About CCE

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, frequently referred to simply as Comhaltas or CCE, had its beginning in 1951 in Mullingar, County Westmeath, and has its headquarters in Dublin.  A rough translation is "company of Irish musicians,"  but the CCE mission is to advance and preserve every aspect of traditional Irish culture, including music, dance, and the Irish language. There are more than 500 CCE branches in Ireland and throughout the world.

The Michael Kennedy Branch  honors the name of the late great melodeon player Michael Kennedy, who was a strong influence on the playing of Irish music throughout eastern Kentucky and Tennessee as well as the Cincinnati area, where he lived.  Although the branch has its headquarters in Knoxville, its membership extends to the entire southern Appalachian region.

If you would like more information about the branch, or if you would like to join, just email any of the officers listed below:

Chairperson:  Herb Williams

Vice Chairperson:  Charlie Ball

Secretary:  Wendy Smith

Treasurer:   Rick Hall

Irish Language Officer:  Jim Pogge