1969 - 1980, 1981 - 1990, 1991- 2006, Top of page

1969

In July 1969 the Council of Britain, at a meeting in Birmingham, granted permission for a branch of Comhaltas to be formed in Leeds. The first meeting was held in the Regent Hotel on 24th October 1969. On the first committee were Eddie Bolger (Chairman) Paschael Dwyer (Vice Chairman) Mary Ferguson (Secretary) Michael Fean (Treasurer) John Gillard, John Boland, Pat McNicholas, Sean McHale, John Ferguson and Maureen Dwyer.

1970

The Comhaltas movement was welcomed in Leeds and grew very quickly.  The main aims of Comhaltas were put into practice and the various undertakings were shared out amongst the members with a view to disseminating the aims of Comhaltas as widely as possible. BBC Radio Leeds invited Leeds C.C.É. to broadcast a fortnightly programme of music and songs. A senior ceili band was formed, made up of musicians Angela Canning, John Ferguson, Sean McHale, Hughie Igoe, Paddy McNicholas, Johnny Gillard, Eddie Bolger, John Boland, and Maureen Dwyer.

At the Fleadhanna Cheoil, in Birmingham and Liverpool, second places were gained by Joe Murphy (ballad-singing) and John Ferguson (piano-accordion).  The first concert, performed in May at the brand new Leeds Irish Centre, was a great achievement for the new branch.  Monthly sessions (held previously at the Regent Hotel) were now moved to the Centre, and included music, song and the teaching of figure dancing.  Music lessons commenced at the Centre in September, led by Maureen and John Ferguson.

The success of the first year was celebrated in the first Annual Dinner and Céilí held at the Centre on Friday 20th November.  The guests of honour were Labhrás Ó Murchú and Donncha Ó Muineacháin.  The music was by the Birmingham Céilí Band and the evening was a tremendous success.  Can you believe the price of the tickets? A bargain at only 27 shillings (£1.35!).

1971

In February two delegates attended the AGM in Birmingham, where Leeds were congratulated on their broadcasting success on the local BBC Radio.  Branches throughout Britain were recommended to follow in Leeds C.C.É.'s footsteps in the broadcasting field.  By now Leeds were making excellent strides in the realms of music.  The Comhaltas spirit was very evident at a spontaneous "mini-fleadh" held in the garden of Johnny and Agnes Gillard's home. It was a convivial occasion where ceol, spórt agus cairdeas was the order of the day!

Our first-ever All-Ireland successes came this year, at the re-scheduled fleadh in Dublin.  Helen Igoe (now Flaherty) won the Under-11 Piano Accordion competition, and then, with her sister Marie, won the 11-14 duet. The two of them followed that up, with a win in the 11-14 trio competition, along with Michael Hurley. 

The branch held its first local Fleadh Cheoil in October at St. Nicholas' School, Leeds, and two successful competitors on the day are now fairly well known - singer Christy Moore and Donal de Barra (former Uachtarán C.C.É.)

1972

The branch hosted Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine on the 13th and 14th May at Primrose Hill Secondary School. It was decided to make the Fleadh more of a festival, not being confined to competitive music only, but including workshops and discussions.  At the Provincial Council meeting in Birmingham in July, Leeds were congratulated on the successful running of the Fleadh and the warm welcome given by the Leeds branch to visitors.

At the All-Ireland Fleadh in Listowel, Leeds were well represented: John Ferguson won the piano accordion competition at senior level and Helen Igoe at 11-14.  Marie Igoe also took first place in the 14-16 piano competition.

Maureen Dwyer and John Ferguson were married on the 14th October at the Holy Rosary by the late Father O'Meara, President of the Leeds branch.

1973

On February 9th the Comhaltas concert tour of Britain reached Leeds Town Hall where 1200 people enjoyed a marvellous show - tickets priced 40p; 60p; and 80p!

The music classes, which had started only three years previously, proved to have been remarkably effective when the Junior Céilí Band won first place at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Listowel. The band featured Helen Igoe, Brendan Byrd, Margaret Igoe, Michael Hurley, Patrick Gillard, Mary Gillard, Hughie Igoe, Catherine Gillard, Des Hurley, and John Gillard.

