Celebrating our Community at the All-Britain Fleadh

As part of the opening ceremony at the All-Britan Fleadh, we celebrated several invaluable members of our community. Special 75th-anniversary award medallions were presented to Michael Nevin, Colette Keaveney, Frank McArdle, John Goulding, and Paddy Callaghan. Gradams were also awarded to Mairi Docherty and Caitlín Mannion, while the London and Southern region presented their own special award to Pat Connolly.

We were also delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor of Brentwood Council, Ben Rigby, who welcomed everyone—even including some phrases he had practised in Gaeilge! The Fleadh was then officially opened by two youth members of the London and Southern region, Nora Roche and Aiden Dennehy.

Here is a bit more about the award recipients from this year's All-Britain Fleadh.

Michael Nevin – 75th Anniversary Medallion Recipient

Michael Nevin is a dedicated, long-standing volunteer whose leadership spans all levels of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. A former Cathaoirleach (Chair) of Comhaltas in Britain, Michael continues to give his time generously, currently serving as Vice-Chair of Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine 2026 and as one of the Provincial Ard Comhairle Delegates. He has also actively shaped the musical landscape as a London & Southern representative on the Music Sub-Committee.

Closer to home, Michael serves as the Chair of the East London Branch (East London CCÉ), where he has successfully reignited their Wednesday evening teaching programme for children in Enfield. Classes run from 5:00 PM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel & Saint George Church Hall, catering to all levels from beginner to advanced.

• Read more: To learn more about Michael's work and the branch's offerings, you can read his blog here: Comhaltas in Britain Blog.

  
  

Colette Keaveney – 75th Anniversary Medallion Recipient

Colette Keaveney’s deep connection to music began at just five years old, following in the footsteps of her older siblings to learn both classical and traditional Irish music. Showing exceptional talent from the start, she achieved top grades in both genres, as well as in her GCSE and A-level music studies. Before pursuing a degree in Education, Colette took her talents global, touring the world with two dance shows and performing alongside celebrated musicians such as guitarist and accordionist Tim Edey and Scartaglin fiddle player Emma O’Leary.

A dedicated educator, Colette began teaching Irish music in a local hall, later bringing her skills to the classroom as a school music co-ordinator. For over 20 years, she has continued to teach across various venues, sharing her passion for the tradition. Over the years, she has successfully coached many of her pupils through their SCT (Scrúduithe Ceolta Tíre) graded music exams, even leading special preparation lessons for the challenging theory and aural components.

A special highlight for Colette this year is her senior Grúpa Cheoil, which beautifully brings her musical journey full circle. The group features a unique mix of her former pupils, parents of current pupils she once played alongside, and even her former boss from a London Borough Music Service, who came out of early retirement specifically to play with the group.

Frank McArdle – 75th Anniversary Medallion Recipient

Frank McArdle is a legendary figure in traditional music education and a foundational pillar of Comhaltas in Britain. A retired mathematics teacher, Frank famously combined his passion for youth education and Irish music in 1978 by founding the St Roch’s Céilí Band at St Roch’s Secondary School in Glasgow.

Having served for decades as the Chairman and Musical Director of the Irish Minstrels CCÉ—the oldest and largest Comhaltas branch in Britain—Frank has spent nearly five decades providing free, voluntary music tuition to hundreds of young people. Under his guidance, the branch grew to support over 150 pupils and 30 voluntary tutors, consistently sending multiple céilí bands and groups to the All-Ireland Fleadh. His selfless dedication has launched the careers of numerous celebrated musicians, including standard-bearers like John McCusker and Paddy Callaghan. Frank's profound impact has been widely recognised, including his induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame and receiving the prestigious TG4 Gradam Comaoine (Outstanding Contribution) Award.

• Read more: To read more about his extraordinary lifetime of service and the history of the branch, you can view his feature here: Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame

John Goulding – 75th Anniversary Medallion Recipient

John Goulding is a deeply committed volunteer whose dedication to Comhaltas spans local, regional, and provincial levels. Born in London to parents from Kerry and Mayo, John grew up immersed in the Irish diaspora community and began playing the tin whistle at age seven.

Over the past nine years, John has made the Hastings branch in Sussex his musical home. Beyond his own music, he has given his time generously to the organisation, serving in key administrative roles including Regional Secretary and Provincial Public Relations Officer (PRO), alongside regularly assisting adjudicators at Fleadhanna. With a professional background in adult training and diversity, John brings invaluable skills to his volunteer work, consistently championing the inclusive, supportive ethos of Comhaltas.

