My first experience of Comhaltas was at 8 years of age. It gave a very shy, quiet child confidence, friendship, but most of all a love for music and the Irish culture. More than 30 years later I still love the music and playing it. The organisation showed me at a young age that once learned and mastered I could have this music forever and take part in it no matter how old I got or wherever I go in the world. I have and still make so many friends through Irish traditional music. It was the best hobby my parents introduced me to at 8 years old.

Our cultural assets should be an enriching part of the lives of Irish people everywhere, particularly our young people; they should be a living, highly visible and vibrant part of our society; they should be easily accessible to all; and their unique social, cultural and economic benefits should be realized by communities and individuals throughout the country and in Irish communities abroad.