Other successes were Helen Igoe, 11-14 Piano Accordion, representing the juniors and John Ferguson and John O'Dwyer at senior level.  John O'Dwyer winning the first ever Bodhrán competition held at All-Ireland level.

A branch magazine entitled "A Chara" was introduced and members contributed articles, anecdotes, poems and reminiscences in connection with Irish culture and tradition.  The annual dinner and céilí was held at the Guildford Hotel with Michael Hipkiss (singer) and Paddy Ryan (fiddle), as our guest artistes.

1974

Fleadh successes continued with John Ferguson attaining the heights with his third consecutive senior title at the All-Ireland, heralding his retirement from competition.  The junior band magnificently retained the coveted title that they won the previous year - all the effort and hard work was paying off.

1975

This was the year of the "Síamsa" when Leeds C.C.É. put together both a junior and a senior síamsa group, which first made their mark in Birstall and Mirfield, and again at the Leeds Irish Centre where the senior síamsa was staged to provide a great social evening with cabaret teams from neighbouring branches Rotherham and Keighley.  The life of the branch was continuing to flourish.

1976

Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine was hosted by Leeds, at Primrose Hill School once again, and in his Chairman's address Jackie Dwyer said:

"As we in Comhaltas are all aware, this year sees the silver jubilee of the inauguration of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.  We, who are lucky enough to be part of this great organisation can feel justifiably proud of the achievements of the past twenty-five years, culminating in the recent acquisition of our own Cultúrlann na hÉireann in Dublin. "

1977

House sessions were introduced this year, for the purpose of discussing and debating all aspects of our tradition: customs and sayings from different counties being compared.  Ghost stories, always a favourite, figured high on the agenda.  Wakes, banshees, landlords and taoiseachs would be given an airing.  These house sessions were invaluable, with a rich diversity of opinions about nature, culture and folklore; they also kept alive the art of lively conversation and conviviality in an era when this art was slowly dying in the face of the threat from television.

At the All-Ireland fleadh in Ennis, Helen Igoe once more brought success to Leeds, gaining the All-Ireland titles in both piano and piano accordion.

1978

For the second year running Helen Igoe won both the piano and piano accordion competitions in her age group at the All-Ireland Fleadh.  Leeds once more held a fleadh, this time in October.  The music classes and sessions continued, but the branch went through a quiet patch.  However, this proved to be only the lull before the storm.

1979

The Pléaracha competition was introduced into Leeds and drawing on the Síamsa experience the branch put on a good show against a team from Manchester, at Leeds Irish Centre.  Despite winning the music, singing and dancing sections of the show, Leeds were pipped at the post by Manchester, who won the production section and also the competition.  Sessions continued to be held at the Centre on the last Friday of the month.

1980

In January there were two events of importance, Leeds won their first heat in a Pléaracha competition and members of Comhaltas became involved in the production of a weekly traditional Irish music programme on BBC Radio Leeds - "If You're Irish" - presented by BBC man Denis Walsh.

In April, Leeds qualified for the All-Ireland Pléaracha final in Ennis, by beating a team from Manchester and, at extremely short notice, the branch organised the trip to Ireland, at the end of May.  In the meantime, however, the regional fleadh cheoil was hosted by Leeds at Primrose Hill School in early May.

The Fleadh Núa - magic words!  The end of May saw the beginning of what is now our annual pilgrimage to Clare; an event looked forward to from one year to the next.  At the first attempt Leeds came a very close second losing by just a half of a point in the Pléaracha final - unbelievable!

John Joe Faughnan and Michael Fean started up dancing classes on a Tuesday night at the Centre and these developed into the Tuesday night session as we now know it.

1969 - 1980, 1981 - 1990, 1991- 2006, Top of page

1981

"A Chara" magazine was published again after a lapse of some time; in April a "This is your life" presentation was done for John and Maureen Ferguson to the delight of all the members, and their friends and relatives who travelled from Ireland to be with them.

