Comhaltas Launch Regional Centre Websites
Regional Resource Centres to have more direct interaction with local areas following redevelopment of websites
Today, Tuesday 21st June, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann launched the organisations new Regional Centre information websites on a nationwide basis as part of the on-going Comhaltas Development Programme.
As part of the organisation’s programme Comhaltas established the 8 Regional Resource Centres to further engage the whole community, support the teaching of the traditional arts in education at all levels, expand the branch network and support services; and establish new regional support teams and resource centres. The Regional Centres include, Cultúrlann na hÉireann in South Dublin, Dún Uladh in Tyrone, Clasaċ in North Dublin, the Oriel Centre in Dundalk, Cois na hAbhna in Ennis, Ceoláras Coleman in Gurteen, Brú Ború in Cashel, and Aras an Mhuillean, Mullingar.
Each centre aims to support the work of Comhaltas branches within the region, whilst being fully available to any individuals, group or organisations interested promoting and developing Irish cultural traditions – music, song, dance, An Gaeilge, story telling and art/craftwork. This is furthered through the launch of the new websites
The websites have been designed to allow the user to research local classes, tuition and timetables in their area. Electronic on-line ticketing allows users to check out and book tickets for upcoming events in their centre such as sessions, concerts and performances and to purchase a range of Traditional music CDs and Books. Local branch details are also available on the website allowing the user to quickly and simply find out which Comhaltas branch is best suited to them.
Comhaltas were carefully assisted throughout by it own IT department and by FRONT, Web Designers, who both designed and developed the new sites for the 8 Regional Resource Centres.
Speaking about the launch, Jim McAllister, Clasaċ said, “Comhaltas has been a powerful force in the promotion of Irish culture for the last 60 years both nationally and internationally. We want to continue to see increased numbers of students studying music with us, and experiencing all that traditional Irish culture has to offer. Today, the public expect to have information available on line and to be able to purchase tickets and products of their choice from their computer. The new websites will help us continue to promote everything that is so great about our culture not just in the conventional way, through interacting and meeting people but also through the electronic medium, that is the internet.”
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. Comhaltas are a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world and this year the organisation is celebrating it’s 60 anniversary. Reaching this huge milestone is a fantastic achievement for a group that has been tirelessly working for the cause of Irish music since the middle of the last century (1951 to be precise). Reaching 60 does not mean the organisation plans to slow down anytime soon; far from it – the launch of these websites proves that the efforts of Comhaltas continue with increasing zeal as the movement continues to grow and diversify.
