About Comhaltas Craobh na gCumarach
(Comeraghs Comhaltas)

About Us

Comhaltas Craobh na gCumarach is dedicated to the promotion of all forms of traditional Irish culture. The group’s particular emphasis is education of the young generation. The Comeraghs branch ( Craobh na gCumarach) is based in the townsland of Cúl na Smear in the smallest parish in Waterford about 6 miles North-East of Dungarvan.

Originally called the Naomh Pádraig branch it was founded in 1979 to serve this totally rural parish known as Kilgobinet, Colligan and Kilbrien. At the annual general meeting in 1996 the present name of Craobh na gCumarach was ratified. Since then the branch has increased in effectiveness across most disciplines, furthering the aims of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

Our sphere of influence continues to widen and our events and classes are attended by members and families from many surrounding parishes and communities. For the first 10 to 15 years the branch activities were concentrated on competitions and preparation for them. In more recent times the focus has changed with priority being given to social events, the development of the individual, and performance skills. Fleadh Nua, Scoil Samhradh Willie Clancy and Scoil Éigse are very popular destinations for our members.

Our branch is proud to be a part of the national organisation Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Activities

Classes are held at two locations - Ballinroad and Cul na Smear. There are classes each evening from Monday to Friday with up to 20 teachers covering beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. The students are prepared for the S.C.T Music exams, Scrudú Ceoil Tire, which are held in April/May in Cúl na Smear Hall, one of the main venues in Munster.

Seisiún na nÓg is held each Sunday evening from 7.15pm. in Cul na Smear Hall. This is only cancelled on rare occasions; for example during the County Fleadh, etc.

Summer Season

Our Seisiún Group Cúl Cheoil perform in The Park Hotel Dungarvan each Tuesday during July and August. Many of the younger musicians, singers and dancers also attend with their families and relatives.

Public Performances

Throughout the Year we facilitate local charities and community groups. At Christmas we participate in The WLR Lions Club Hamper Appeal. We provide entertainmnet in The Square for the crowds before the St Patrick's day Parade and at numerous festivals including Féile na nDéise.

Adults

Classes in Set-Dancing and Céilí dancing are available for adults as well as Irish language and monthly Ciorcal Gaeilge. Our social gatherings are to be put on a more regular footing in the near future with a monthly session the most likely option. Some of our adult members who are learning to play instruments meet for house sessions during the winter. For more information, E-mail us.

Singing

Our weekly singing classes are there for our members and will cater for any extra demand. Our Conneries Singing Club is on the second Monday of each Month in Bridie Dees, Mary street, Dungarvan from 9pm. We also hold a few song sessions in Bohadoon, Millstreet and Ballymacarbry during the year.

We have completed a 10 week traditional singing project in 4 national schools. We hope that we we have identified and motivated many young singers to take up singing.