The Pléaracha qualified a second time for Ennis and a super show was put together, set on the B & I boat heading for Ireland.  The show was opened and closed by the late Pat McNicholas carrying his suitcase "Ennis via Dublin." Despite meeting with great acclaim, the show attained only third place, but it was hugely enjoyed not only by the audience, but also by the cast!

1982

In view of the success of the weekly Tuesday night sessions, the monthly session on Fridays was discontinued.  The Pléaracha group lost by one point to St. Wilfrid's in Hulme, Manchester in April.  The branch took the decision to attempt a Scoraíocht and "The Draggin' Home" was performed at Tíonol Cheoil in Princethorpe College on Easter Sunday, where it won the All-Britain title.  This event has become an annual excursion in the Leeds calendar.  The trip to Ennis had to be abandoned due to the Pope's visit to England, but Leeds were represented at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Listowel: Sean Gavaghan took lst place in the under 12 piano accordion competition, and Martin Joyce won the senior men's competition for singing in Irish.

In November the branch hosted a seminar, given by Jim and Peter McAuley, on the production and presentation of Pléaracha and Scoraíocht.

1983

In February, a colourful and lively Leeds Pléaracha was defeated by a Liverpool group at Leeds Irish Centre: this meant that the pressure was on to qualify for Ennis via the Scoraíocht! But we need not have worried, not only did the group qualify but it also became the first group from outside Ireland to win the Scoraíocht title.  Admittedly the Production Shield had gone to North London, some years earlier, but John Ferguson and the group brought both trophies back to Leeds, with "The Fairy Prisoner." The excitement was tremendous and no wonder: the theme of the show was very simple, but so moving in its effect.  Many people will remember those haunting scenes, from eighteen years ago, far better than many of the shows of the intervening years.  It was true magic and everyone wanted to share it, as Leeds were asked to go up and down England, on tour, in the autumn of 1983.  Three weekends in a row we set off with costumes, lights, trees and fairy forts to recreate the magic in Nottingham, Manchester, Preston, Leicester, London, Keighley, Liverpool and finally Leeds. And the catastrophes that befell our cast - measles and broken collar-bones to name the most minor occurrences! 

Amazingly, John Ferguson managed to adapt the Scoraíocht almost from performance to performance. New stars were brought forward to help out, and the show went on.  You cannot help wondering whether or not this was the birth of the professionalism for which Leeds is now so well known.

Sean Gavaghan won his second All-Ireland title on piano accordion this year. The branch was honoured in the Irish Post Awards receiving a special presentation for work in the community. In September, our friends from Ennis came to stay with us for a weekend and entertained us mightily.

1984

And we were on the Pléaracha and Scoraíocht trails once more.  Both groups qualified for the Fleadh Núa and the income from the raffles on Tuesday nights, over the whole of the year, helped to defray some of the expense of taking two groups with us to Ennis. This year the Ennis people kindly provided accommodation for the groups and this considerably helped to lower the cost of the visit. A slight side trip to Ballina and Bonniconlon raised additional funds.  We have very good friends in Ireland!  The Pléaracha was placed joint second and our Scoraíocht "Tá Na Lá" also came second.  Sean Gavaghan emulated his uncle, John Ferguson, by gaining a third All-Ireland title in his age group (under 12).  In September we enjoyed the company, for the second year in succession, of the Dal gCais group from Ennis.

1985

The Northern Regional Fleadh was held in Leeds once more, this time at the Irish Centre "under canvas", as five marquees were erected on the playing field to cope with the abundance of competitors.  Our prayers were answered, the day was fine and the Fleadh was a huge success.  Meanwhile, both Pléaracha and Scoraíocht groups had qualified for Ennis and we set off on the Fleadh Núa trail, once again via Ballina and Bonniconlon, with high hopes for both shows. We made history, the first branch ever, either inside or outside Ireland to win both Pléaracha and Scoraíocht in the same year.  Not only that but the Scoraíocht "The Black Pullet's Egg" was awarded the Production Shield.  The production of both shows was the result of joint efforts: Patrick and Paul Ruane for the Pléaracha and John Ferguson and Jo Flannery for the Scoraíocht.

