Julie O’Hare's Blog

From Ashton CCE & Northern Region of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann As one of this year’s Gradam na hÉigse recipients, Julie O’Hare reflects on her lifelong journey with Comhaltas – from learning music as a child, to teaching the next generation.

Irish traditional music has been a big part of my life, and I have been involved with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for fifty years, having first started to learn Irish music at the St Helens branch at the age of 9 with my sister Margaret and my brother Denis. However, after a couple of years, the branch unfortunately had to fold, and we joined Ashton CCE branch. I learned to play both the whistle and flute and entered several competitions, both in the Northern Region and at local branch competitions in Crewe. Margaret and I also travelled down to Princethorpe College in Rugby and to the North London Fleadh. I also competed at the Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in solo competitions for the whistle and flute, as well as in duets, trios, and bands.

At the age of 16, I was asked by Mary MacAndrew to help teach the whistle at the Irish Centre in Mount Pleasant, where I was able to pass on the techniques and skills I had learned. I therefore became a branch member of Liverpool CCE.

I enjoyed playing music with Eamonn Coyne (RIP), Seán McNamara (RIP), and other members of the Liverpool Céilí Band, both at local events and at Fleadh Nua in Ennis and Kilmihil, Co. Clare.

I rejoined Ashton CCE in 1996, and at the 1999 AGM I became the Cisteoir (Treasurer) for the branch, a post I held until 2023, when I became the Rúnaí (Branch Secretary). Ashton Branch has now started to grow again with several young members, and we currently host a weekly session.

Over the years, I have also attended the Northern Regional meetings, and at the 2018 Annual General Meeting, I became the Rúnaí, a post I held until 2023. In 2024, I became Leas-Cathaoirleach for the region.

As a region, we have been working hard supporting branches and running regional Fleadhanna. I have also held positions on the Provincial Council. I served as Rúnaí for a few years until 2018 and as Auditor from 2018 until 2024.

Over the years, I have adjudicated at several Fleadhanna at both Regional and All-Britain levels. I am part of the Music Subcommittee, and until a few years ago, I was also in charge of the All-Britain trophies for the Provincial Council.

I have encouraged my three daughters to learn Irish music and singing, playing whistle, fiddle, button accordion, and flute. They have entered the Northern Region Fleadhs and Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine, and Rebecca has come first at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

I am now encouraging and teaching my grandchildren to play and enjoy the craic of Irish music. I hope they will enjoy it as much as I have over the years — and still do.