Branch Spotlight: Amairgin The Gael CCÉ

This month, we are incredibly proud to turn our branch spotlight on Amairgin The Gael CCÉ, our only Welsh branch. Just a few years ago, the branch was struggling with member numbers. However, since Scott took over the teaching and established a brilliant collaboration with the local music hub, Gwent Music, their classes have gone from strength to strength. All of that hard work and dedication culminated in an historic milestone last month at the All-Britain Fleadh in Brentwood, where they walked away with first place in the Senior Grúpa Cheoil competition!

Here are some wonderful words from Scott reflecting on this massive achievement:

"I am insanely proud of what we’ve pulled off today. A few years ago, a fair amount of these musicians could barely string a few beginner tunes together without needing sheet music. Last year we took our first punt at entering the Fleadh Grúpa Cheoil (group music) competition to push everyone into learning tunes and arrangements by memory. Fast forward to this year, and not only did we qualify for the All-Britain final, but we went on to WIN the All-Britain final and get a spot at the All-Ireland (World) Final in August! The standard from all other branches from the UK was insane, so we were suitably shocked when our name was called out as the winner. We are the first ever Welsh branch to win!"

Adding to this incredible success story, we are also thrilled to share that Scott's incredible work has not gone unnoticed, as he won the Tutor of the Year award at our volunteer awards earlier this year. His passion for teaching and his dedication to his students is a shining example of the Comhaltas spirit.

If you would like to see a bit of the magic behind his teaching, Scott made a fantastic "day in the life" video. It showcases his daily journey as a music teacher in Wales, including teaching our wonderful Comhaltas members in the evening. You can check out his video directly on Facebook Reels.

A massive congratulations to Scott, everyone at Gwent Music, and every single musician in Amairgin The Gael CCÉ. We wish you the absolute best of luck as you prepare to take the stage at the All-Ireland Final in Belfast this August!

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