Mayo Comhaltas honours cultural ambassador Máirín Noone
A special presentation was made to Máirín Noone from the Michael Davitt branch of Comhaltas in Swinford, at the Mayo All-Ireland prize winners dinner in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh, where she was hailed as 'a fantastic cultural ambassador, a true leader and a great friend to all in Comhaltas'.
The event at the weekend celebrated Mayo’s All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil prize winners, with entertainment provided by this year’s talented champions.
Máirín was recognised for her many years of dedicated service to Comhaltas at local, county and provincial level.
Máirín serves as secretary of the Michael Davitt branch and assistant secretary of the Mayo County Board, and has been at the heart of the Swinford branch for over 25 years.
Her leadership, energy and commitment have made an enormous contribution to the promotion of Irish music, song, dance and storytelling throughout the region. Over the years, she has played a key role in organising county and provincial Fleadhanna, Ceol an Gheimhridh, and countless local events.
The Swinford branch also promotes the Irish language and drama, led by Máirín and her dedicated team. Each year they run a week-long summer school, and also host their much-loved autumn festival, Féile na Samhna.
At branch level, Máirín continues to coordinate weekly music classes and regular sessions, creating a welcoming environment for musicians of all ages. Always generous with her time and advice, she is a great friend and support to other branches across the county.
Her family were all with her for the special occasion - husband Marty, daughters Kathryn, Marianne and Bríd and sons Pádraig, Peter and John - along with a large gathering of branch members and friends.
Máirín warmly thanked her family for their constant support, saying, “I couldn’t do it without them.”
Speaking on the night, Anthony Kavanagh congratulated Máirín and paid tribute to her commitment. He said: “It’s never a problem when you pick up the phone to Máirín. She’s always ready to help and to make things happen. I look forward to many more events in Swinford.”
The presentation was made to Máirín Noone by Séamus Cawley, chairperson of the Mayo County Board.