Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Mid-Atlantic Region

Ann Marie was blessed to learn traditional Irish music in NY. She won multiple regional titles, all-Ireland medals, and the senior accompaniment championship at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 1998. That same year,  Ann Marie opened the Acosta School of Irish Music & Dance. Her students have achieved great success, many becoming all-Ireland champions and professional musicians. Ann Marie has taught at numerous traditional Irish music schools, and was an adjunct professor at Fordham University. She adjudicates both Irish music and dance and acts as an SCT examiner. She earned her MA  from the University of Limerick in 2007, and was inducted into the Mid-Atlantic Region Hall of Fame in 2018. Ann Marie is passionate about Irish arts and an advocate for passing on the tradition in the US.

Mike started Irish dancing in 1993. He became president of Bucks County Irish Center, founding member of CCE-NA Delaware Valley Branch with Gerry Buckley. Mike took bodhran lessons and still plays. He became treasurer of Mid-Atlantic Region, moving up to regional chair and currently vice-chair. Mike earned an associate degree in business from Wharton. He retired from U.S. Navy Reserves after 34 years of service in 1995 and in 2003 retired from Bell Telephone System after 33 years.

Trish is a founding member of the O'Neill Malcom Branch in the mid-'90s and proponent of Irish traditional music since the mid-'70s. Currently a member of CCÉ Philadelphia-Delaware Valley where she serves as the auditor. Support live music and dance!!

Maureen Fallon is a member of the Tir na mBláth Comhaltas branch in South Florida, and currently holds the role of chairperson. Maureen grew up in Co. Sligo and was a member of the Fred Finn Comhaltas branch in her youth and played the tin whistle. Maureen is an associate member of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and has worked in many organizations across the globe. Since having her children Maureen uses her skills  volunteering and helping many sporting and cultural organizations in her local community.

Orlaith Schroeder was born in Dublin and is a current member of the Coleman O’Grady Branch in Woodlawn, N.Y. She now resides in Yonkers, N.Y.

Orlaith lived in the Gaeltacht region of Rath Cairn, where she received a scholarship from Bord na Gaeilge to attend secondary school. She boarded there for five years with a host family from the Gaeltacht, fully immersing herself in Irish language and culture.

She is a passionate set dancer and a devoted GAA supporter. Orlaith plays the tin whistle with a weekly ladies’ group at the Dawn Doherty Academy of Irish Music & Singing and recently taught a beginner Irish language class in Yonkers.

Dan is a member of the O’Neill Malcom Branch in metro DC, and serves as the group’s treasurer. He’s been a fan of Irish trad since being exposed to it as a kid with a folk-singing dad who took the family to more folk festivals and sings than is probably recommended. No matter—little damage was done, and Dan grew up singing and playing bass and piano. After his first of many trips to Ireland in 2009, a gently acrimonious but nevertheless serendipitous encounter between a session leader and Dan’s bones playing led to him learning the bodhran, a brief encounter with the whistle, and finally—and somewhat accidentally—piano accompaniment, which he enjoys playing at several DC-area sessions and an occasional gig.

Dan’s background in graphic design and running a promotional products marketing company for over 30 years somehow landed him here, where he hopes to give back a bit to the community that has given him so much joy!

Aoibhinn Williams hails from Rockaway Beach, NY and is very involved with the Irish Music & Dance Community.  She is a student of the Acosta School of Irish Music & Dance, a multi-instrumentalist, and enjoys attending fleadhanna and workshops such as Scoil Eigse and Irish Arts Week as often as possible.  Aoibhinn, now 16, has been competing at the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil since the age of five in solo competitions, as well as ensembles. She has served as the branch youth officer for CCE Killoran-Clancy Whelan, and loves to attend sessions and céilithe.  Aoibhinn is excited to serve as the regional youth officer.

Marie Reilly was born in Whitestone, N.Y. Her mother Nora is from Ballyduff, County Waterford, and her father Martin is from County Longford. Marie began playing fiddle under the supervision of her father and was taught by the late Maureen Glynn Connolly. Marie has performed throughout the USA and Europe as a member of Riverdance, Cherish the Ladies and Green Fields of America led by the late Mick Moloney. Marie is married to a native Irish speaker and flute player from Galway, Seamus MacConaonaigh. They travel to Ireland regularly with their 2 children, Nora and Seamus. Seamus, their son, has been learning the Irish language. Nora is an Irish step dancer and has competed at the World Championships.

Mike is the membership chair for the Philadelphia-Delaware Valley branch.  Originally from Rockland County, N.Y., Mike and his wife Kathy relocated to the Philadelphia area in 2009.  Mike’s father is from Belmullet, County Mayo, and his mother, Lilly, is from Ahascragh, County Galway.  Mike learned to play the button accordion under the tutelage of John Whelan and renewed his interest in recent years as his three children began their participation with traditional music and dance.  Mike currently works in sales management within the medical device industry.  In addition to their support of CCÉ, Mike and Kathy actively participate in the Philadelphia GAA with the Delaware County Gaels.