Laois Comhaltas branch to visit Tennessee for St Patrick’s week

IT was an exciting start to the new year at Portlaoise comhaltas when plans were announced to visit Tennessee for St Patrick’s week.

The musicians and dancers will travel to the Volunteer State in the second week of March. They will collaborate with the Irish diaspora based in the region, with the aim of promoting the growing connection between the two locations.

Last summer, a visiting delegation from Franklin, Tennessee, the administrative seat of Williamson County, met with business, sporting and cultural interests in Laois under the ‘sister cities’ project. An evening’s entertainment at seisiún in Kavanagh’s Portlaoise concluded the visit.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Laois county board have endorsed the visit. Laois comhaltas chairperson Catherine Lalor encourages all branches in the county to assist with a fundraising drive to offset the cost of the trip.

A concert featuring talent from across the county is being organised to coincide with the St Brigid’s day bank holiday.

“The invitation comes at a time when Laois comhaltas has featured significantly on the national scene and our headquarters is entrusting us to project the rich culture of Ireland,” group leader PJ Phelan told the Laois Nationalist.

Mr Phelan also emphasises that this is “a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strength of the traditional arts in Laois,” noting that the delegation will represent the whole county.

It is expected to be a busy trip for the comhaltas members, with an itinerary including visits to Nashville and Memphis, where they will showcase the best of Irish traditional music and dance.

The Portlaoise branch has been to the fore of promoting public performance. The group has taken to the main stage at Fleadh Ceol na hÉreann in Drogheda, Mullingar and Wexford and has showcased up to 50 performers in partnership with the Buggie School of Dancing.