Launch of Craobh Loch Gile
Launch of Craobh Loch Gile – A New Comhaltas Branch for Sligo
We are delighted to announce the launch of Craobh Loch Gile, a new branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirà Éireann here in Sligo. This new branch is dedicated to teaching, promoting, and performing Irish traditional music and will play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of musicians while celebrating Sligo’s rich cultural heritage.
Our vision is simple but powerful: to carry forward the musical traditions of Sligo with quality tuition, expert guidance, and community music-making at its heart.
Weekly Classes in Summerhill College
Beginning this September, Craobh Loch Gile will host weekly traditional music classes at Summerhill College, Sligo. Classes will take place on Monday and Tuesday evenings (5:30–8:00 pm), led by some of Ireland’s most respected traditional musicians:
Caoimhe Kearins – Fiddle
Aileen Bourke – Concertina
Michael Rooney – Harp
June McCormack – Flute
Sean Carroll – Button Accordion
In addition to weekly lessons, students will also enjoy monthly tutor-led sessions, providing the chance to play together and experience Irish traditional music as a living tradition within a supportive community.
A Musical Team Ensuring Continuity
From January to June, our Grúpaà Ceoil and Céilà Bands will be prepared by a dedicated musical team committed to excellence in ensemble playing and continuity of tradition:
Charles O’Connor
Kenny Donagher
Michael Rooney
June McCormack
Sean Carroll
This group brings a wealth of teaching and performing experience, ensuring that every young musician is encouraged to grow both individually and as part of an ensemble.
Working in Partnership
An important dimension of this new branch is its collaboration with the Ceol na nÓg Orchestra, Sligo’s 70-strong youth orchestra for traditional music. By working in partnership, Craobh Loch Gile ensures that young musicians benefit from a seamless journey — from one-to-one and small group classes to larger ensemble experiences. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing opportunities that are both inspiring and rooted in excellence.
More Than Just Classes
Craobh Loch Gile is not only about lessons — it is a community. It is a place where children, young people, and families come together to connect with tradition, creativity, and the joy of making music. By joining, members also become part of the global Comhaltas network, which celebrates and sustains Irish traditional music across the world.
Join Us
We warmly invite new members to join Craobh Loch Gile. Whether you are starting your first tune or advancing your skills with expert guidance, there is a place for you here.
Membership and class bookings are now open online at www.lochgile.ie
Let’s make music together and carry Sligo’s tradition into the future.