Our History

The Irish Minstrels rich history dates back to January 1957, forming the first branch of the organisation outside of Ireland. The following history has been taken from is based on articles by Pat McAleer and Joe Mullarkey, written for the 50th Anniversary in 2007. 

In the mid fifties Owen Kelly purchased a copy of the Anglo Celt every week. He not only wanted to know all there was to know about Cavan football team but also all about what was happening in the county. He noticed articles about the promotion of traditional music, largely as a result of the formation of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Ireland in 1951. Owen discussed this with his friend Jimmy McHugh, himself a well-known and well-respected fiddler, which led to the formation of the Irish Minstrels branch. Jimmy encouraged other Glasgow-Irish musicians to join, notably Pat McNulty, and the first meeting was set up at which the following committee was elected: 

• Jimmy McHugh (Chairman) 

• Donal Boyle (Vice Chairman) 

• Annie McGrath (Secretary) 

• Owen Kelly (Treasurer) 

• Anne McHugh (Assistant Secretary) 

Christy Darby, Pat McCusker and Pat Hetherson were also present at that first meeting. Pat McNulty and Liam McCabe were involved very early in the branch, followed shortly by Lena Tierney. Rose Friel put in an early appearance in the first concert held by the branch and was involved for many years after. 'Round the fires' were held every week in the early months in a small hall near the Gorbals and moved within a few months to the A.O.H. Hall in Royston Road. In addition to promoting traditional music and ballad singing, céilithe were held regularly. 

On the 6th October 1957 the Irish Minstrels held their first annual concert in Govan Town Hall with some leading visiting artistes: 

• Sean O'Siochan (Cork) 

• Margaret O'Reilly (Cavan) 

• Martin Mulhare (Galway) 

• Sean Seery (Dublin) 

• Robert McMahon (Clare) 

John J. Sheridan and our own Jimmy McHugh (fiddle) who went on to win All-Ireland honours, Paddy Carr (accordion), Rose Friel (ballad singer), and Pat McNulty (Uileann pipes) all performed at the inaugural concert. The Charlie Kelly School of Irish Dancing gave dancing displays to wow all in the packed Govan Town Hall.

Céilí dancing was very popular at this time in Glasgow, promoted by the Fianna Fáil Branch in Glasgow under the enthusiastic organisation of Fred Sweeney. Knowing that Céilí dancing was safe in the hands of 'Big Fred', the Irish Minstrels focused their attention on the promotion of music and singing, moving venues as the branch grew in popularity. When Jimmy McHugh won the All-Ireland fiddle competition in Dungarvan (1957) the branch celebrated! A very well deserved honour for Jimmy! Then, in Longford the following year Owen Kelly came second in the men's ballad competition with his now well-known 'Bonny White Hare'. 

Despite difficulties in those early, lean years, the branch held their first All-Britain Fleadh in the Partick Burgh Halls in 1964. Three branches entered; London, Birmingham and Glasgow. In 1968, the branch was asked to host the All-Britain Fleadh again but by this time the competition was bigger. Expenses for five adjudicators had to be paid and the coffers were empty. Owen Kelly was involved with the GAA which had makeshift huts at their football ground. Events were held to build up funds - not without some intervention from the local 'polis' who when they paid a visit to the late night proceedings at the GAA park accused our 'pioneers' of running a 'shebeen.' (As if they would!) 

The 1968 All-Britain Fleadh was held in St Mary's Abercromby Street in the Calton area of Glasgow and was a memorable one with many musicians of note in attendance. Over 600 people attended the Fleadh Céilí. This was a turning point for the branch (at 10/- a ticket the bank balance was looking good!). 

Seisiúns were held every Tuesday night in the Diocesan Centre at Charing Cross and a Céilí once a month. Jimmy McHugh was at his peak and his son, Brendan, was well on his way to becoming a very good fiddler also.

In the late seventies there was a very welcome newcomer to the Branch. Frank McArdle joined and encouraged youngsters from the secondary school where he taught, to join the Branch. And so, St Roch's Céilí Band was formed and remained the name of the céilí  band competing at yearly Fleadhanna. The focus of the Irish Minstrels CCE became teaching Irish traditional music to younger generations, and so it has continued. Under Frank's leadership, Irish traditional music has progressed in Glasgow. For more than fourty years and with lots of hard work and enthusiasm, Frank has guided young and old towards improving their musical expertise and now ably assisted by many volunteer tutors.

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