Our week began in 2005, when fiddle teacher Mitch Fanning, TTCT, seeking to deepen the awareness, education, and skills of his young students, approached Jesse Winch, newly-elected Cathaoirleach of the O’Neill Malcom Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE), and asked if the Branch would collaborate with a new project he had in mind to set up a week of classes with a visiting master. The answer was an immediate yes and, success breeds success, as they say, and the program’s offerings grew steadily to include instruction for flute, whistle, banjo, uilleann pipes, bodhrán, guitar, ceili band, singing, sean-nós dancing, Irish language, and much more. Mitch served as Director of MAD Week through 2018 and continues his support and participation as Director Emeritus.  

The Branch Board recognized the value of MAD Week, and its alignment with the mission of promoting Irish traditional music, dance, and language arts and continued to endorse the program, as the sponsoring organization. This relationship continues to provide vital administrative and financial support. 

Proof of MAD Week’s deep value to the community can be seen in its continuing refinement and development. Past programs, such as the MAD Youth Camp, emerged from a core commitment to be of true service, and to be actively inclusive. Wherever you are on your musical or dancing path - introducing yourself to an interest or indulging a deep passion – and at whatever level of proficiency, as an attendee of MAD Week – or the new (in 2024) MAD Weekend you will find a tailored fit for your interests. And much more. You will experience the joy of being surrounded by others who share your passion, along with the enlightenment that comes from perceiving the fuller context – the history, the relationships, the heroes, and the friendships that provide the human framework for the traditions. In short, you will find an opportunity to participate fully in a nurturing and welcoming creative community. 

You are, indeed, welcome