Our community initatives
Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny
Established in 2014, Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny hosts classes, workshops, and performing groups for learners of all ages. We began as a youth project in St Mary’s on the Hill, but quickly expanded into the wider community. We are an inclusive, non-competitive traditional music club, inspired by the work of various pipers’ clubs and our friends in Club Ceoil Ballyphehane.
In addition to classes, groups, and performances, we operate an instrument bank for learners to try out instruments before they purchase their own. Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny is made possible with support from Music Generation Cork City, Cork City Council, and Musical Neighbourhoods, and our partners in St Mary’s on the Hill, Hollyhill Library, and The Kabin Studio.
Club Ceoil Blarney
Established in 2016, Club Ceoil Blarney is a non-profit, non-competitive club which provides classes in traditional music, dancing, and singing. We currently have 6 music teachers and over 70 members of all ages learning tin whistle, bodhrán, fiddle, flute, mandolin, banjo, concertina, accordion, guitar, traditional singing, and sean-nós dancing. The club operates in Gaelscoil Mhuscraí on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings, and registration takes place every September and January.
The club hosts a grúpa cheoil and traditional music sessions to enable players of all ages to practice and enjoy traditional music in more social, fun, group settings. We’re active performers, hosting group concerts and solo recitals for our members every year. Thanks to support from Cork City Council, Club Ceoil Blarney operates an instrument bank for members to try out instruments before investing in their own. We would also like to thank Gaelscoil Mhuscraí and our volunteers for helping to support the running of Club Ceoil.
Musical Neighbourhoods
In 2020, Creative Tradition co-founded the Musical Neighbourhoods project with our friends in the Kabin Studio and Music Mash Up. We are currently mentoring young traditional musicians (ages 18-26) to develop their skills and learn how to teach music in the community. We also host workshops, sessions, and performance opportunities for adults throughout the northside of Cork City. Music Neighbourhoods has greatly boosted musical participation, especially making Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny more vibrant with adult members for the first time.