Count down to Fleadh Aontroma 2012
The Glinnte Aontroma branch of CCÉ have put an excellent County Antrim Fleadh programme together for 2012 in Cushendall. Although a lot of Loch Lao member focus has been on the competitions happening on 19th and 20th May, there are lot's of other great events taking place including those below. Click here to see a full events listing. Click here to see the time table of the competitions.
Sunday 13th - Opening Music Session, Glens Hotel, 8.00pm
Tue 15th - Set dancing Workshop, Glens Hotel. 8.30pm
Wed 16th - Children's Céilí, Parish Centre 7.00pm
Thur 17th - Singing Night, Johnny Joes 8.30pm
Thur 17th - Session, Central Bar 9.00pm
Fri. 18th - Fleadh Concert, Parish Centre 8.30pm
Sat 19th - Competitions St Mary's PS from 10am. Village 'G' day. Historical Trail starting at Boat Club, 3pm. Céilí at the corner, 830pm
Sun. 20th - Group competitions, Parish centre 12.30pm. 1 hour Guided walk starting at Boat club 11.00am Open air Concert & BBQ Cottage wood 4.00pm
Loch Lao Fleadh Aontroma 2012 Preparation in Full Swing
A lot of our musicians are very busy practicing at the minute for Fleadh Aontroma that is happening in Cushendall on 19th and 20th May, yes that’s less than three weeks away! We had almost 60 musicians (pictured below) at our recent Fleadh group away day in the beautiful surroundings of Rockport School right on the shore of Belfast Lough, Loch Lao as Gaeilge.If you have entered in any of the Fleadh Aontroma competitions please click here to view the competitor list and to make sure that you are registered to compete in the correct events. If there is an error then text Micí Mac Cú Uladh on 07966 023 306 before Friday 4th May, 6pm to get it put right. After then there are no changes!
Less than Six Weeks to Fleadh Aontroma
The 2012 Fleadh season is rapidly approaching with the Antrim Fleadh less than six weeks away. All our Fleadh competition application forms are in and it's now time for us to turn up the heat on our preparations. Monday night practices are going well in St Mary's and St Gall's and they are back on again on 16th April. We also are planning a Fleadh Group away day for Saturday 28th April at Rockport school, Co. Down. This is a very important event and we need all Fleadh group members to attend so we can make good progress in our preparation for the Antrim Fleadh. More details to follow, keep checking this website! Below is a photo from the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan last year. Can you spot the three Loch Lao musicians?
A Night to Remember in Belfast City Hall
We had another very memorable night of music in Belfast City Hall on March 18th. Along with the Dublin Youth Orchestra and Rathmore Grammar School Celtic Contemporary Group, Loch Lao provided an outstanding concert that included a wide range of music and song. The finale was a joint performance with DYO of "Dóchas Linn Naomh Pádraig," specially arranged by Patrick Davey for the event. The picture below was taken during that finale and shows the scale of the event. Keep an eye out on the gallery for more pictures coming soon!
