The Killarney branch of comhaltas, first saw the light of day in 1962, one of a number of branches set up that year. Comhaltas nationally had been set up in 1951 and a Co. Board was set up in Kerry at the end of 1959, although a branch had existed in Kenmare since 1956.

Once the Co. Board was set up in 1959, many branches were formed in north Kerry during 1960 and gradually word spread into South Kerry, branches being set up during the next few years in Killarney, Killorglin and Ballinskelligs to join the already existing Kenmare branch.

The first meeting of Craobh Chill Áirne was held in "Parlour 5" of the Friary and those present were D. Mangan (R.I.P.), Jimmy and Joan Galvin, Paddy Sexton, Joan Murphy (Glenflesk), May and Danny Moynihan and Maurice and Mary Healy.

Music Classes were initiated, the first teacher being Mr. O'Keeffe from Kiskeam. Nickie McAuliffe began teaching music in Killarney in 1971 and over the years has taught classes in Parlour 5 (The Friary), Paddy Sexton's Academy, The Parish Hall, The Old Monastery,St. Brigid's Sec. School, The New Monstery, The C. of I. School, The Cultural Centre and for the last number of years, St. Brendan's College. Probably only travelling teachers like Tom Billy would have taught in more places than that.