Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band

The Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band is a former céilí band based in Milltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland.

History

In 1951, the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded. This organisation established many local branches, including one in Milltown Malbay. Soon after its foundation, it formed the Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band.^[1][2][3] The band existed from 1954 to 1962.^[4][5][6]

It served both the parishes of Kilfarboy (Milltown Malbay) and Kilmurry Ibrickane (Quilty, Mullagh, Coore). It took its name from St. Laichtín, to whom a Holy well is dedicated on the border of both parishes.^[7]

The band took part in several competitions, including the 1955 Fleadh Cheoil in Loughrea (3rd place), 1956 1958 Munster Championship in Longford (winner) 1959 Oireachtas na Gaeilge (winner).^[8]

The band was the successor of the Milford House Céilí Band (1937-1940s).^[9][10]

Members

Incomplete overview of musicians once playing with the band.

Fiddlers

• Paddy Galvin^[11]
• Junior Crehan^[12]
• James Flynn^[13]
• Christy Dixon^[14]

Accordions

• Paddy Joe McMahon^[15]
• Michael Sexton Sr.^[16]

Uilleann Pipes

• Willie Clancy^[17]
• Martin Talty^[18]

Flutes

• J C Talty^[19]
• Josie Hayes^[20]
• Michael Falsey^[21][22][23]

Banjo

• Jimmy Ward^[24]

Double Bass

• Angela Merry^[25]

Piano

• Colm O'Connor^[26]

Drums

• Martin Malone^[27]
• Paddy Malone^[28]
• Aidan Vaughan^[29]

Importance

After the Public Dance Halls Act 1936, that outlawed the traditional country house dances, most musicians suddenly had no place to gather and play.^[30] The band was a community-based band in a rural tradition.^[31]

Junior Crehan described is importance as:

“

The Laichtín Naofa bridged the gap between the past and present by linking the musicians of today with the musicians of another era. In this way, it contributed to the preservation of traditional music and carried the influences of great music-masters to the new generation.[32]

”

Recordings

LP

• Come to an Irish Dance Party, 1959^[33][34]

CD's

• Come to an Irish Dance Party, 2008. A re-issue of the historic recording of 1959 digitally re-mastered.^[35]

See also

• The Kilfenora Céilí Band
• The Tulla Céilí Band

References

1. Come to an Irish Dance Party
2. Junior Crehan of Balymackea Beg
3. Junior Crehan: The Soul of Clare
4. Dal gCais Vol 3 -1977
5. Junior Crehan of Balymackea Beg
6. Munnelly, Tom. "Junior Crehan from Bonavilla". Bealoideas. The Folklore of Ireland Society. 66: 71.
7. Clune, Anne (2007). Dear Far-Voiced Veteran: Essays in Honour of Tom Munnelly. Milltown Malbay: Old Kilfarboy Society. p. 347. ISBN 978-0-9556037-0-9.
8. Come to an Irish Dance Party
9. Come to an Irish Dance Party
10. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
11. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
12. Junior Crehan of Balymackea Beg
13. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
14. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
15. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
16. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
17. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
18. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
19. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
20. They'll be Good Yet
21. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
22. Music and Songs by the Sea
23. Quilty National School
24. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
25. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
26. A building that houses many years of precious memories
27. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
28. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD
29. Come to an Irish Dance Party
30. The Clare Association Yearbook 1982. Clare Association. 1982. p. 30.
31. Clune, Anne (2007). Dear Far-Voiced Veteran: Essays in Honour of Tom Munnelly. Milltown Malbay: Old Kilfarboy Society. p. 349. ISBN 978-0-9556037-0-9.
32. Clune, Anne (2007). Dear Far-Voiced Veteran: Essays in Honour of Tom Munnelly. Milltown Malbay: Old Kilfarboy Society. p. 348. ISBN 978-0-9556037-0-9.
33. Come to an Irish Dance Party
34. Clune, Anne (2007). Dear Far-Voiced Veteran: Essays in Honour of Tom Munnelly. Milltown Malbay: Old Kilfarboy Society. pp. 347–348. ISBN 978-0-9556037-0-9.
35. Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band CD

External links

• Around The Floor & Mind The Dresser (YouTube)