The disbandment of C.C.E. Clontarf

[Riadach]

Many of you may have heard the outline of this story on Joe Duffy during the week, but I thought it may be an interesting topic for discussion on the nature of cultural organisations.

C.C.E. Clontarf, is a branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann which has been in existence for over the past 40 years. It is one of the largest and most successful branches in existence within the Comhaltas Community. (I myself was once a member, so forgive me for my temptation to bias in this regard).

In the early nineties, because the activities of the branch were stretched between Marino College and St Gabriels centre in Clontarf, it was decided that Cluain Tarbh, as a sub-entity, of it's own volition, would begin fundraising to build its own club centre. Various fundraising projects were included, concerts were performed, raffles were auctions. Massive support and donations were received from generous benefactors, and the Government, and Dublin County Council donated funds and lands towards the final project.



The final project was Clasach, whose building has been recently completed, and at a value of €11 million is the largest traditional music centre in the world, and was due to be open this week. This was to be run under the management of the Cluain Tarbh branch, and not directly controlled by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann themselves.

However, a spanner seems to have appeared in the works. Cluain Tarbh, in pursuance of its fundraising aims, was registered as a charity. Because of this the government felt it was entitled to a large tax rebate on the construction costs, one was issued, which would have been large enough to cover the furnishing of the centre. However, Sen. Labhrás Ó Murchú, head of Comhaltas seems to have taken issue with this, and demanded the money from Cluain Tarbh, under the maxim that all money not needed by the local branch, belonged to Head Office. Craobh Chluain Tarbh, however, worried than returning such money would not be legitimate since Comhaltas is not registered as a charity, decided rather than give it to Head Office, to return it to the government.

Comhaltas has now decided, on the basis of this tax issue, to disband the branch at Cluain Tarbh. This means that the €11 million centre on Alfie Byrne Road, reverts to the ownership of Comhaltas itself. It also means that those individuals who were involved in teaching thousands of students over the past 40 years, are no longer allowed to for insurance reasons.

Sen. Labhrás Ó Murchú, a member of Fianna Fáil, it must be remembered, has been rumoured to have disbanded branches on a whim previously ( a London Branch seems to have suffered this fate when it refused to donate to a political fund in the 1970s). It seems he is not answerable to committee within Comhaltas itself.

No comment has been made by Comhaltas on this issue.

[An Bradán Feasa]

See www.cluaintarbh.net for details.

[Riadach]

See www.cluaintarbh.net for details.

Much more concise than mine thanks.

[michael1965]

I drive past the new Clasach building on the way to work every day. It looks a very impressive place I have to say. It doesn't seem right that the people who built it, should be treated in this way.

BTW. I would have thought that there is recourse to the courts if HQ is really acting outside its rules.

[Míshásta]

I'm surprised there hasn't been more discussion than this on the forum. I know CCE is a very conservative organization but it has a huge membership - doesn't it have people online that wish to discuss the problem.

I suppose they're all scared to ruffle the sensitive feathers of Labhrás - the senator who would be dictator.

He must be a very wily operator to have survived as leader of Comhaltas given all the enemies he has made over the years, both within and outside the organization.

[kbo1234]

As an member of the West London branch of CCE, that was expelled by the now Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, head of Comhaltas, I was horrified but not shocked by the story of the disbandment of Clontarf CCE.

A leopard doesn't change its spots.

I can't be bothered with recounting the history of our own demise (a happy demise, as it happens because the musicians and families involved simply moved elsewhere and our session is still running strong 30 years after the pathetic event)

Suffice it to say that this man is a bullying, cowardly and manipulative fiend whose sole interest is in promoting and advancing his own interests and authority (and personal wealth too. Is it true that ownership of some of the CCE's material assets have been transferred to him and his wife?).

In our case he found a few eejits to support him within the British CCE but the great majority of the then West London Branch happily walked away from that organisation, that *anker and all he represents.

Sadly, by hand-picking his central committee, he can keep his position secure in perpetuity....and he will continue do so.

Musicians of Clontarf.....and all good people who love their local and national culture and music and who keep the music alive within this burdened organisation should get together and find a way of making this appalling little man an offer he cannot refuse.

You are unlikely to get anywhere using the law. He is far too crafty for that.

[Míshásta]

More discussion here:

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?thread ... essages=35

I like the nickname :mrgreen:

[Míshásta]

More discussion here:

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?thread ... essages=35

I like the nickname :mrgreen:

The other side of the story available on the same site.

Isn't it weird that we have to rely on an American site for info.

CCE need to have their PR policies (or lack of same) reviewed.

[michael1965]

That sounds like a realistic account of the other side of the story. At least without knowing all the details, it sounds credible.

[loner]

Think we should hear from Labhras---he was never shy in the past about expressing his views---