An Post honours 75 years of Comhaltas with special stamp celebrating traditional Irish culture
The unveiling of a special commemorative stamp marking the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is likely to be of interest to traditional music enthusiasts and Comhaltas members across Leitrim.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sports, Patrick O’Donovan TD, joined Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD, Labhrás Ó Murchú (Ardstiúrthóir) and Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh (Uachtarán) of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to unveil the stamp on June 17. The stamp went on sale last week.
Minister O’Donovan said: “I send my warmest congratulations to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in their 75th anniversary year and my thanks for their great achievement in the promotion of traditional Irish music and dance.
“From a small gathering in Mullingar in 1951, Comhaltas has grown throughout Ireland and around the world. Their work to support education and training of new generations brought an end to decline and promises a bright future.
“In an increasingly global arts scene, the traditions of Ireland shine more brightly than ever. I look forward to their continued success.”
Minister McConalogue said: “Cultural traditions play an enriching part in the lives of Irish people everywhere. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded in 1951 with the objective of keeping our unique cultural traditions alive.
“Since then it has become a truly inclusive movement that continues to bring people together to participate in, and enjoy Irish music, song, dance and language, not only in Ireland but also among the diaspora especially in the UK and USA.
“I am delighted to be able to unveil this special stamp to mark 75 years of its successful promotion of traditional Irish culture.”
Speaking at the launch, Ardstiúrthoir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Labhrás O’Murchú, said: “We are deeply honoured that An Post has chosen to commemorate our 75th anniversary with this special stamp. For three quarters of a century, Comhaltas has been built on the dedication, passion and volunteerism of generations of individuals and communities who have given of their energy and expertise to preserve and promote Ireland’s rich cultural traditions across the island.
“From local parishes across Ireland to stages and communities throughout the world, Comhaltas has proudly carried Irish culture onto the international stage, creating connections between people and strengthening the bonds of our global Irish community.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future, to continuing to inspire new generations to engage with our traditions and ensuring that Irish culture remains vibrant, relevant and accessible for generations to come.”
The stamp design, created by Designworks studio, features a stylised fiddle reimagined as a patchwork of colour and texture, with each section symbolising the diverse communities, traditions and experiences brought together through Comhaltas.
An Post’s Irish Language Officer, Críostóir MacCafraidh, said: “An Post’s latest stamp features the familiar silhouette of a fiddle, to embody and celebrate the work of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
“Comhaltas continues to create and expand on ways for people to get involved in and enjoy Irish culture through language, education, music, and fleadhanna. It is hugely successful in ensuring traditional Irish art forms are popular, both in Ireland and abroad.”
The single ‘N’ rate stamp, which covers postage on the island of Ireland, is available with a specially designed first day cover envelope from selected post offices and online.