A Short History of the Organisation
Dancers at the National Weekend of Céilí Dancing in Dromantine 2009
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1997 was the centenary of the first formal céilí and Cairde
Rince Céilí na hÉireann (Comóradh an Chéid) was
formed late in 1996 to commemorate this event and to
reactivate interest in the native céilí dancing throughout
Ireland during centenary year. This was done by organising a
series of classes and workshops throughout the country. They
were followed by four provincial Fíor-Chéilithe. The
Leinster one was held in Ballyroan, Co. Laois; the Ulster
Fíor-Chéilí was held in Galbally, Co. Tyrone; the Connacht
one was in Tooreen, Co. Mayo and the Munster Fíor-Chéilí
was in Askeaton, Co. Limerick. All of these events culminated
in a national weekend of céilí dancing in St. Patrick's
College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare on the October Bank Holiday
Weekend of 1997. This included workshops, a course for
potential céilí dance teachers, three Fíor-Chéilithe,
Fíor-Chéilí na nÓg, a lecture on the history of céilí
dancing given by Maitiú Ó Maoiléidigh R.I.P., Church of
Ireland Service and a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Joseph
Duffy, Clogher; Fr. Sean Clerkin and Fr. Finnian Connaughton.
When centenary year was over, it was decided that there was
a need for a national organisation to promote non-competitive
céilí dancing and a committee was elected. Cairde Rince
Céilí na hÉireann is a national voluntary cultural
organisation for the promotion of non-competitive céilí
dancing among all age groups throughout Ireland.
Adult Fíor-Chéilí
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At adult level the organisation is responsible for running
céilí dancing classes and workshops. Affiliated clubs
run Fíor-Chéilithe (a night of céilí dancing only)
at various intervals throughout the year. The national
committee takes responsibility for forming new clubs and
assisting them in organising their first course of classes and
provides support for the first céilí of a new club. All
of the activities of the organisation are held in premises
free from alcohol.
Courses and qualifying exams are also organised at
various intervals for those who want to qualify as céilí
dance teachers. Céilí dance teachers who have already
qualified through other organisations and who are available to
teach non-competitive céilí dancing are welcome to contact
us with a view to teaching for us in their own areas.
The main work of the organisation in with young people in
primary and secondary schools. Cairde Rince Céilí na
hÉireann runs eight-week courses in primary and secondary
schools followed by Fíor-Chéilithe na nÓg for participating
schools in each region. Since its formation it has
responsible for teaching céilí dancing to over 10,000
children every year. The success of the work of the
organisation to date is a sign of hope for the future of our
native Irish céilí dancing and Cairde Rince Céilí na
hÉireann intends to build on the work already done.
Gaeilge agus fáilte