History of Croabh Cionn tsáile
Kinsaley (Kinsealy) Cionn tsáile- the head of the sea. It is presumed that the tidal water from an inlet at Baldoyle at one time extended to this area – thus the name Cionn tsáile. It is a rural area of considerable historic significance. It is said that the residence of the fagans situated in “faol druim” Kinsealy sheltered an unhappy James the secound on his flight after the battle of the boyne.
In March 1977 a group of parents of many children in the area interested in traditional music, song & dance proposed by Pat Egan and seconded by Ronnie Power set up a branch of Comhaltas at an inagural meeting on the 30th March 1977 chaired by Mary Paula Hoyne then secretary of Malahide CCE & Leinster. The following officers were Elected:
Cathaoileach Patrick Power (R.I.P.)
Leas Cathaoileach Nuala de Roiste
Runai Máire Mhic Aogain
Cisteoir Ester Fagan (R.I.P.)
Auditor Geraldine Smith
Delegates to Co. Board Jacinta Power
Gerard Hickey
Successive Chairpersons John Tarpey, Pat Egan, Joe Keane & Treasurer Ann Tarpey.
On 16th Of April 1977 the first class in Tin Whistle began with 56 pupilsin the old School ( Now the parish hall) with Darach de Brun as teacher. In time pupils graduated on to other instrumentsby attending classes in Fiddle, Accordian, Flute, Banjo & Bodhran, from a combination of all these instruments the Ceili Band & Grupai Ceoil evolved. Competitions at Feiseanna, Fleadhanna & Slogadh were an integral part of the activities through the years.
Numerous accolades were gained both in solo competitions & Group Competitions. The branch was privileged to secure Mick Mongey as a teacher who was proficient musican in several instruments and he started to teach solo & group Music. He was an invaluable asset music wise & with enormous dedication to all branch activities. On Mick’s departure in the early 90’s Pairic Egan took over the role filled by Mick teaching Grupai Ceoil, Bodhran, Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar & Tin Whistle. The other teachers involved were Dearbhla Egan teaching Fiddle/Tin Whistle, Cathy Barry teaching Flute/Tin Whistle, Mary Halpin teaching Pipes & Tin Whistle and by the Mid 90’s Joe Hughes was teaching Button & Piano Accordian with Joe Keane and Pat Egan taking on Ceili Bands.