Come out with your hands up!

Breege Moyles, Ballinagh Stay-at-home mum-of-three, Breege Moyles, has been a member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) for about ten years. Not a musician, she became involved through her children and sees the benefits of volunteering through the eyes of a mother. "When the kids see parents involved in voluntary work in the community, it's very healthy. They get the sense that it's not all 'take, take, take', and in giving of your time you receive back in multitude," says Breege. She and her husband, Gussy, are pillars of CCÉ in Cavan. Breege was secretary of the county board for four years, while Gussy has been chair of the county board for three years. For Fleadh 2010, Breege is secretary of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC), while Gussy shares the role of vice-chairperson with Eoin Doyle of Cavan County Council. Breege believes that interests such as music are vital for children and young people to develop their discipline, work ethic and respect. "Young people can get a bad press, but I've met a wonderful bunch of people through traditional music, particularly the young, who are very grounded. A child who learns music is dedicated and hard-working and they also gain a great respect for the older musicians of the county. A lot of young people might not have time for 'old fogies' as they call them, but the musicians I've met are very respectful towards their elders. It moulds them into a certain sort of human being." Breege is keen to do what she can to guide the younger generation on that path. She admits that putting your hand up for something can be daunting, but points out that the alternative isn't appealing. "It takes a little bit of courage because you know you're not going to be able to please everyone all the time, but someone has to volunteer or nothing will happen." Breege has been gathering archive material on the Fleadh from the 1950s, which is when Cavan last hosted the All-Ireland event and Ballinagh first hosted the County Fleadh. She was also strongly involved in Ballinagh hosting the County Fleadh from 2005-2007. One of the highlights was Cissy's Kitchen, which will be moving to Cavan town for Fleadh 2010 and open for 'céilí-ing'. "We reconstructed a living 1950s kitchen complete with a live family - Cissy, her husband and his mother. The kitchen was a learning experience for children of today, who would have no concept of life before rural electrification or modern technology," says Breege, pointing out that although electricity was available in the 1950s, there were many still relying on tilly lamps. Breege played Cissy, Dessie Harrington was husband Mick and Ann Smith was Granny Annie. With its comic approach, Cissy's Kitchen got a great reaction from County Fleadh-goers, and Breege intends that it will do likewise for All-Ireland Fleadh-goers. "I love to see people laugh," she says, delighted to be part of the enjoyment Fleadh 2010 will bring to Cavan. "It would be nice to be able to say to your children and grandchildren, 'I played some small part in the Fleadh'. There's a great buzz; it's a wonderful, happy event."