History of the Branch

It was during a quality session in the bar of Erin’s Isle GAA club that the idea to open a branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Finglas took form. Thanks to a conversation between Mick Seevers, the Chairman of Erin’s Isle, and a trio of Finglas natives and serious music enthusiasts, Mick Cantwell, Toddy Griffith, and Kathleen O’Connor, the idea grew legs. Mick has been an active member of Comhaltas for over 40 years and has a deep passion for all things in the Irish traditional music scene. Toddy is a prolific community figure with the local folk group and many trad sessions with his band. Kathleen is a relentless volunteer in many organizations in Finglas and combines this with her passion for music in her involvement with the Comhaltas Branch. In September of 2001, the branch found its home in the Erin’s Isle Clubhouse. A recruitment drive brought in other willing founding members – Anthony Byrne, John Sutherland, and Jimmy Lynch. And so, the story began...