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 years.

On 13th September, this award was presented to Lawrence Vesey by Attracta Brady, Uachtarán an Chomhaltais.

In her presentation remarks, Attracta noted the long service Lawrence had given to Spink Comhaltas, initially as branch secretary and later as Chairman.  During this time, there were a significant number of milestones achieved in the revival and development of the branch, including the establishment of a comprehensive music instrument bank, development of music education of students through the Comhaltas SCT exams, significant growth in membership numbers, an increase in the number of music teachers engaged, development of social media and websites for the branch, as well as comprehensive local community engagement including leading the raising of €30,000 for charitable causes.

Accepting the award, Lawrence expressed sincere gratitude for the people he had the privilege of working with along the way, as well as the inspiring musicians he has watched grow and develop.  With a new and exceptionally strong committee in place, he has confidence that the future of the branch is in safe hands.