Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Association of Musicians Of Ireland) was formed in Ireland in the early 1950’s in an effort to unite and preserve the culture of Ireland particularly in the areas of music, song, dance, and language.

 

Mulligan-Quinn CCÉ is the oldest branch of Comhaltas (pronounced “coal-tis”) in North America, established between the years of 1972 & 1973 as the Louis Quinn Branch of Comhaltas (CCÉ). This came after discussions to expand the growing organization in Ireland on a worldwide basis. It was a  direct result of discussions between Bill McEvoy, IMA (Irish Music Association), President and renowned fiddle player Louis Quinn, and Comhaltas representatives in Ireland.

 

Comhaltas absorbed the IMA into its midst, a move which secured its foothold in North America.

 

Early fundraising efforts included the famous “Comhaltas Tours Of North America” which always opened with its first night in the center at Mineola to sell-out audiences. There were many famous performers on these tours including Paddy Glackin, Celine Hession, Sharon Shannon, and Brendan McGlinchy, to name a few.

 

The first qualifying US Fleadh to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Ireland’s largest music festival and competitions) was also held at the center in Mineola and hosted by the branch. Two flights were chartered at the time to bring the US qualifiers to Ireland, and there were some top honors brought back to the US.

 

The name was changed to Mulligan-Quinn CCÉ in the mid-nineties to acknowledge the contribution of fiddle-player John Columbcille Mulligan to the branch.

 

Branches have sprung up all over the United States and Canada thanks to the beginnings here in Mineola, and the largest branch of Comhaltas worldwide exists today in Tokyo, Japan.

 

Mulligan-Quinn holds monthly or bi-monthly events at the center (usually on the 4th Sunday). We also sponsor outside events.

 

These outside events are usually concerts, music sessions, or ceilithe (Social Irish Dances). You don’t have to be a singer, dancer, musician, or Irish speaker to join or to attend our events, but becoming a member helps us to preserve the culture. If you love any of these things, then you should join us. It is with your support that we can do this and keep the tradition alive. We try to keep our membership informed of all current related news and upcoming events. We always welcome new members. Visit https://ccemidatlantic.com/mulligan-quinn to join the Mulligan-Quinn CCÉ.