Letterkenny Branch

There was always traditional music in McGovern’s Bar, Lower Main St., Letterkenny. It was fitting then, that C.C.É. Leitir Ceanainn Branch was founded here in October 1957. There were regular weekly sessions, which were well attended by musicians, singers and dancers from the surrounding area. The branch often hosted traditional concerts in the local hall where visiting musicians performed.

Stalwarts of these sessions were Hugh McGovern, who was Branch Chairman for 44 years, John and Mrs. Ponsonby, their son Jimmy, Paddy Tunney, Frank (fiddle) and Joe Harkin (fiddle/banjo) from Churchill, Jimmy Houston and Mickey McGeehan, Neilly Bonner and John Bradley from Drumkeen, fiddle player Hugh Reilly who hailed from Longford, and a clinking young box-player from Galway Patsy McDonagh, who worked in the Post Office. Over the years Hugh Gillespie, Vincent Campbell, Tommy Peoples, Frank Kelly, Charlie Patton, Bríd Harper, Martin Mc Ginley, John Bonner, Matt Mc Granaghan, Siobhán Ní Chonaráin, Laurence Nugent and Kevin Mc Laverty (son of the famous writer Michael Mc Laverty) have all graced the Letterkenny sessions.

In 1961, the Branch hosted the County Donegal Fleadh. The Fleadh Chairman and Secretary were Hugh McGovern and Paddy Tunney, and both played significant roles in establishing Comhaltas in the Cathedral Town. The Donegal County Fleadh was again hosted in 2000 and 2001. The Letterkenny Branch had the great honour of very successfully hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2005 and 2006.

Former Letterkenny Branch Officers who have passed to their eternal reward include Hughie Mc Govern, Frank Sweeney, Paddy Tunney, Nuala O’Donnell (nee Mc Gill), Eileen Mc Govern and Marjorie Mc Daid. Bernadette Watson was a Branch officer for years also.

If you require further information on Comhaltas why not check out its website: www.comhaltas.ie, which provides information on Comhaltas and its activities both nationally and internationally.