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The History of Dromore CCE
By Charlie Gormley
Eight years after the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann movement was founded in Mullingar in 1951, Dromore became the first affiliated C.C.E. Branch in Co. Tyrone. An event of historic significance took place in the old St. Patrick's Hall on 10th March 1959 when the Dromore Branch was officially launched by Brian O'Donnell, Belfast. Vice-President and Ulster Organiser. It was a truly memorable and conspicuous occasion for the parish of Dromore where Irish music and culture was always to the fore long before the advent of An Comhaltas. On that cold March night, 42 years ago, a capacity attendance enjoyed a great feast of traditional music and song which extended well past the hour of midnight.
The meeting was presided over by the late Joseph Colton of Tummery, rural Councillor, local schoolmaster and truly a man of may parts who gave sterling service to the parish in numerous capacities. Also present was Rev. Philip McCabe, C.C. The election of Committee and Officers resulted: President, Rev. P. McCabe, C.C.; Vice-President, Rev. P. Lonergan C.C.; Chairman, Francis Treanor; Vice-Chairman, Michael O'Neill, C.O.C.; Secretary, Joseph Colton, R.D.C.; Ass. Secretary, James Donnelly and Treasurer, Charles O' Donnell. Committee: P. Nugent; M. Breen; M. Gallagher; T.J. McNabb; T. Farmer; F. McNulty; M. Slevin; T. McLaughlln; B. Gallagher; F. Quinn; C.J. Quinn; S. Nugent; D. Monaghan.
Mr. Felix Kearney was fear a toighe for the excellent and entertaining programme, which included selections from the Pride of Eireann Ceili Band. Dromore C.C.E. had been launched in spectacular style with great interest and enthusiasm evident in all present. Almost half a century further on that interest, enthusiasm and total dedication still pertains and Dromore is still, arguably, the premier branch of An Comhaltas in the O'Neill County. It has really been a success story from the start and throughout the years, in every decade, dedicated committees have tirelessly promoted the ideals and objectives of the movement so that Dromore holds an honoured and revered name, not only in Tyrone, but much further afield. The early years of the new Branch saw a lot of activity and aided by the goodwill of all in the parish, the fledgling Branch was going from strength to strength. Traditional music fans were keen to give their support and assistance and the Branch quickly built up a large membership. Sessions were held regularly in the old St. Pat's Hall with artists present from Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal and a full house on each occasion,
The continuing efforts of the Branch were soon to bring reward in the form of merited success at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. One of the first to bring home an All-Ireland title was champion lilter Mickey McCann of the well-known Main Street musical family and brother of Jack McCann, leader of Dromore's famous Moonlight Dance Band. I was indeed privileged to be part of the Dromore contingent in the Luxor Cinema, Clones, on that Whit Monday in 1964 when the genial Mickey fulfilled a lifelong ambition and brought the All-Ireland trophy home in triumph to his native Dromore. But of course, Mickey was just one of many who brought acclaimed honour to the Branch over many years. We think of Branch stalwart Sean Nugent and his famous Pride of Eireann Ceili Band who also annexed All-Ireland awards, as did Sean himself in the Senior Fiddle category. Members of the Nugent family have also achieved the ultimate success at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and the late Packie Nugent (brother of Sean) and his late daughter Marie also figured prominently in prizewinning combinations.
Others who successfully kept the Dromore C.C.E. flag flying down through the years include master fiddler Francie Quinn; the late Sean McCusker; ceili band leader Noel Hackett and many others who all hold an honoured and revered place in local Branch history. The winning trend continues in the present day and young Aidan O'Neill will surely go down in history as the Branch's most successful competitor. The Magheragart teenager has already collected a host of awards at County, Provincial and National levels and at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2000 in Enniscorthy won four National titles, to establish a record that will prove very difficult to emulate by any individual.
Whilst we rightfully laud the success of our competitors, it is also equally appropriate that we pay deserving tribute to the many stalwarts who have worked so steadily and efficiently behind the scenes over forty years to keep Dromore Branch to the forefront in An Comhaltas affairs. Several Tir Eoghain Fleadh na Ceol have been successfully staged in Dromore, including the first ever in the Red Hand County away back at Easter 1970 and the last in June 1999. No doubt Dromore will host many more in the years that lie ahead. Overall, the Branch can feel justifiably proud of its distinguished record and can also look forward in anticipation to the celebration of its Golden Jubilee in the year 2009. Yes indeed, 10th March 1959 was an historic milestone for traditional music in Dromore parish.
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