Fleadh 2012 Entry Forms to be Submitted Soon
With all our St Patrick's weekend excitement we still can't forget about the important Fleadh Cheoil entry deadline that is rapidly approaching (all Fleadh dates in Events section). If you want to compete in a solo, duet or trio then print out this form (click here) and return it to Micí Mac Cú Uladh on or before Monday 26th March. An envelope will be going off first thing on Tuesday 27th to the Antrim County secretary with the Loch Lao Fleadh entries. So don't delay, get your form to Micí who will be in St Mary's and St Gall's on Monday nights. Please note that U18 CCÉ Loch Lao members do not need to pay the £2 entry fee for solo competitions and only CCÉ members can compete in Fleadh Cheoil competitions. The last day for submitting the CCÉ Loch Lao membership form and fee is 17th March so if for some reason you have not yet joined up, it's time to hurry!It's Belfast City Hall for Loch Lao and DYO
A great night of the best in Irish traditional and classical music is planned for Belfast City Hall on Sunday, 18th March. CCÉ Loch Lao will be performing the Loch Lao Story composed by Patrick Davey which charts the history of Belfast Lough down through the ages. Rathmore Grammar School Celtic Contemporary group will be playing their radical mix of Irish, classical and rock genres. The second half of the show will have the acclaimed Dublin Youth Orchestra (DYO) playing a variety of popular classical pieces. It's free in and refreshments will be provided so what better way to round off St Patrick's weekend! Feicfidh muid ansin thú!St Patrick's Weekend to be biggest yet for Loch Lao
St Patrick's weekend is going to be a big one for Loch Lao this year. On the Saturday night (17th) we are doing a concert for the Habitat for Humanity project and on the Sunday night (18th) we are joining up with the Dublin Youth Orchestra (DYO) to put on a memorable evening of both traditional and classical music. Make sure that you get your availability slips back to a Loch Lao musical director or committee member so we know exactly who we have to play for both of these prestigious events. The DYO visited Belfast back in 2010 and played with some of our Loch Lao musicians who were then members of the Andersonstown School of Music Traditional Youth Orchestra. They are looking forward to returning for what should be another great evening of music in Belfast.
Loch Lao and Project Zambia 2011
Earlier this year, two Loch Lao CCÉ members, Eimear Johnston and Ruairí Fisher, took part in the joint 2011 Project Zambia (St Mary’s CBGS and St Dominic’s GS) 10 day immersion programme. St Mary’s students have been engaged in this project for several years. This was the first time that St Dominic’s students had joined the programme.Project Zambia is part of the Christian Brothers’ Developing World Immersion Programme. Through the Project people from Ireland go to the Third World to live with, work with and be with some of the most marginalised and deprived communities in the world. Working in partnership with the people in Zambia, the Project seeks to help, support and empower the host communities to develop solutions to their problems and difficulties. The Project also seeks to raise awareness of the conditions and causes that affect so many people in the world. Various groups go out to Zambia during the year to continue with the Immersion Programme work.
The joint St Mary’s CBGS and St Dominic’s GS group became immersed with the local community and help to continue with and further develop the work of the groups that have gone before. The group witnesses at first hand the conditions that many of the world’s population have to endure. On returning home, the majority feel compelled to tell of their experiences.
The group was able to visit each of the four main immersion sites and to work at them: Mapepe Village, Kabwata Orphanage, Home of Hope for homeless youth and St Catherine’s Centre, in Misisi slum.
After a full day’s work, the group retired to their hostel and many evenings were spent singing and playing traditional Irish music.
During their stay in Zambia, Kebby, the young son of Mr Peter Tembo, the Co-Ordinator and Chairperson of Misisi township died after a short illness. Eimear and Ruairí were asked to play an Irish lament on their tin whistles at the funeral. The funeral was a very moving and they chose to play Inis Oír. The experience is one that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
On their return the two young people commented:
Eimear said “Zambia was where I met some of the most amazing people that I have ever come across. Living in such harsh conditions, it was unbelievable to see how hopeful they are of the future. Working with the young children, many of whom were orphans, was particularly rewarding. Having the opportunity to live in and work with the local community was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had. I'll never forget their affection and kindness towards us. I'll never give up on Project Zambia. You cannot walk away from it - Project Zambia is for life!”
Ruairí said that “although I have been profoundly affected by what I witnessed in Zambia I was humbled by the joy and appreciation of the local people that we came and worked among them. I will never forget the words that Mr Peter Tempo said to Dr Aidan Donaldson (St Mary’s CBGS Zambia Project Coordinator): “You will not change the world, but together we can help to change our world”.”
This is an example of the far-reaching influence of Loch Lao CCÉ throughout the world. Ruairí and Eiméar are pictured below playing a tune during the project.
Fleadh Registration and Session in St Galls
We are planning a Fleadh registration evening along with a session at St Gall's, Monday 30th Jan, 730 to 915pm. We will also have a celebration of our recent concert success for all our musicians. Click here to download the Fleadh expression of interest form, fill it in and bring it along. Don't forget your Loch Lao tune book for the session!The Best Loch Lao Concert Ever!
