Spink Comhaltas has prepared candidates for the Comhaltas SCT Traditional Irish Music exams since 2014. To date, 6 Spink musicians have achieved Distinction results in the final Grade 8 exam. This achievement in excellence is recognised by the Mícheál Ó hEidhin Gold Medal. Mícheál Ó hEidhin was the founder and first…
Gradam Seirbhíse Award for Lawrence Vesey
Comhaltas presents a number of awards to recognise people from a branch who have given exceptional service to the promotion of Comhaltas and traditional Irish music and culture. The Gradam Seirbhíse award is for people who have given long service or made a significant contribution to their branch over many…
2025 Stella Lynch Award
2025 Stella Lynch Award – Simon Groarke In 2015, Spink branch was presented with a perpetual trophy by Michael Lynch in memory of his late wife Stella. The ‘Stella Lynch’ trophy is intended to recognise an U18 member of Spink who has made an outstanding contribution to the branch, and who contributes…
The Cathal Clooney Award – 2025
In memory of Cathal, a perpetual plate was donated by Cathal’s parents Anne Marie and Willie, and his brother Liam in 2024. The Cathal Clooney Memorial Award is intended to recognise musicians who have consistently worked hard at developing their music skills, represent the branch with pride, encourage younger musicians,…
Stella Lynch Award – 2024
2024 Stella Lynch Award – Daniel Aylward In 2015, Spink branch was presented with a perpetual trophy by Michael Lynch in memory of his late wife Stella. The ‘Stella Lynch’ trophy is intended to recognise an U18 member of Spink who has made an outstanding contribution to the branch, and who contributes…
The Cathal Clooney Memorial Award – Donated 2024
In April 2021, a beloved member of Spink Comhaltas passed away, following complications after major surgery. Cathal Clooney was 15 when he died. He is fondly remembered and missed by his family and friends, including everyone in Spink Comhaltas. A talented musician, Cathal loved music and he loved the friends…
Charity Concert in memory of Cathal Clooney raises €18,500 for Charity
Spink Comhaltas organised a concert in memory of a dear friend, Cathal Clooney, earlier this year. Cathal was a talented musician and great friend who died in April 2021, aged 15. The ‘Concert for Cathal’ was held on 2 March in the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Featuring contributions from across the…
Stella Lynch Trophy Award – 2023
2023 Stella Lynch Award – James O’Mahony. In 2015, Spink branch was presented with a perpetual trophy by Michael Lynch in memory of his late wife Stella. The ‘Stella Lynch’ trophy is intended to recognise an U18 member of Spink who has made an outstanding contribution to the branch, and who contributes…
Spink Music Awards – St Paul’s, Monasterevin
Spink Comhaltas has promoted traditional Irish music in secondary schools in Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow and Kildare since 2011. In 2022, we were delighted to be able to partner with St Paul’s secondary school, Monasterevin. The inaugural winners of the Spink Traditional music awards are Sophie Murray Ward (Ceoltóir Traidisiúnta Sóisearach,…
Stella Lynch Award – 2022
2022 Stella Lynch Award – Molly O’Rourke and Laura Vesey, with Annemarie Clooney and Michael Lynch. In 2015, Spink branch was presented with a perpetual trophy by Michael Lynch in memory of his late wife Stella. The ‘Stella Lynch’ trophy is intended to recognise an U18 member of Spink who…