Introduction

Haigh a chairde! Happy New Year! I wanted to share a quick post to introduce myself. My name is Niamh Branigan (it rhymes with Steve). I am a 19 year-old fiddle player and have served as Youth Officer to the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Micheál Ó Domhnaill Branch of Oregon since 2019, as the Regional Youth Officer to the West Region since 2020, and as the Provincial Youth Officer for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí North America as of 2022. 

As Youth Officer, I  host youth events, such as the youth session in Portland which is now in its 4th year. I help to plan, organize, and promote events including ceilis, sessions, and youth dance workshops around the Portland Metro Area; as well as attend and volunteer at the Celtic Community Night at Artichoke Music, Oíche na nAmhrán, and the annual CCÉ Oregon Campout. I also coordinate with other youth officers to plan and promote  Comhaltas events, such as the “Step into San Fran”, a 2020 virtual youth concert, featuring singers, dancers, and musicians from all over the world.

Niamh and her fiddle in front of the Pittock Mansion.

I am inspired to share a love of Irish traditional arts with other youth so that others can enjoy and benefit from experiencing and interacting with the rich cultural traditions of Ireland.

If you have any questions, you can reach me by email.