Meitheal
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Meitheal (mɛhəl) is the Irish name for a work group[1], conveying the idea of 'connection with neighbour.' Traditionally, the term referred to rural agricultural groups. The practice was, and is, for a group of neighbours to come together to help each other in tasks such as preparing the hay, or gathering the harvest. Each person would help their neighbour who would in turn reciprocate.
The term is used in various writings of Irish language authors. It is used to convey the idea of a 'spirit of community' within which neighbours will respond to the needs of each other. It is used in modern parlance, for example a Meitheal could be a party where neighbours and friends are invited to help decorate a house in exchange for food and drink, or in scouting as volunteer campsite wardens who maintaining scout campsites around Ireland. Meitheal Mara[2] is a group who cooperate to build each others boats.
Meitheal is also the name of a week-long, intensive traditional music school[3] run yearly by flute player Garry Shannon.
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