There was a fantastic atmosphere in Regans of Clonboo on Bank Holiday Monday night when the local ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ marked their return after the Christmas break with a wonderful party.

The locals in Annaghdown had extended an invitation to ‘Gaeilgeoirs’ from the surrounding areas to join them for a night of conversation and music, and they were not disappointed as people travelled from Claregalway, Menlo, Knocknacarra, and Headford to join the party.

Eight musicians treated us to a wonderful two hour session after an hour of conversation ‘as Gaeilge’ which extended the Bank Holiday weekend feeling well into the night.

There were also some excellent singers among the attendance, with Lillis O Laoighre and Niamh Ni Ruiséil treating us to some wonderful ‘sean nós’ singing.

The January gathering of the ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but they made up for it last night with a big crowd and a fantastic atmosphere in Regans.

Patrick O’Flaherty, who runs the Ciorcal Comhrá, thanked the musicians for a superb session and the big crowd who turned up on a Bank Holiday Monday night. He said that the local “Gaeilgeoirs” will be back there on the first Monday of every month.

The ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ on the first Monday night of each month is open to anyone with an interest in the Irish language in Clonboo, Annaghdown, or Headford, and you don’t have to be fluent to take part. They are also very happy to see visitors from other places on Monday nights.

The conversation circle is an enjoyable way of practising whatever Irish you have and adult learners are particularly encouraged to come along and try saying a few words in a friendly setting. To find out more, give Patrick a call at (087) 9077732, or just turn up on the first Monday night of every month at 8pm.