Ireland's A Post Issues New Postage Stamp Honoring Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

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This week, Ireland’s An Post (Post Office) unveiled a special new stamp to mark 75 years of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an organization that promotes traditional Irish culture throughout Ireland and around the world, especially music and dance.

Created by DesignWorks Ireland, the stamp was designed and illustrated in-house by Louise Nichols and Aoife Carroll, according to Martin Gafney, who along with Rocky Grennell represented DesignWorks Ireland. The stamp features a stylized fiddle reimagined as a patchwork of color and texture, with each section symbolizing the diverse communities, traditions and experiences brought together through Comhaltas. An Post’s stamp commission team was led by Aileen Mooney and Dave Mulholland. 

An unveiling of the special stamp held in Dublin included Minister for Culture, Communications and Sports, Patrick O’Donovan, TD; Minister of State Charlie McConalogue, TD; and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann officials Labhrás Ó Murchú (Ardstiúrthóir) and Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh (Uachtarán), along with Grennel and Gafney.

Mr. O’Murchú said: “We are deeply honored that A Post has chosen to commemorate our 75th anniversary with this special stamp. Comhaltas has been built on the dedication, passion and volunteerism of generations of individuals and communities who have given of their energy and expertise to preserve and promote Ireland’s rich cultural traditions across the island and beyond. From local parishes across Ireland to stages and communities throughout the world, Comhaltas has proudly carried Irish culture onto the international stage, creating connections between people and strengthening the bonds of our global Irish community. As we celebrate this milestone, we look to the future, to inspire new generations to engage with our traditions and ensuring that Irish culture remains vibrant, relevant and accessible for generations to come.”

Minister O’Donovan, TD praised Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann “for their great achievement in the promotion of traditional Irish music and dance.  From a small gathering in Mullingar in 1951, Comhaltas has grown throughout Ireland and around the world.  Their work to support education and training of new generations brought an end to decline and promises a bright future.  In an increasingly global arts scene, the traditions of Ireland shine more brightly than ever.  I look forward to their continued success.” 

Minister McConalogue, TD called Comhaltas “Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded in 1951 with the objective of keeping our unique cultural traditions alive. Since then it has become “a truly inclusive movement that continues to bring people together to participate in, and enjoy Irish music, song, dance and language, not only in Ireland but also among the diaspora especially in the UK and USA.”

The single ‘N’ rate stamp, covers postage on the island of Ireland and is available with a specially designed first day cover envelope from selected post offices and online at www.anpost.com/shop with free postage.

Comhaltas has more than 400 branches worldwide, with a large presence in Boston, where the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch was started in 1976. The Boston branch offers monthly traditional music sessions and chili dances, and year round activities in the New England region. It also has its own Irish Music School, run by fiddle champion Aoife Griffin. 

Read more about the first 60 years of Comhaltas in Irish America Magazine.


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