As part of our coverage of the All Ireland 2019 we will be giving some of the bands who’ll be heading Drogheda eight questions to answer! The next band we interviewed is the Chloich Cheann Fhaola Junior Band, they qualified in the junior miscellaneous by winning the Donegal and the Ulster Fleadh, here’s what we asked them………..
#1 When your band formed and why?
Banna CeoilChloich Cheann Fhaola was formed in 1983. It is one of the longest running bands in the county of Donegal and has never disbanded – membership spanning three decades stretching from 1983 to now 2019.
#2 What’s the bands biggest achievement?
Aside from their accolades at Fleadh, the members are highly respected and coveted countrywide. They have performed in Munich, Germany, Philadelphia, US, Liverpool and in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day Parades, have recorded and released cassette tapes in 1980’s and have won many prestigious awards and competitions over the three decades, too many in number to list.
#3 Why does your band enter the Fleadh each year?
Entering the Fleadh incorporates lots of practice and dedication from our young members and they thrive when competing in competition. Through training, competitions and other events we work to advance the education of young people through music and we wish to continue to promote the parish of Cloughaneely through music and culture.
#4 Do you think you can win the All Ireland and why?
Yes, I believe this group of young members are capable of winning another All Ireland as we have a great combination of older and young talented members. Our practices start in September every year and we practice twice a week. The dedication and commitment of our members is incredible and are blessed with fantastic young tutors, who bring the best out of our members.
#5 How intense are your preparations for the All Ireland?
Preparations before the All Ireland are intense and we usually hold “band camp” for the week prior to the competition. Members also get to team build and enjoy the build up to the biggest competition of the year. This is also a very busy time for our dedicated committee, who work on a voluntary basis and do an unbelievable job in preparing for the big day!
#6 Do you think winning the Ulster Fleadh will be an advantage at the All Ireland?
Although winning an Ulster Title is a great achievement, the main aim of the band is to compete at another All Ireland and make our community proud. Unfortunately, we are finding that Ulster Fleadh is seeing a huge decrease in band entries.
#7 What would Winning the All Ireland Mean to your band?
It would be a great honour and a privilege to win an All Ireland once again, which band members will remember for the rest of their lives.
#8 What does the Future hold for your band?
The future is very promising as the Band provides opportunities for 8-18 year olds to become involved in Irish music, heritage and culture while providing a social outlet and meeting place for the youth of the parish. The band is going from strength to strength and enjoy performing both their traditional and contemporary programmes.
