Seamus Brogan, Vince and Ann Jordan outside Stormont

A member of the Birmingham branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann was one of a select band of privileged guests at a historic traditional music concert in Northern Ireland.
Vince Jordan was one of 100 guests at the special event held in the Parliament Buildings of Northern Ireland or Stormont as it is often known.
Vince, an acclaimed accordion player himself and a passionate advocate of traditional Irish music, said: "Opened on November 16 1932 on behalf of King George V and built at a cost of £1.7 million, Stormont was a powerful sign of British politics for the use of government in Northern Ireland.
"It is therefore incredible that a group of traditional Irish musicians, dancers and singers from Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, gave a concert there."
The concert took place in the Great Hall of the building. The impressive hall features Travertine marble fitted by Italian craftsmen who came to the province in the 1920s.
"In this magnificent setting the Echoes of Erin concert tour from Comhaltas gave a stunning performance," said Vince.
"Eleven musicians, five dancers and three singers were led by Comhaltas project development officer and musician Siobhán Ní Chonaráin. This wonderful occasion was opened by the Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Francie Molloy."
The performance featured the fiddle playing of Eibhlín Healy and Katie Cullen, flute playing from Sean Walsh, and singing from Eimer Arkins and Joe Arkins, who also entertained with words of humour.
Bruce Scott from Liverpool was the third singer on the tour and gave renditions of "The Streams of Bunclody" and a song he composed himself.
Vince added: "Cathy Potter from Ard Mhaca is the tour harpists, and she gave displays of great talent. Two accordion players of brilliance are on this tour group - Peter Staunton from Dublin, and John Carroll from Limerick, who is the lead accordion in the All Ireland champion ceili band the Arrow.
"Cork piper Jimmy Morrison gave us all a masterly musical display of piping, and Mayo concertina player Ernestine Healy mesmer-ised us with reel, jig, and hornpipe playing of the highest quality. The musicians produced several new arrangements, including a commemorative piece of the "Flight of the Earls". The music was very tight and organised."
And it was not just music and song, with dancers on the bill too.
"Comhaltas manages to bring up new talent for concert tours every year," said Vince.
"This year the dancing from Aiden McLoughlin, Emmet McMorrow, Laura Crossan, Hannah Longmore and Teresa Donohue was just outstanding. The dancing was choreographed by my old friend Martin Dodds."
And one of the highlights for Vince was some virtuoso banjo playing.
"I am no big fan of the banjo, but like all musical instruments in the right hands, the banjo makes great music. Those hands for this tour belong to Brona Graham. Her contribution to this tour is just outstanding. Brilliant music, from this young lady from County Antrim.
"Macalla na hÉireann as part of the peace process was a great success. Well done Comhaltas."
Some of Comhaltas's finest will be in the Midlands next year. The Echoes of Erin will be performing at Birmingham Irish Club on Tuesday February 26.