Rosnashane Accordion Band Returns After Nine Years
After nine years off the road, Rosnashane Accordion Band, Rasharkin, has made a welcome return — and the story behind the comeback is every bit as impressive as the return itself.
The band took to the road on Sunday for the first time since 2017, following an intense four-month effort to rebuild the band almost from scratch.
With little more than some accordions and old drums to work with, members set about putting the band back together, recruiting new players and getting everything ready for a return to the road.
Explore the Fleadh Results Archive
70 Years of Results • 1957–Present • Updated Every Year
Discover historical All-Ireland and Ulster Fleadh marching band results, previous winners, competition records and statistics from over 70 years of competition.
That hard work finally paid off on Sunday, 16 August, as Rosnashane made its first appearance in nine years.
The band began its day in the local area before travelling to Keady for the major AOH parade, joining a large line-up of bands taking part in the historic event.
For those involved, simply getting the band back on the road was a significant achievement.
Speaking about the comeback, the band said that members had “pulled out all the stops” to get a band on the road in just four months, adding that everyone had done a “super job” on the first outing.
But Sunday wasn’t intended to be the end of the story.
The band is now looking to build on its return, with recruitment a major priority as it attempts to increase its numbers and establish itself once again as a regular presence on the marching band scene.
There is something particularly encouraging about seeing a band return after such a long absence. Rebuilding a band from the ground up takes considerable commitment, particularly after COVID when so many bands struggled to get going again.
For Rosnashane, nine years after its last appearance, the sound of the band once again taking to the road represents the culmination of four months of hard work.
And if the enthusiasm shown by its members is anything to go by, Sunday’s return could be just the beginning of a new chapter for Rosnashane Accordion Band.
Everyone at Marching Bands Ireland would like to congratulate all involved in getting the band back on the road — and wish Rosnashane every success as they continue to rebuild and grow.