The Listowel Branch of Comhaltas Ceoiltóiri Éireann is one of the longest established branches in County Kerry. It is probably best known for hosting 14 All-Ireland Fleadhanna Ceoil between 1970 and 2002. Bernard (Bernie) and Margery Long, two local national school teachers were two of the initial founding members. Others who were involved in the early years were Jack Larkin, Babe Hillard, Mick Regan, Timmy Leahy and Timmy Brosnan. In 1970, Diarmuid Ó Catháin approached the branch about running the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

At the time, the Fleadh had been through some tough times and was in danger of collapse. The 1970 Fleadh was a resounding success. Listowel was asked to host the Fleadh again in 1971, but this was postponed due to the introduction of internment in Northern Ireland. The decision was a highly contentious issue within the organisation at the time and many remember lively and heated debates on the matter. The branch went on to host the Fleadhanna of '72, '73 and '74 and had they hosted the '71, it would have been an unprecedented 5 in a row. Incidentally, the competitions for the 1970 Fleadh were held in conjunction with Fleadh Nua in Dublin in May 1972.