A Generous Gift to Carry the Tradition Forward

Comhaltas in Britain is delighted to announce that we have received a generous donation of approximately £8,600 from the Irish Arts Foundation.

Following the retirement of Chief Executive Des Hurley in August 2026, the Irish Arts Foundation formally closed its doors after 28 years of promoting traditional Irish music, heritage, and culture across Leeds and West Yorkshire. In line with Charity Commission guidelines, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees collectively agreed to transfer its remaining surplus funds to Comhaltas in Britain to support our shared mission.

Over nearly three decades, the Irish Arts Foundation has left an indelible mark through flagship projects like Irish History Month and 'Untold Stories – The Leeds Irish Community' (which will be preserved by the West Yorkshire Archive Service).

Jo Heyworth, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Irish Arts Foundation, shared:

"The Irish Arts Foundation has been a highly successful and respected charity over the past twenty-eight years... Through the commitment of Des, the staff team, volunteers, partners and funders, we are extremely proud of the impact achieved and the lasting legacy created. It is the end of an era: it has been a great journey!"

This gift holds particular personal meaning. Des Hurley has been a dedicated, long-standing member of Leeds Comhaltas for many years, forming lifelong bonds through traditional music.

Reflecting on the decision to pass the torch to Comhaltas in Britain, Des noted:

"With many fond youthful memories with Leeds Comhaltas and lifelong friends gained far and wide as a result, I am particularly happy that the Leeds Irish Arts Foundation Board of Trustees collectively agreed our remaining funds be given to Comhaltas in Britain to continue to further develop your similar aims and objectives."

We extend our deepest gratitude to Jo Heyworth, the Board of Trustees, and everyone involved with the Irish Arts Foundation over the last 28 years for this incredibly generous contribution. These funds will directly support our work nurturing Irish traditional arts and music across Britain for future generations.

Most importantly, we want to express our heartiest thanks to Des Hurley for his decades of devotion to the Leeds branches and the wider cultural community. We wish Des a long, happy, and fulfilling retirement!