterkenny Comhaltas when the organisation hosted
its first two All-Ireland Fleadhs in 2005 and 2006,
was presented with a CCE medal and certificate of
appreciation during the Hugh McGovern Weekend, an
annual celebration of traditional music, song, and
dance, which took place last month in Letterkenny.
"On the Friday night, we had our 'Living Tradition
Concert' in the Regional Cultural Centre, during
which, to my total surprise, I was presented with a
medal and certificate in appreciation of service and
dedication to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and to the
promotion of Ireland's native culture," said Seamus. |
 |
|
Newtowncunningham resident Seamus
Gibson, right, receiving a medal and certificate of
appreciation for his 30-plus years of work on behalf
of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann from Ulster Comhaltas
chairman, Eamon Graham. |
"I would like to take
this opportunity to thank most sincerely my fellow
officers who thought me worthy of this honour."
The medal and certificate were officially presented
to the local musician in the Clanree Hotel by Ulster
chairman and member of the Ardchomhairle Eamon
Graham, who had travelled down from County Antrim.
Seamus, who is the father of acclaimed Donegal
fiddle player Joseph Gibson, first joined
Letterkenny Comhaltas in 1980, and has been a
regular at the organisation's Tuesday night sessions
ever since.
In 2000-2001, he was chairman of the branch
sub-committee which successfully hosted the Donegal
Fleadh in Letterkenny. He and his brother Billy
Gibson, a well-known fiddle player, travelled to
fleadhs all over Ireland in the company of the
legendary Hugh McGovern, who was chairman of
Letterkenny Comhaltas for 44 years, from its
founding in 1957 until his passing in July 2001.
Seamus was elected to succeed Hugh McGovern as
chairman of Letterkenny Comhaltas in October 2001.
"When he stepped into the chairmanship, Mr Gibson
told some of his fellow members 'Our goal will be to
host the All-Ireland Fleadh within ten years'," said
a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann spokesperson.
In 2004, with the help and support of a strong
branch, Letterkenny managed to secure the vote of
the Ardchomhairle and was chosen to host the
All-Ireland Fleadh in 2005 and 2006.
As part of this commitment to the organisation, he
and his fellow officers in Letterkenny Comhaltas
decided to start weekly music classes, in order to
spread the tradition to all ages. They also founded
the Hugh McGovern Weekend which has become a
successful annual event, running for nine years and
still going strong. More information on Letterkenny
Comhaltas at letterkennycomhaltas.com or by ringing 91
24006. |
|
