Treoir
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- Winter 2005
- Volume: 37, Issue: 4
Community activists in all fields, including those who promote cultural facilities and activities, are the main guarantors of a vibrant social, charitable and cultural environment. The economic value of such service is incalculable and without which the State, as a provider, would be faced with enormous financial requirements.
It is important both as a reality and as a morale boost that official policies and agencies acknowledge this huge investment of talents and finance by community activists. This community investment is in the main the primary reason for many of the cultural achievements, which are now widespread throughout the country.
State bureaucracy in the area of funding must not dull the human spirit or individual creativity. We must avoid the ‘box’ mentality at all costs whereby if one ticks the wrong box on the application form one is out of the game!
Grants must reflect real and relevant vision combined with a track record and equal opportunity.
Cultural providers must be centre stage during the gestation period of Government policies; otherwise they will be in a permanent straight jacket struggling to free themselves from wordy constraints. There is no substitute for common sense or coalface experience and these are to be found in abundance at the heart of the community.
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- Autumn 2005
- Volume: 37, Issue: 3
The Fleadh Cheoil is synonymous with Comhaltas. 44 Fleadhanna are held each year culminating in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann: this year in Letterkenny. It was a wonderful event which was presented with a combination of skill, dedication and community interaction. We salute the diligent organising committee, the participants, the people of Letterkenny and the media for a job exceptionally well done.
The Scoil Éigse, which precedes the Fleadh, was a resounding success. One of the best to date was the general verdict. The launch of the first five regions under the Comhaltas Development Programme was another highlight of the Letterkenny festivities.
All in all this was truly an occasion of celebration. Comhgháirdeas agus Rath Dé ar bhur saothar.
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- Summer 2005
- Volume: 37, Issue: 2
Eagarfhocal
The progress on the new Development Programme of Comhaltas has been unprecedented. The response at home and abroad has helped to underline the vaccum which existed and the desire for a radical response to the ravages of globalisation.
The partnership which has emerged between community and public interests has been an inspiration to all who promote the cultural identitiy of the nation. With euro15m capital assets already pledged by regional interests, the Development Programme is well ahead of target.
The 5-Year Development Programme was launched at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Clonmel last year. This year at the Fleadh in Letterkenny the first five Regions will be launched. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
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- Spring 2005
- Volume: 37, Issue: 1
Eagarfhocal
The news that the Government has generously endorsed the new 5-year Community Culture Development Programme of Comhaltas has been greeted with delight and appreciation throughout the Irish cultural movement at home and abroad.
The support by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamonn Ó Cuiv has given a major boost to Comhaltas in the second half century of its cultural service to the nation. This, indeed, is most welcome news for the indigenous culture of Ireland. It is official recognition and appreciation of the cultural ‘miracle’ (as described by Minister Eamonn Ó Cuiv), which Comhaltas achieved since 1951.
As President Mary McAleese put it: ‘We owe so much to Comhaltas.’
In addition to expressing the nation’s appreciation to an extraordinary movement the Government was surely expressing its confidence in that movement over the coming decades.
Ar aghaidh leis an obair.