The Claremorris Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann are holding a Traditional Festival on the weekend of 16th, 17th, 18th of October 2015. The traditional music weekend is organised annually in memory of the late Johnny Cleary and Mattie Coyne, who played central roles in the development and progression of Claremorris CCE down through the years.

It was music that brought the two men together in 1940 when they formed the Castlegar Ceili Band with Pat Gill, Martin Conroy and Tom Devine and together, the group played across the West.The band impressed audiences around the country for many years and in 1956, Johnny and Mattie joined Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. The men won several titles in Scor, both at provincial and national level and were recognised as the undisputed kings of music in the West.

After Johnny passed away in 1987 Mattie continued with his involvement in music and in CCE and served as the Chairman of Mayo Comhaltas for some time. Remembering Johnny and Mattie and the wonderful things they did for traditional music in Claremorris, Mayo and Ireland, Claremorris CCE are proud to be able to commemorate their lives in such a suitable manner and in so doing, are confident that the legacy of Johnny and Mattie will live on forever.

This year the official opening includes a lecture about the lives and time of two men by Colman O Raghallaigh , singing, music and storytelling on Friday night in the Dalton Inn. On Saturday night there will be a major seisiùn of music, song and dance at Knock House Hotel in Knock with special guests.