The growth of the Ballynacargy Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann group in the past three years has been outstanding and they are now almost ready to move into their new premises in the village.
Last Friday night, following their successful quiz night in the local hall, people got the opportunity to visit the former court house which has been refurbished and will become the new Teach Ceoil for Ballynacargy CCÉ. Through great work by the voluntary committee they have raised the necessary funds for the project and up to €21,000 has been spent developing the new location.
“We have had a number of fundraisers in the last few months, all of which is for the refurbishment of our new building, the former court house in Ballynacargy. It was an ambitious project, but the committee have worked extremely hard behind the scenes and they are the unsung heros in all of this. Extensive work has taken place refurbishing the building and it will be officially opened by Labhrás Ó Murchú at the end of February,” said Willie Penrose, Chairman of Ballynacargy CCÉ.
The project sees the total refurbishment of the old court house, which has been at its present location in Ballynacargy since 1954. It has been completely redecorated and all electrical fittings and wiring upgraded. There is a new stage in the building where music will be performed. The building will hold up to 85 people who can come and enjoy the very best in traditional music at Ballynacargy CCÉ’s new Teach Ceoil.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported us in our various fundraising efforts and we want to thank Colortrend, who have been very generous in the sponsorship of paint for the project. At a later date in April or May, we will be decorating the outside of our new Teach Ceoil and when it’s finished, it will be very beneficial to the local Tidy Towns Committee, who are endeavouring to increase their points on an annual basis,” said the Chairman.
Work at the former court house also includes the building of new toilets, including a disabled toilet, while a kitchen area has been developed. A new stove has been installed which will give the building a very homely feel during music sessions, which are being planned on a monthly basis with musicians from around the county.
Ballynacargy CCÉ are also hoping to form a band and young people are being given every opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of Joe Connaire, Musical Director, and others. Since they began in 2012, Ballynacargy CCÉ has certainly come a long way and membership is now close to the 300 mark. There are plans also to extend the Teach Ceoil and Ballynacargy CCÉ would be very grateful to any benefactor who wants to support them in this regard.
“What we have now is a great achievement for everyone involved, but we will not be stopping there. We are open to more members and to new ideas and hope to bring more positive things forward for the promotion of Irish music and the Irish language,” commented Willie Penrose.
He also praised the Council for leasing the building to Ballynacargy CCÉ on a 35-year agreement. It will be of great benefit to the entire community.
Last Friday’s quiz night was a great success with 23 teams taking part and Ballynacargy CCÉ are very grateful to Ken Eades, who proved an excellent Quiz Master, and to all who supported the event.
Later this year on June 26, 27 and 28, Ballynacargy CCÉ will be holding their second trad festival and the plan is to tweak it from last year’s event, with more of an emphasis on sessions and outdoor music.
