www.comhaltas.ie

The Douglas Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are settling back into a new year of classes and activities. Comhaltas is an organisation that seeks to promote Irish traditional music, song, dance and the Irish language around the world. One of its specific aims concerns the promotion of the harp, our national instrument.

The Comhaltas branch in Douglas were fortunate to receive a donation of a new, handmade harp by Cork based harp maker, Brendan Howard, who is, himself, an enthusiast and his daughter Rachel is a fine player. It is hoped that from a small seed great things can grow and flourish and this harp is such a seed. The branch recently secured the services of a harp teacher but more harps are needed.

The branch in Douglas is seeking sponsors for an instrument bank that will make instruments accessible to all children. Along with the harp, the branch recently procured a button accordion and fiddle, which are to be given out on an annual scholarship basis.

If any individual or company would like to sponsor a harp or other instrument, please contact the branch through Daithí Kearney on Tel: 087 641 9081 or also through the website www.comhaltas.ie