• Read more: To read more about John's musical journey and his work with the Hastings branch, you can read his full blog here: Comhaltas in Britain Blog

  

  
  

Paddy Callaghan – 75th Anniversary Medallion Recipient

Paddy Callaghan is a lifelong member and a vital full-time staff member of Comhaltas in Britain. Born into a Comhaltas family, Paddy began his musical journey at just five years old with the Irish Minstrels branch in Glasgow, learning the tin whistle under branch legend Frank McArdle before progressing to the button accordion, Irish harp, and concertina. Growing up performing with the St Roch’s Céilí Band, he developed from a young student into an accomplished teacher within the branch's structured framework.

Paddy has dedicated many years to serving as a volunteer tutor at his home branch, helping to pass the music down to the next generation, while also regularly giving his time to assist at the All-Ireland Fleadh. Today, Paddy channels his deep commitment to the tradition into his professional life, working full-time as the Development Worker for Comhaltas in Britain, where he supports the growth of branches and events across the province.

A Tribute from Theresa Gallagher, Chair of Comhaltas in Britain: "A man known to you all in a whole load of capacities. He works hard, and he is a friend, a mentor, and someone you can rely on. He is a true Comhaltas person whom we can really put our trust in, from the smallest child in the branch to our provincial council. He is always in the background, never coming forward for praise—we actually had to make up reasons to get him here today because he thought he didn't have time! We have no words to describe how we feel, and we are absolutely delighted to honour him."

• Read more: To read Paddy's full reflection on his musical journey and his work with Comhaltas, you can read his blog here: Comhaltas in Britain Blog

Mairi Docherty – Gradam Seirbhíse (Long Service Award) Recipient

Mairi Docherty is a dedicated leader and vital advocate for the next generation of traditional musicians within Comhaltas in Britain. A member of the Irish Minstrels branch in Glasgow for over 15 years, Mairi is exceptionally multi-talented—singing, playing the fiddle and harp, and teaching the tin whistle at her home branch. She has furthered her expertise by successfully completing and passing the prestigious TTCT (Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre) teacher training course in Dublin.

Mairi’s leadership journey began as a branch youth officer before she progressed to serve as the joint Provincial Youth Officer for the Province of Britain for the past four years, alongside Calum McGregor, the current Oifigeach na nÓg. As Mairi will be overage by the time of the next youth officer elections, this award is a heartfelt recognition of her immense, positive contribution to Comhaltas in Britain.

Known for her superb organisational skills, she put them to brilliant use as the Co-Fleadh Secretary for the successful 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine at Carmel College. Whether co-ordinating major events, teaching, or performing, her enduring dedication ensures that the tradition remains vibrant and accessible.

• Read more: To read Mairi's full reflection on her musical journey and her work as youth officer, you can read her blog here: Comhaltas in Britain Blog

  
  

Caitlín Mannion – Gradam na hÉigse (Award of Excellence) Recipient

Caitlín Mannion is an exceptionally talented musician, teacher, and organiser who brings boundless energy to Comhaltas in Britain. A member of the North London branch for many years, Caitlín serves as their youth officer while also playing and teaching the fiddle, concertina, tin whistle, and céilí dancing. A dedicated performer, she shares her talents as a member of the Comhaltas in Britain Provincial Orchestra, Ceol le Chéile.

As the PRO of the All-Britain Provincial Fleadh 2026, Caitlín has been a shining light in promoting traditional arts. She has been central to the revival of Comhaltas sessions and activities across various London venues, and has championed the return of céilí dancing, successfully reintroducing the competitions at the regional fleadh in London this year. Her welcoming and encouraging nature was also key to the Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine itself, where she spearheaded multiple fundraising events—including céilithe, concerts, and quiz nights—and took on the mammoth task of designing and collating the official event programme.

In addition to her event work, Caitlín is passionate about inspiring the next generation. Teaching for the East London branch, she successfully prepared and put the majority of her pupils forward for their SCT exams, while also coaching and entering an under-12 8-hand céilí dancing team into the fleadhanna. This Award of Excellence is a proud recognition of Caitlín's invaluable, positive contributions to her branch, her region, and the wider Comhaltas in Britain community.

• Read more: To read Caitlín's full reflection on her musical journey and her volunteer work, you can read her blog here: Comhaltas in Britain Blog

  
  

Pat Connolly – Special Regional Award Recipient

The All-Britain Fleadh 2026 provided the perfect occasion to honour Pat Connolly, who was presented with a special award in recognition of over fifty years of outstanding service to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, both nationally and within the London and Southern Region.

Pat has been a constant, reassuring presence within Comhaltas in Britain, quietly giving his time, energy, and expertise to ensure that Irish traditional culture continues to flourish. Over five decades of service, Pat has played an invaluable role in organising and promoting Fleadhanna, concerts, festivals, and competitions, creating crucial opportunities for young musicians to build their confidence. Within the London and Southern Region, his leadership, guidance, and willingness to help behind the scenes have earned him the deepest respect of members across the region. His calm approach, practical advice, and unwavering support continue to inspire those around him. Heartfelt congratulations are extended to Pat on this thoroughly deserved honour.