We had our most memorable concert to date in the Waterfront last night. A sell out crowd were entertained with Loch Lao juniors, intermediates, seniors, singers, harpers and Céilí band in the first half of the show. The second half started with an amazing performance from Rathmore Grammar School Celtic Contemporary Group mixing traditional, classical and rock genres. Then it was the highlight of the evening, The Loch Lao Story, revamped by Patrick Davey for this special event. The history of Belfast Lough was played out in narration and music involving close to 80 musicians. The audience were enthralled and gave the young musicians a long, standing ovation at the end of the event. Very much a night to remember.
View loch lao Story rehearsal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC54giF-_5w&list=HL1328897254&feature=mh_lolz
Final Details for Loch Lao Concert at Waterfront
Saturday January 21st - Belfast Waterfront HallRehearsals and Sound Check at Venue
1:30pm - 3:00pm Rathmore School Group sound check and rehearsal
3:00pm - 5:00pm Full rehearsal of The Loch Lao Story and other group stuff (ALL MUSICIANS)
Musicians must be brought to the Stage Door of The Waterfront Hall, which is accessed from outside the front of the hall, to the right of the main revolving door: this applies to both the afternoon rehearsal AND the evening performance.
Dress Code for Concert:
Junior, Intermediate and Senior LL Musicians: plain coloured top, black from waist down, including black shoes.
Loch Lao Singers: All black, including black Loch Lao polo shirt
Loch Lao Céilí Band: All black
Arrive at venue for 7-00pm sharp, musicians will be met at Stage Door.
Concert stars 7-30pm, estimated finish time 10-00pm.
Musicians will stay backstage during the interval as we have secured the use of a large room upstairs. We will be providing water but musicians must bring their own snacks if needed. Please note that musicians should not bring valuables to the rehearsal or the concert.
Only the Junior musicians will be permitted to use music at the rehearsal and concert, no other musicians will be permitted to use music. Junior musicians should bring their own books and music as this will not be provided.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS PLEASE SUPPORT THE MUSICIANS IN WHAT WILL BE AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENT!!
Book by telephone 028 9033 4455. The booking line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Book online There is a fee of £1.50 per transaction for online sales.
Loch Lao Concert at Waterfront
Loch Lao play The Waterfront on 21st Jan, it promises to be a very popular event so get your tickets booked early! Click here for more details and to book your tickets. For all our musicians we have the following set of rehearsals planned;
Monday January 9th. Juniors & Intermediates in St. Mary's as normal, Seniors and CB in St. Gall's as normal.
Saturday January 14th. St. Michael's Parish Centre. Full rehearsal for everyone involved in The Loch Lao Story, singers and harpers
2:00pm - 3:30pm Separate group rehearsals
3:30pm - 5:00pm Full Rehearsal of The Loch Lao Story
5:00pm - 6:00pm Separate rehearsals of The Loch Lao Singers and The Loch Lao Harpers
Monday January 16th. Juniors & Intermediates in St. Mary's as normal, Seniors and CB in St. Gall's as normal
Saturday January 21st, Waterfront Hall
1:30pm - 3:00pm Rathmore School Group sound check and rehearsal
3:00pm - 5:00pm Final rehearsal of The Loch Lao Story and other group stuff
Bringing Christmas Cheer to Senior Citizens
Loch Lao musicians brought a bit of Christmas spirit to one of our local nursing homes at Kingsway, Dunmurry. The group included a wide variety of instruments including harp, concertina, fiddles, flutes and concertina. All of the Christmas favourites were played along with a lively sprinkle of polkas and jigs. The residents responded with warm applause and all musicians were thanked for adding to the nursing home's Christmas celebrations. Special thanks to Catherine McCullagh who arranged this event and led the Loch Lao group pictured below.
Christmas Party, Rehearsal and Céilí
Monday 12th Dec is another important one for Loch Lao in St Gall's. Everyone needs to be down from 730pm for a concert rehearsal. Then at 830pm we have our Christmas party which becomes a Céilí at 9pm. Bring your dancing shoes!St Gall's are Antrim Champions!