Martin Joyce again won the senior men's singing in Irish at the All-Ireland Fleadh.  In the Autumn, the Northern Region introduced a junior Pléaracha competition for the first time and, as it was most definitely our year - we won that as well!

The two senior shows were invited to different parts of the country: Scarborough, Coventry, Sheffield, Luton and two venues in Leeds. 

Again, a marvellous time was had by all and the memories are great.  Who can forget Tommy McLaughlin being helped off-stage by a hearty whack from Úna Reddington's brush - and nearly bringing the whole set down around his ears as he went!  Or being left on the side of the road with dressers, beds, chairs, kettles etc. etc. waiting for the coach to turn up at lam in the morning, like a band of travelling people.

But a sad note to end a glorious year was the passing away of our President, Canon Patrick O'Meara R.I.P., who died on the 5th November.

1986

In the middle of February John Ferguson was approached by Fathers Heskin and Keating from St. Anne's Cathedral to see whether or not a Mass in Irish could be prepared, in time for St. Patrick's Day. It was somewhat short notice, even by Leeds Comhaltas standards, but it was managed - and so another annual event was born.  From this beginning, a choir was formed, known as the Sister Ambrose Leeds Comhaltas choir in honour of the late Sister Ambrose, whose help in the pronunciation of Connaught Gaelic was invaluable.

The Pléaracha this year was beaten by Liverpool, who went on to win the All-Ireland. There was continual involvement in the junior Pléaracha. The Scoraíocht, meanwhile, was a tale of eviction "Mná na hÉireann" and although it failed to win the Scoraíocht title, John Ferguson and Jo Flannery did bring back the Production Shield, for the second year in a row.

A monthly céilí, on the second Sunday of every month, was added to the calendar, following a weekend set-dancing workshop, in April, by Connie Ryan (RIP).

1987

The Scoraíocht "Keashurneen" qualified for the Fleadh Núa, but was not placed this year. In June the branch was invited to participate in the Scarborough Irish Festival, by way of music sessions and the singing of the Mass in Irish.  The usual branch activities continued apace: music classes, Tuesday night sessions, monthly céilís, the involvement of branch members in the local radio programme "If You're Irish", now wholly supported by Comhaltas, and the junior Pléaracha competition.

1988

The Pléaracha came second in Britain to Liverpool, but due to a change in the rules, allowing two groups to qualify, it took part in the competition in Ennis, although it was not placed.  "The Piper and the Púca" was the name of this year's Scoraíocht, which went down very well in Ennis and took second place.

At the All-Ireland Fleadh, Sean Gavaghan gained his 4th All-Ireland medal, by winning the 15-18 competition in piano accordion. Our guest from Ireland, at the annual dinner and céilí, in November, was Donncha Ó'Muinacheán, who volunteered to run a set-dance workshop for us on the day after the dinner, catering for the enormous surge of interest in the sets.

1989

While the majority of the branch were at the annual St. Patrick's Day Mass at Leeds Cathedral, seven young musicians travelled to Dublin to represent Leeds C.C.É. at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, by request of Bord Fáilte.  Their enthusiasm and willingness to co-operate earned them a special award from Bord Fáilte, to the delight of the branch.

At the end of March, newly formed Bradford Comhaltas held their first céilí, and our band provided the music, following our policy of support for neighbouring branches.  Then, in April, the choir sang the Mass in Irish, to open the Irish Festival in Leicester, with the musicians playing subsequently in street sessions.

In Ennis, the Scoraíocht "Geasa" took second place and Jo Flannery won the Production Shield, for her efforts. A show was put on at the Beverley Folk Festival in June, where we met up with Eddie O'Dea, and his set-dancing friends, for the first time. And at the All-Ireland in Sligo, Sean Gavaghan did not let us down as he brought home his 5th All-Ireland medal.

