Beirt Ollaimh
Two “men” both alike in dignity...
Beirt Ollaimh
John Gaffey and Joe Monahan, both of whom play an active and pioneering role in the very successful Rahan Comhaltas, are this year sharing the title of “Ollamh an Fleadh 2009” agus mar sin ta “Beirt Ollaimh” againn.
Both gentlemen are visionaries with a great deal in common. They are firmly committed to the “Living Tradition”, and to providing a window of opportunity for Rahan Comhaltas and so allowing it to flourish on the local national and international stage.
From its re-formation in 1995 both Joe and John have been the “engine” of all Rahan Comhaltas events. They are innovative and visionary and are quick to respond to challenges and opportunities. It is always a case of “Is féidir linn”, from Mummers Shows and Parades to Fleadhanna and Radio appearances; nothing daunts these two gentlemen and so Rahan C.C.E.’s amazing story of success continues to emerge.
“Two “men” both alike in dignity”...
This is indeed very true, both are unfailingly courteous, thoughtful and encouraging to all especially to the younger members of the branch. They have on different occasions and in different ways shown their great ability as leaders in how they dealt with difficult situations and we have all noted and learned.
Individually they are masters in their own sphere. John is noted Bodhrán player, set dancer, seanchaí, folklorist and historian. Along with his wife Barbara he can be seen battering the boards at Comhaltas shows and ceílithe throughout the midlands. He has a large collection of Comhaltas memorabilia and recordings, which he puts on display in the archive room at the County Fleadh each year. He is a great admirer of the late Dan Cleary and has been inspired by his music and his repertoire of tunes. John plays a masterly part in organising events on the All Ireland Gig Rig each year and takes great pride in show-casing the “Living Tradition” to one and all.
Outside these events he is our sound engineer, stage manager and community activist. In 2000 just five years after our re-establishment he saw his dream of Rahan C.C.E. hosting the Offaly Fleadh in Killina come true. He is exceedingly proud of Rahan C.C.E. having travelled to Berlin to perform for the Irish Embassador to Germany and other dignitaries.
John has seen many of his dreams fulfilled and reached many milestones over the years, but we know that he still dreams of taking Rahan C.C.E. to America and also of building a “Teach Cheoil” in Rahan where musicians, dancers and singers can show-case their talents in a cultural environment. Well, we say, Is Féidir leat, John.
Like John, Joe is a stalwart of “Craóbh Raithin”. He is a comedian, singer, storyteller and is much sought after as an M.C. His masterly display and never-ending enthusiasm on the All Ireland Gig-Rig each year has endeared him to all. His ability to entertain and hold his audience has left many mesmerized.
Together with his wife Ita and daughters Karen and Elaine, the Monahan family form an integral part of Rahan C.C.E.
When Joe goes down “Bóithrín na Smaointe” he recalls how he learned Irish on the “way home from school”. How he always loved music but never actually learned an instrument, but is content to facilitate the development of music, dance and folklore. Joe too has seen many of his dreams realised over the years. Hosting the All Ireland Fleadh in Tullamore was always top of his wish list, as was taking Rahan Comhaltas to the European stage in France, Spain and England. His proudest day, he says, was when we hosted the Offaly Fleadh in Killina for the first time in 2000. “Dreams do come true in Rahan C.C.E.
Joe is a great lover of the Irish language and laments his inability to speak the “cúpla focail”. We know that he too will reach this milestone and you can expect him to chant “Is féidir linn” on the All Ireland Gig-Rig later this year.
Outside Comhaltas Joe makes himself accessible to the community and his involvement with voluntary organisations is legendary. His interest in Scór and community development is borne out in the way he gives freely of his advice, time, encouragement and constructive criticism when needed.
Having people with so many attributes in our branch, we can be assured that Craobh Raithín will continue to be bríomhar agus taitneamhach.
Dedication and encouragement are the key elements celebrated in honouring our “Beirt Ollaimh”
A Sheósamh agus a Sheáin.
Thank you both for your leadership and inspiration,
Míle Buíochas
Ar aghaidh leis an obair agus Ráth Dé oraibh.