For a 2nd year in a row, the St Gall's Scór na nÓg traditional group have won the County Antrim Final held in Dunloy on Sunday 20th November. The three Loch Lao musicians, Caoimhe Flanagan (concertina and flute), Bronagh Muldoon (fiddle) and Liam McCullagh (uilleann pipes) impressed the judges with their expert delivery of two dance tunes. The first was the piping favourite, The Maid at the Spinning Wheel followed by a classic of the tradition, The Dublin Reel. The trio are competing again in the Ulster semi final on Saturday 10th Dec in Glenullin, Co. Derry. Why not get along to the semi final to support St Gall's and Loch Lao in their bid to make the Ulster final? Naomh Gall agus Loch Lao Abú!
St Vincent de Paul Concert
A very successful fundraising concert was held on Friday the 18th Nov 2011 at St Anne’s Parish Centre Dunmurry, in aid of St Vincent De Paul’s Clara Wood residence. A large turnout of Loch Lao musicians, family and friends swelled the attendance to over two hundred. There were many highlights including the Junior, Intermediate and senior concert groups. Loch Lao/St Dominic’s traditional group, Loch Lao singers, Harpers and Ceílí Band along with St Galls Scór na nÓg group, Trim the Velvet Irish Dance group and singer Tom Tully. St Vincent De Paul’s Belfast President Tony O’Neill paid a glowing tribute to Loch Lao and commented on the very high standard across all the performances. The evening finished with a Grand Finale as all the musicians assembled on stage and played together, two Loch Lao favourites The ‘Southwind’ and ‘I’ll Tell My Ma.’
Well done to all who contributed and a special thanks to Loch Lao Senior Graduates Julia Mc Kenna, Claire Burns and Mary Ellen Burns who kept the musicians in tune both on and off the stage.
New Tune Book Launch in St Gall's
Last night (Mon, 7th Nov) was another special one for Loch Lao when we launched our new tune book, recently completed by Patrick and Bronagh Davey, at St Gall's. Guest of honour and official "book launcher" was Jeannie McGrath. Jeannie, for those who don't know, is the CCÉ County Antrim Board Secretary and a leading light for all things Comhaltas in Antrim. The new tune book is an essential for all Loch Lao members as it covers all of our repertoire including a good selection of Patrick's own compositions. There is also a seasonal section, liturgical section and much, much more. This extensive volume is priced at a very reasonable £10 and as well as being compulsive reading for Loch lao members would also no doubt make an excellent gift for all traditional music loving friends and family. Here are some photos from the big event.
St Vincent de Paul Concert Coming Up
Loch Lao is putting on a fund raising event for our good friends in SVdP in St Anne's parish on Friday 18th November. Our PRO, Kieron Flannery, is pulling together a program packed with performances that give all our members the opportunity to shine on stage. The current running order includes; Under 12 Fleadh Group, Loch Lao Singers, Loch Lao intermediate concert group, Loch Lao Harpers, Rohan Young and friends, Loch Lao junior concert group, Trim the Velvet Dancers, School groups, St Galls Scor Group, Tom Tully, Loch Lao senior concert group and the Ceílí Band. Over the next few weeks we will be preparing for this concert as part of the Monday night practices so make sure you don't miss out on any of these. Keep an eye on the Events section of the website for further details as we get closer to the event.
Loch Lao Harper Gets 2nd Prize at O'Carolan Harp Festival
http://www.carolanfestival.com/Welcome.html
Rehearsals Start Back
It all starts up again tomorrow night, Monday 3rd Oct at St Mary's and St Gall's. Junior musicians 7pm St Marys, intermediate musicians 745pm St Marys, senior musicians 830pm St Gall's and Céilí band 915 to 10pm St Gall's. First practice, membership registration and instrument loan scheme. Don't forget your £1!Super Saturday for Loch Lao
We had two major events on Saturday 24th Sept. We held a Trad for Trócaire session with some Crosskeys musicians in the Westwood Centre and raised £175 for this worthy cause. Well done to all those that took part, maith sibh go léir!
