#1 When your band formed and why?
Maghery Band was formed in 1945. The band was formed as a growing trend of fife bands that had occurred in the Rosses prior to this time. The community of Maghery like their neighbors wanted to fulfill a tradition to honour St.Patrick’s Day.
This tradition of performing at Meenacross Chapel on St.Patricks day still exists as a result from our foundation.
#2 What’s the bands biggest achievement?
The band has several achievements that they are very proud of.
Our All Ireland status of 4in a row champions is one. Our 3times Best Youth Band International Champion Status having competing against a multitude of bands from USA and Europe is another and most recently our undertaking of our East Coast USA Tour which saw us perform across several states such as New York, Bayonne & Florida. It was an honour to represent our country and were honoured to be presented by the Mayor of Bayonne who officially declared Sun 17th March 2019 as ‘Maghery Band Day’.
#3 Why does your band enter the Fleadh each year?
Our band enters the Fleadh each year because we are very proud of our Irish music and culture. We work extremely hard to promote Irish heritage and culture and our music is a prominent part of that. The Fleadh is steeped in traditions and we have always been strong advocates for it thanks to the many happy memories it has held for us throughout the years. To have your country also recognize your talents overall is an added bonus!
#4 Do you think you can win the All Ireland and why?
We would like to think that winning an All Ireland comes from giving 120% commitment and dedication. We hope to win any competition that we have given that level of drive and dedication to.
#5 How intense are your preparations for the All Ireland?
Our preparations are very well committed. We practise as early as 6am and as late as 2am with hours of practise varying from 2-5hours at a time and 4-16 hours per week.
This level of commitment is due to our members work and study schedules as well as our passion for what we do.
#6 Do you think going straight through to the All Ireland impacts your preparations or is a disadvantage?
We feel being automatically through to the following years competition is a great reward for the previous years accomplishment.
We don’t feel it is a disadvantage as it allows us to focus and work towards a primary goal whilst also giving fellow competitors more experience on the field in preparation to going against the predecessors.
#7 What would Winning the All Ireland Mean to your band?
Winning the All Ireland means A LOT to our band.
To train, travel and perform is a wonderful experience. To represent our village, town and county throughout Ireland is an honour no matter the occasion.
The Fleadh holds a special place in our hearts being that it was outside of our hometown the first official and national competition the band attended. It marks a significant time in our competitive career when dedication and commitment proved to be effective and was acknowledged and rewarded.
It is unfortunate that there are not the volume of bands competing at present in all the sections and a Champion of Champions or alternate awards would be a wonderful way to revive alternate sections that suffer from this.
#8 What does the Future hold for your band?
This September we are performing at Belfast International Tattoo.
It is an honour to be recognized by the prestigious event Tattoo and we look forward to entertaining new audiences.
We have invitations from around the world outstanding and look forward to revealing them in the near future as we plan our 2020 and 2021 schedules.