This year we celebrated our twentieth anniversary as a branch, and just in case we were not around for our 25th birthday (that was John Ferguson's reason anyway!) we decided to have a huge celebratory weekend at the Centre - former members and friends and guests from Ireland were all invited and we had an amazingly good time! A special 'Review' - a glossy magazine - was produced, edited by Mary Dwyer, and we had workshops, a dinner and céilí, displays and exhibitions.

1990

This year's Regional Fleadh was held in Leeds, at Mount St Mary's High School. At the All Britain Fleadh in Glasgow, twenty of our members qualified for the All Ireland Fleadh in Sligo, where we had some success: Justin Quinn won 12-15 years Piano Accordion, Elizabeth Gaughan and Michael Tennyson won the All Ireland Duet at Senior Level and Maureen Ferguson, Elizabeth Gaughan and Michael Tennyson came third in the Senior Trio competition.

Our Scoraíocht this year was the 'Rising of the Moon' which won the All Ireland title.  A great weekend was had by all, as it was the 750th anniversary of the town of Ennis.  Some of our group dressed up as 19th century emigrants and took part in a Monster Siege of Ennis, at the end of the Cultural Parade.  The Gala in July was a lovely day and a financial success, this now becoming a great annual event in our calendar.

 1969 - 1980, 1981 - 1990, 1991- 2006, Top of page

1991

Cúlra came to life this year, after years of preparation by John Ferguson. With Joe Sheeran's help, the first study day was held in Liverpool on the last Sunday of January.  Any member between 15 - 25 years was eligible to attend.

This year's Concert Tour arrived during a snowstorm!  Despite this, a great crowd came and it was well worth it for those who made the effort on such a terrible night.

After Christmas, the Scoraíocht team, under the direction of Jo Flannery, began rehearsals for the new production 'The Céilí Barn and the Bottleblowers' inspired by yet another one of Bernard Dwyer's stories. Unfortunately, Princethorpe had to be cancelled, and so the Scoraíocht made its debut in Leeds, before going on to take joint 1st place at the All Ireland Championship at Fleadh Núa.  The task of producing the junior Pléaracha was taken on by Helen Gallagher and Séan Gavaghan.  We had a successful heat, coming out as Regional Winner, and then represented Britain at the finals in Kilkenny, in the early Spring. We took a coach of competitors and parents and had a grand weekend, being placed a very creditable fourth out of seven groups.

Martin Walsh again took on the job of chairing the Gala Day committee.  The hard work of Martin and the team was well rewarded in the success of the day and the amount raised!

However on a sad note the branch were stunned by the tragic death of our President, Fr. Eugene Murtagh (R.I.P.) who was killed in a car crash on 31st May 1991, on his way home from Ennis.

Fr. John O’Keeffe became our President later that year.

1992

The junior Pléaracha was produced by Helen Gallagher and Bernadette Gaughan, and the senior Pléaracha by Patrick Heffron. The Scoraíocht was again produced by Jo Flannery - this year entitled 'Lucky in Love'.  The story was written by Maria Dyer and it won the All Ireland title - that's three in a row!

However, before the Ennis trip came round, our branch was hit by the tragic death of Mary Gallagher (R.I.P.) following a car accident. A great loss to the branch and to Comhaltas in Britain, Mary would be sadly missed for all her hard work and devotion.

Our senior Céilí Band qualified as All Britain Champions for the All Ireland Fleadh in Clonmel. Michael Tennyson won the Senior All Ireland Championship for Piano Accordion.

1993

This year the City of Leeds was celebrating its Centenary.  Our branch was asked to take part and did so by providing a display at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, mixing the talents of members from both Junior and Senior Pléaracha.

A Memorial Céilí for Mary Gallagher (R.I.P.) was organised by the Northern Region at Liverpool Irish Centre. The branch gave a memorial trophy, in Mary's name, for the Céilí Band competition.

Gaelic classes started in our branch by Ann-Marie Maher, from Tipperary, who was studying in Leeds.  The classes were for beginners and were very popular.

