'Triumphant success' for Ballina event
Pic: Local group “Cuimsiú” who opened the “Cairdeas” show in Ballina Arts centre.
The recent “Cairdeas “concert in the Ballina Arts Centre has drawn huge plaudits from Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann headquarters in Dublin, who described the Ballina event as a triumphant success and the highlight of their nationwide tour, which saw the group take in Dublin, Dundalk, Belfast, Letterkenny, Ballina, Ennis and Cashel.
The event in Ballina attracted a packed house with people from all over Connacht attending the show.
The show produced by Ray Conway was narrated by former RTÉ presenter Ciana Campbell, a native of Swinford and Diarmuid de Faoite. The music content was arranged by All-Ireland champion flute player Cian Kearins from Ballymote.
Through words and music, song and dance, Cairdeas took the audience on a unique journey celebrating how the ancient Irish concept of ‘Cairdeas’ is central to our culture, forging connections between people and communities throughout our history and down to the present day.
‘Cairdeas’ featured some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians, singers and dancers.
Mayo group Cuimsiú opened the show to a rapturous round of applause. Organiser of the Ballina event Eamonn Walsh paid tribute to Chuck and Mairead Dunford, who worked tirelessly with the Cuimsiú group over a number of months to ensure a top–class performance.
In 2024, Mayo Comhaltas launched Cuimsiú, an inclusive competition at Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo for performers who have an additional need /disability. Following on from its heartfelt success, Cuimsiú returned in 2025, warmly welcomed once again by the community, with continued support from Áirc Mayo and, this year, the valued involvement of Ballina Autism Friendly Town and Down Syndrome Mayo.
Cuimsiú is built on flexibility, dignity, and joy — offering competitors the chance to compete in a setting tailored to their needs.
RTÉ Nationwide recently aired a special feature on the group Cuimsiú.
Mr Declan Turnbull, head of Ballina Municipal District and Cathaoirleach Jarlath Munnelly, hosted a Civic welcome for the visiting tour group, cairdeas and Cuimsiú.
Eamonn Walsh paid tribute to Seamus Cawley and Mayo Comhaltas County board and all Comhaltas branches in the county who helped promote the Ballina event.
