On Tuesday night, there was huge excitement in air in Glenflesk as the strains of music were heard ringing out from Glenflesk GAA hall.

Cathal McHugh a new music teacher with Glenflesk Comhaltas is a traditional musician and also a primary school teacher.

Micheál Gleeson is Chairperson of Glenflesk Comhaltas and a music and primary teacher in St Oliver's National School.

MAKING MUSIC: Some members of Level 2 group are delighted to be able to gather again to make music. Front l to r: Conor Doherty Ryan Lowe Colm Kelly and Aoife O’ Sullivan. Back l to r: Seán MacGillicuddy Anna Roche Clodagh Donnelly and Sheolagh Daly.

COVID restrictions being eased and a newly elected Comhaltas committee meant that the first of many new exciting initiatives was implemented by Glenflesk Comhaltas - the formation of new music groups!

Glenflesk CCE have created traditional music groups to cater for children from five to 18-years-old, and the excitement and buzz in Glenflesk and the surrounding areas is palpable. The new committee have created four group levels when implementing this new initiative, ensuring that youngsters of all abilities are catered for.

"Our vision was to create a social setting for these youngsters to make music together, have fun, develop the skill of group playing and ultimately become better musicians as a result," Chairperson of Glenflesk Comhaltas, Micheál Gleeson, who is himself a music and primary teacher in St Oliver's National School said.

"The committee have done enormous work in the last few weeks getting this off the ground and I have to thank them and especially acknowledge in particular the hard work of my wife Paula, Martina O’Neill Angland and Margaret Creedon. It gladdened my heart after two years of restrictions to welcome the children and teenagers last Tuesday night, and feel the bubble of excitement, watch new friendships begin to form and hear our youth make music as a group."

The branch welcome a new teacher to teach these new music classes. Cathal McHugh is a Limerick native who has himself had enormous success as a traditional musician. He is a primary school teacher, and is hugely engaged with this initiative.

“I am looking forward to mentoring these music groups immensely," Cathal said. "There is a huge musical talent in this part of the country - I am thrilled to be part of this!”

Skills

These groups will be provided with many forums to ‘show-off’ their new found group music playing skills, and have a bit of ‘craic’ along the way. ‘An ole session’ is the staple of an traditional musician’s diet and these will be implemented over the coming weeks. These sessions will be a regular occurrence and as well as making music, the children can have fun together playing in a more relaxed environment! There will also be other forums to display the music such as an end of year concert, Kerry Fleadh participation and many more!

“Don’t forget folks to watch this space and keep an eye on our Facebook page - Glenfleskcce," Micheál added.

"We have so many initiatives in the pipeline. We will be showcasing our young talent and keeping you abreast of all the plans and of course ‘sessions’. As a group of parishes, let’s get behind these musicians, encourage them to make music and enjoy themselves. Mól an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí. My namesake and fellow Cork man Micheál Martin said last week ‘it’s time to sing again’ … let me add to that, it’s time to make music again!"

These groups cater for all traditional instruments, and for children in Glenflesk and indeed in all the surrounding areas! If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Paula Gleeson at 0873879733 or drop an email to glenfleskcce@gmail.com.