Westport

Chairperson:                                     
Secretary:                                          Ann Knowles

Website:    http://ccewestport.webs.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cce.westport

Contact 
Ann Knowles
Tonranmy 
Westport
Co Mayo
O879841916
annduffyknowles@gmail.com

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Branch History

Tháinig scáta beag daoine le cheile san Óstan Grand Central, Cathair na Mart chun craobh de Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann a bhunú - Mi Meitheamh 1981. Bhí a fhios acu go raibh ortha an lámh in uachtar a fháil don cheoil traidisiúnta. Bhí na h-amhrain ar an sean-nós agus na Rinnci Gaelacha i mbaoil a gcailte comh maith. Tháinig Seosamh Mac Gabhainn (atá anois ar shlí na firinne) runaí Coiste Mhuigheo ag an am, síos go Cathair na Mart chun craobh a bhunú ar an oíche sin.

Over the past 30 years, Westport has played it's part in honouring and furthering the aims of Comhaltas and has played an active part in the organisation at Branch, County Board and Provincial Council level and on the National Stage.

As Westport and Ploughastel are twinned, we have entertained groups from there on many occasions. The branch hosted "Cheoil an Gheimhrodh" in 1982.  In 1986 and again in 1989, the branch hosted Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo. In 1986 the Mayo VEC, responding to a request from Westport CCE branch , included set dancing classes in it's adult education programme. The branch decided to host the first set dancing workshop in November 1986. The tutors engaged were Joe and Siobhan O'Donovan from Cork. Music was by Pat Friel and the Heather Breeze Ceili Band.

1987: Comhaltas presented a cabaret " Ceol na Mart" during the Summer months.

1998: Won the mixed senior set competition at Fleadh Cheoil Mhuigheo in Ballycastle.

1989: Hosted the "Echoes of Erin"  concert and again in 1990.

1991: Hosted "Cathair na Mart" for the second time.

1992: All-Ireland winner on harp Laoise Kelly honoured by Westport U.D.C. and presented with the Maura Malone Perpetual Trophy by the President of Westport CCE.

1993: Westport CCE Fleadh Cheoil Chonnachta .The Maura Malone tribute concert was held in memory of the 14 year old Westport school girl whose sudden death numbed the local community. She was an actively involved in a number of local organisations including Westport branch of CCE. She was also a member of Westport’s award-winning "Grupa Cheoil".

We hosted Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo in 2006 and again in 2007. We hosted Fleadh Cheoil Chonnachta in 2008.

Westport branch of CCE has provided entertainment for many local events through the years including "Shop and Spraoi" and St. Patrick's Day parades.

Treimhse fáda a bhí ag an craobh go maire sé i bhfad i gCathair na Mart.