That evening at Casement Park, we provided the music for the Antrim County Senior Football Final between St Gall's and Lámh Dhearg. Catherine McCullagh was the harper at the VIP reception during which she played a selection of O'Carolan pieces and slow airs that were very well received.
During the half time break, the St Gall's Scór na nÓg Group, current Antrim champions played to a packed stand to thunderous applause. The group was made up of five Loch Lao musicians, Bronagh Muldoon (fiddle), Caoimhe Flanagan (concertina), Liam McCullagh (pipes), Matthew O'Hara (flute) and Catherine McCullagh (flute).
We salute these young musicians who once again proved to be excellent musical ambassadors and representatives of Craobh Loch Lao, CCÉ. Nár laga Dia bhur neart a Óganaigh Gael!
Click here to see them in action.
Loch Lao Letter to members
Please click here for an important letter from the committee of CCÉ Loch Lao, detailing plans for the coming year. There is a lot of important information in the letter and we would invite all members to read it and consider the contents carefully. We are starting off the year with our Annual General Meeting (AGM) this coming Monday September 26th, and we would ask for a full attendance from members and parents at this meeting. Some of the current Loch Lao committee members have indicated that they will be standing down from the committee for the coming year and instead put their efforts into other areas of Loch Lao. Therefore there is an opportunity for new members to join the committee so please come along to the AGM if you might like to pay a part in the new committee.The AGM is your opportunity to ask questions and also raise any concerns you may have and we would especially welcome new ideas for the future. The AGM will be held in St. Gall's GAC at 7:30pm on Monday September 25th - we look forward to seeing you all there.
AGM Approaching
Loch Lao CCÉ AGM (Annual General Meeting) will be held at St Gall's GAC on Monday 26th Sept starting 730pm sharp. Come along and find out all the plans for our new musical year while reliving the highlights of the year past. It's a chance to ask questions about what's happening and an opportunity, if you feel so inclined, to take up a role on our vibrant committee. Loch Lao CCÉ, craic agus ceol, bí páirteach ann!It's All Ireland Fleadh Time!
The Loch lao exodus to Cavan town has started. Scoil Éigse attenders are off down this weekend to get started on Monday. It promises to be a great week and weekend. It's an important Fleadh for Loch Lao as we have so many members competing given that two of our Grúpaí Ceoil qualified this year as well as various solos and a duet. Good luck to them all! We have put together a list of details to help our members make the most of their Fleadh experience. click here to view.
Don't forget to follow Loch Lao on facebook during the week to keep up with al the news from Cavan town. Slán go fóill.
President McAleese meets Loch Lao musicians and members.
On Tuesday 28 June President Mary McAleese visited St Galls during a short trip to Belfast and as part of the days events Loch Lao musicians and committee members were invited to come along and play music and meet the President.
There was a fantastic response from Loch Lao musicians with over thirty turning out to entertain the President.
The President was met by Loch Lao stalwart Joe Mulhern who introduced her to the Loch Lao committee with whom she showed a genuine interest in our activities. Loch Lao musicians greeted the President with a resounding rendition of a Loch Lao favourite and well known session tune South Wind.
The President also met the Scor na nOg group, chatted with some of the musicians and posed for photographs. The Star of the County Down was played by way of a tribute to the President which she warmly greeted. She then thanked the musicians and proceeded to the lounge where Loch Lao musicians again played a number of tunes as background music.
For all involved it was a great honour to meet the President and Senator McAleese. Thanks must go to St Galls for requesting the attendance of Loch Lao musicians on such a memorable occasion.
Visit our photo gallery for some great memories of the day taken by our resident photographer Gary Johnston, Chairman of Loch Lao.
Loch Lao Results from Fleadh Uladh 2011
It was a great Fleadh for all those that took part and some had the added bonus of getting a medal or two! Anyone who came first or second qualifies for the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan.
So, starting off in the 15-18 category
