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.
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 we have our Grúpa Ceoil who got 2nd place. Aoife Ní Chiaráin came 1st in tin whistle slow air and 2nd in flute slow air. Róisín McCloskey came 3rd in tin whistle and 2nd in uilleann pipes slow air.
In 12-15, Liam McCullagh came 1st in uilleann pipes, 1st in uilleann pipes slow air, 1st in tin whistle and 3rd in tin whistle slow air. Caitlín Bloomer came 1st in flute slow air. Aoife McGinn came 1st in harp. Bronagh Muldoon came 2nd in harp slow air and 3rd in harp.
In U12, pride of place has to go to our Grúpa Ceoil who won 1st place. Rose McCullagh and Ruairí Crummey came second in duet. Niall Dynan came 1st in tin whistle slow air, 1st in pipes slow air and 2nd in tin whistle. Ruairí Crummey came 1st in flute slow air and 2nd in tin whistle slow air. Sophie Gilmore came 2nd in harp slow air and 3rd in harp. Rose McCullagh came 3rd in harp slow air.
We wish the best of luck to all our Loch Lao musicians that have made it through to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. You have worked hard to get there and deserve every success. To those that didn't make it this year, don't forget that getting to the Ulster Fleadh stage in itself is a major achievement and there's always next year to have another go at it. Ádh mór oraibh go léir.
Great Success for Loch Lao at Fleadh Uladh 2011
Fantastic acheivement for Loch Lao in the Ulster Fleadh, we are through to the All-Ireland in two of the grúpa ceoil competitions, U12 (1st place) and 15-18 (2nd place). Excellent performances as well from the 12-15 group and the Céilí band who both just missed out. Congrats to all Loch Lao musicians that took part in the Fleadh in Dungiven, Looking forward to seeing you all in Cavan for the All-Ireland Fleadh! Comghairdeas daoibh go léir.Fleadh Uladh Preparation
We have a busy few days ahead of us so here goes:
Wednesday: 20th July, 2-4pm, St Mary's, U12 and 12-15 grúpaí ceoil. 7:30 to 8:30pm, St Gall's, céilí band. 8:30pm onwards, St Gall's 15-18 grúpa ceoil.
Thursday: 21st July, 2-4pm, St Mary's, U12 and 12-15 grúpaí ceoil. 15-18 grúpa ceoil away evening, details TBD.
Friday: 22nd July, 2-4pm, St Mary's, U12 and 12-15 grúpaí ceoil. 4-5pm, St Mary's, gig rig musicians. 7:30pm onwards, St Gall's 15-18 grúpa ceoil.
Successful Loch Lao Live CD Launch
Our CD launch in An Chulturlann on 25 June was a great success. View the photographs on our gallery.
Many of our musicians came along with their families and played a selection of tunes from the CD. An appreciative audience of proud parents were treated to an excellent performance and of course all snapped up their copy of the CD. If you have yet to buy your copy make quick as they are going fast!!
Many thanks to An Chulturlann for allowing Loch Lao to use the premises for the launch of our CD.
Loch Lao Live CD Launch
The Loch Lao Live CD launch is in An Chultúrlann, Saturday 25th June at 5pm. We are very pleased to announce that Lynette Fay from Radio Ulster will be launching our CD. Come along and hear some of the musicians from the CD playing live and find out a bit more about the music and Loch Lao CCÉ. Tá muid ag tnúth le slua mór, feicfidh muid ansin sibh!
"Cairde i gCeol" in Feis na nGleann
Well done to Loch Lao CCÉ members Coleen McCloskey, Katie-Ann McCloskey and Rose McCullagh who played with the group "Cairde i gCeol" who won the first ever Dan Laverty Memorial Trophy at Feis na nGleann in Ballymena today. Musical Director for the group was Aileen Logan another Loch Lao member. Well done girls, maith sibh a chailíní! The photo below shows the group with adjudicator Eamonn Ó Faogáin and some of the Feis na nGleann organisers.
Major Loch Lao Success at Fleadh Aontroma 2011
Click here for the list of qualifiers who go through from Antrim to the Ulster Fleadh Cheoil in Dungiven. It's been a fantastic success for Loch Lao with half of all qualifers in the instrumental categories coming from our CCÉ branch. Congratulations to you all and let's now do a good job of representing Co. Antrim at Fleadh Uladh!Glens Feis Sunday 12th June.
The Glens Feis is happening on Sunday 12th June at All Saints GAC, Ballymena. Competitions for all age groups and instruments/singing from 1030am. Contact Micí (07966 023 306) if you would like to enter a duet, trio or group competition. All details on http://www.feisnangleann.comFamily Session Time Again.
This Friday night, 27th May, 730 to 9pm, An Chultúrlann with special guest, refreshments, great tunes. What more could you ask for!A Memorable Antrim Fleadh Cheoil.
Congratulations to all our many Loch Lao members who took part in Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma. We had many winners and runners up who will be turning their attentions to Ulster. If you didn't get a medal this time don't be too concerned, the Glens feis is only round the corner!12-15 Grúpa Ceoil Away Day.
It's that time again. This year we are in Bangor, St Columbanus School, 14th May, 11am to 330pm. Barbecue lunch (weather dependent). Click here for map.Rehearsal Details Coming up to Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma.
May 2nd, all rehearsals in St Gall's: U12s 7-8pm, 12-15 8-9pm, 15-18 9-945pm.
May 9th and 16th, U12 and 12-15 groups in St Mary's as per usual.
