Celebrations as Tullamore Town Band is restarted

Tullamore Band is officially up and running again after a historical meeting which happened to land on the organisations 38th birthday, last Valentine?s Day. Following a successful meeting in the GAA members room on Thursday last, it was agreed that attempts should be made as soon as possible to bring music back to the streets of the county town. Originally founded on St Valentine?s Day 1970, the Tullamore town band was know all over the county, playing in Croke Park, on RTE television and a host of local and national events. February 14, 2008 marks the beginning of a new chapter in an already glittering history. The tragic death of David Doheny, a former band member, brought many original members of the band together to play at his funeral Mass. Since then keen interest has been enkindled in relaunching the town band. At the meeting, members were invited to share their hopes and aspirations for the future. The general consensus was that doing was better than saying, as a consequence it was decided to start playing immediately, and the first practice was arranged for the Methodist Church Hall, for Wednesday, February 20 at 8pm. Grateful thanks is expressed to the Rev Colin Gracie and Vicky Lumney for their assistance in this matter. Thanks was also, expressed to the teachers and Board of Management of Scoil Brid, Kilcruttin, for housing equipment until this. Formerly, the band practised in a room in the Old St Brigit?s School, St Brigit?s Place. Since that building no longer stands, the band is currently looking for a suitable place to establish as a residence. The band would be grateful to anyone who can provide a permanent place of gathering. Members were shown a collage of pictures collected over the years by the Gilligan family, Arden Vale. At its peak in the 1980s there were three bands connected to the one town band. Hopefully the town band will soon be able to regain heights already enjoyed. The first public performance is already under preparation. It is indeed an exciting prospect that the town band will soon be on the streets of Tullamore! Anyone who has experience in playing band music, or who would be interested in playing with the group are welcome to come along to the Methodist Church, Church Street, Wednesday evenings at 8pm.