We took all three groups to Ennis: the junior Pléaracha was produced by Helen Dunleavy and came third; the senior Pléaracha was produced by Patrick Heffron and came third; and the Scoraíocht produced by Jo Flannery called 'A Stoír Mo Chroí' also came third. We were consistent, anyway!

Michael Tennyson won his second Senior All Ireland medal in Clonmel.

In August, two former scoraíocht members were married on the very same day - Helen Gallagher married Séan Conlon and Maria Dyer married Andrew Jackson.

Mary Patterson's book 'The Ham Shank' was launched at one of our Tuesday night sessions. This was a lovely book of reminiscences and photographs of the Irish in Leeds, set in the area known as 'The Bank'.

Davitt House opened in Leeds and a special weekend was organised in October. We held a Céilí and also performed a special production, detailing the history of how Irish people settled in the area around The Bank, and mentioning Michael Davitt's connection with Leeds.  On the Saturday, an Immigrant Mass was celebrated at St. Anne's Cathedral Leeds.

Michael Tennyson was invited to join the new National Folk Orchestra.

1994

This year's Concert Tour was extra special for us, as, for the first time ever, one of our members was included: Michael Tennyson! This subsequently led to his involvement in the American Tour in October, and we were all delighted for him.

We managed to send four members to Congress, and we also took our three shows to Ennis for Fleadh Núa.  The junior Pléaracha, produced by Helen Dunleavy and Dean Warner, and the senior Pléaracha produced by Ann Duffy and Eugene Mallon both went down very well in Ennis.

Following on from our efforts with the history presentation last year, it was decided that this year's Scoraíocht ("The Country of the Mind") should be set in the back streets of Leeds, in Flax Street, to be precise, on the Bank. This was our story - the story of the Irish who came to Leeds in the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries. The show went a little bit awry in Ennis, but still managed to gain second place.

The All Ireland Fleadh was held in Clonmel and Michael Tennyson won his third All Ireland medal at Senior Level! Not satisfied with that, Michael went on to win the senior Trio along with Liz Gaughan and Maureen Ferguson.

Meanwhile, there were huge efforts underway in the matter of our 25th birthday celebrations - this was the one which John Ferguson thought we might not reach! Yet again the invitations went out to all our friends, former members and guests. In addition to the production of a second 'Review', John wanted to make recordings of branch members, for our archives. As many as possible of the current and former members were involved, resulting in some fine recordings being made. Eventually, a tape of selected items entitled 'Music in Exile' was produced for sale, in time for the big weekend. And what a weekend it was! According to the branch minutes  "if we had to do it all over again, we wouldn't change a thing!"

1995

Early in the new year senior member Bernard Dwyer's book of short stories ("....but that's another story") was launched at the Irish Centre; the book being published by another branch member, Dave Taylor.

Two of our younger members were honoured by being chosen for the Tour of Britain (Liz Gaughan) and the Tour of Ireland (Helen Dunleavy).

Due to the closure of the Sheffield branch of Comhaltas, a few of the members joined our branch, one of whom was Miss Mary McClare. In recognition of her contribution to Comhaltas in Britain, we immediately made her a life member of Leeds CCÉ.

A Famine Commemoration Day, planned by the Irish community in Leeds, took place in April. As part of this, Jo Flannery was asked to produce a special show, in front of a packed Irish Centre, in remembrance of the victims of the Famine. With very little rehearsal (due to scoraíocht commitments) a very moving and sombre presentation was performed. Several of our actors read testimonies given by absentee landlords, by members of the government, by tenants, a ship's master and a reporter who boarded one of the coffin ships at Grosse Iles in Canada.

Following her success with Geasa (1989) and Lucky in Love (1992) Maria Jackson had another shot at writing a comic story for the scoraíocht with 'Finnegan's Flyer' - and came up trumps again! The show took first place in Ennis and won the Production Shield for Jo Flannery. The junior Pléaracha also made a good showing in Ennis, taking second place.

As Bradford were holding the All Britain Fleadh, Leeds members were on board to help out on the day - and it was a smashing day, and a very enjoyable fleadh.

