Meitheal

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Meitheal is the Irish name for a work group. 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 in modern parlance, for example in Scouting as a group of volunteer campsite wardens who maintain scout campsites around Ireland.

Meitheal (music school) is also the name of a week-long, intensive traditional music school run yearly by flute player Garry Shannon.

[edit] See also

• Gift economy
• Mutual aid