The youngster thrived....but not without teething problems, growing pains and minor ailments. There were differences of opinion with the Central Council of Comhaltas about the interpretation of the Bunreacht, with the B.B.C. and their televising of the Branch's activities in Bernard Falk's "Nationwide" and many more niggling and annoying problems. But there was a nursery - a safe haven where the real and important work went on......"The Loft", a small upstairs room behind Brian Quinn's shop (now Pat Fullan's), where the foundation members joined with Joe Clarke, Tommy Doherty, Henry McErlean, Sean McGuigan, Willie John McCann, Tommy McCann, John Weir and others practising tunes, planning sessions, and masterminding the welfare of the thriving organisation.

Progress was constant and highlights were numerous in the Branch's development. Members went on to win competitions at County, Ulster and All Ireland level; the Branch was featured in a T.V. programme. Donncha O Dulaing made a radio broadcast involving the members; an article (by M McAteer) was published in "Treoir" in 1974 giving details of an end of year session held on board the "Maid Of Antrim" as it sailed from Portglenone Quay to Lough Neagh and back to an eel supper at "The Wild Duck", with Tony McAuley and Len Graham among the 80 plus who crammed the boat.