Michael Hester, a great friend of the branch, sadly died in September. 

Towards the end of the year, the Diocese of Leeds informed the Irish community that it was not appropriate to have Mass in the Irish Centre. A committee was quickly formed, which Comhaltas Chairman Jackie Dwyer was invited to head. After a certain amount of correspondence and meetings, the Diocese agreed with us that it was appropriate to celebrate Mass in the Centre, much to our satisfaction.

1996

In March, President Mary Robinson visited the Centre and many of our members were invited to the special Reception to meet her.

The junior Plearacha again represented Britain at the Fleadh Núa, and did extremely well. Meanwhile the scoraíocht ("The Lion of Ireland") based on the life of Brian Ború scored a magnificent 95 marks out of 100 in Ennis. Needless to say it was a winner and Jo Flannery also brought home the Production Shield.

On the way to the All Ireland in August many of us were present when Ann Duffy married Malachy Mooney in Aghamore, Co. Mayo.

Tragically, Colin Dixon died suddenly in October. Colin had been the mainstay of the 'lighting' department for several scoraíochts and despite poor health, he had loved the annual trips to Ennis. We celebrated his life, and our friendship with him, by way of a 'month's mind' Mass at the Centre.

1997

We stopped off in Roscrea for the night, on our way to Ennis, this year, at the invitation of our friends in Tipperary. The scoraíocht ("The Parting") again went down very well, with a presenter of the (Irish) radio show 'Coppers and Brass' commenting on air that 'Leeds were breathtaking'. We managed to equal our previous record of three wins in a row!

In June, John Gaughan sadly died after a long battle with illness.

For the first time this year we were invited by Leeds City Council to be involved with the Rhythms of the City street festival, and so on the first Saturday afternoon in August we played in the centre of Leeds, to a lot of interested shoppers!

Following on the heels of this venture, we produced and presented a show for the Lord Mayor at the Civic Hall, as the curtain raiser to the new Leeds Irish Festival, sponsored by the City Council. The festival was also heavily supported by the Leeds branch.

At the All Ireland in Ballina, our musicians had the honour of being invited to open the Overseas Concert, which was attended by President Mary Robinson.

This year saw the marriages of Paddy Heffron, who married Fiona Fennell in Rome, and also branch secretary Angela McMonagle, who married Michael Regan in Leeds, before leaving us to go and live in Ireland.

1998

Leeds Irish Centre was again honoured by a visit from the President of Ireland. Many of our members were invited to the Reception, to be presented to Mary McAleese.

All hands on deck this year for the Regional Fleadh, which we hosted at Cardinal Heenan High School, and received some very nice compliments for the way in which it was run!

More occurrences in the 'music drain' to Ireland, in April, as Dave and Julie Taylor left us to go and live in Spancil Hill!

The junior Pléaracha was back, after a gap of a year, this time produced by Natasha Brown and Dean Warner. The youngsters did really well, but the standard was very high in Ennis. To show they weren't too downhearted, the juniors went on to provide outdoor entertainment at the O'Connell Monument in the square!

The following night, we made it four All Ireland scoraíocht titles in a row, by winning with The Conspiracy, another Maria Jackson inspired comedy.

Back in Leeds, we had a busy summer as we made long-time member Michael Hogan a life member of the branch; the senior céilí band qualified for the All Ireland in Ballina; and we were involved for the second year with both Rhythms of the City and the Irish Festival.

To add to 'the drain' in the musician's stakes, Peter Duffy followed his sisters and parents to Aghamore in June; Tom Keating returned home in August; and Helen Conlon went to live in Mayo in October.

The autumn edition of the newsletter, produced by Jo Flannery, was seized by born-again computer fanatic (Michael Tennyson) and turned into the rather flash 'Comhaltas Chronicles'!

1999

Over the years we have hosted the Provincial Council AGM on a fairly regular basis, but this year's event was a bit special, starting with Mass on the Saturday evening, followed by the Provincial Céilí, and then the AGM itself on Sunday.

In February we bade farewell to Helen Dunleavy who left us to go and live in Ireland. Also, the last St Patrick's Day Mass (sung O'Ríada Mass) was celebrated at St Anne's Cathedral, fourteen years after it was inspired.

Natasha and Samantha Brown produced the junior Pléaracha, which did really well in Ennis and took second place. Meanwhile the scoraíocht "The Prizefight" (developed from another Maria Jackson idea) broke the records by gaining us our fifth All Ireland in a row, along with the Production Shield for Jo Flannery. A quick calculation here - that makes it eleven times we have brought home the Producer's Shield for Best Production and an amazing ten times that we have been All Ireland Scoraíocht Champions.

Just back home from Ennis, and we were involved with a recording for Céilí House, which seemed to go really well - unfortunately due to a programme scheduling mix-up, we never got to hear it in this country!

At the end of June, it was the All Britain Fleadh, hosted by Leeds at Trinity and All Saints College - the first-ever proper two-day fleadh, in Britain. What a weekend! The atmosphere was great and although we all worked ever so hard, we seemed to have a great time while we were doing it! Great praise was given to the organising Committee, led by John Ferguson and Peggy Sarsfield.

Less than a couple of weeks later we were making a history presentation to the Women's Institute in Ripon. Jo Flannery adapted the Famine Memorial presentation (from 1995) and it was extremely well received. For the third year in a row we produced the Lord Mayor's Show at the Civic Hall and supported the Irish Festival and the Rhythms of the City street festival.

And then it was our 30th anniversary! Another great weekend, with workshops and guests. Even the Lord Mayor attended!

2000

In January we hosted the Adjudicators' Seminar at Hinsley Hall, and in February, we again hosted the Provincial Council AGM, but this time the céilí was at the Spinning Wheel. The overnight guests were accommodated at the Metropole Hotel, where a session took place in the foyer, until the early hours!

In February, we received the grant from the Millennium Fund, which we had applied for - it was brilliant to be able to replace our worn out amplification and also obtain a good second-hand piano for sessions.

We also lost another musician, as Tommy Duffy went to live in Aghamore. We cheered ourselves up, however, by becoming involved with the first-ever St Patrick's Day Parade through Leeds, which turned out to be a lot of fun!

The juniors got themselves well prepared for the Pléaracha competition, in the hands of Samantha Brown and John Flaherty. And all the effort was well worthwhile when they won the final in Ennis - something we thought would not be possible, due to the high standards in the junior competition! We were well and truly delighted! The scoraíocht ("The Caves of Keash....or how the Professor recovered his grandfather's watch") was very well received in Ennis and came second to a huge production from Camross!

A couple of weeks later and our Vice Chairperson Natasha Brown married Robert Kelly in Leeds.

This year's involvement in the Irish Festival also included a Poetry Reading, which one or two members of the branch participated in, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Again we played in a street session for Rhythms of the City, and remarkably, the weather was once again kind to us.

In August we said farewell to Liz Gaughan, who went to live in Ennis, but we had a great send-off session for her first!

The year was rounded up by Jackie Dwyer's retirement from the Chairman's office after  thirty years and more, in that position. Although he was not on the original founding committee, he was co-opted on after a few months of its existence and was very rapidly appointed Chairman after that. Presentations were made to him at the Annual Dinner and Céilí in November.

2001

Again we were hosting the Provincial Council AGM, but, as this year was the 50th Anniversary of Comhaltas, we were involved in 'Convention 2001' at the Parkway Hotel. Once more, a huge amount of work was carried out, mostly inspired by John Ferguson, ably assisted by Peggy Sarsfield and a great team of organisers. We had an absolutely marvellous weekend, one of the highlights being the presentation to John Ferguson of a special award from the Council of Britain, in recognition of his tremendous contribution to Comhaltas since 1969. As this was John and Maureen's last official Comhaltas function in Leeds, before they returned to live in Ireland, the Council also presented them with a farewell gift. At an extra special session a week later, the branch also said farewell to their two friends, who together contributed an extraordinary amount to the life of the branch.

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