THE great and the good in Ireland and Scotland were lining up to congratulate St Roch’s Marching Band after their stunning triumph at the recent Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford.
The 41-strong Glasgow-based band—drawn from the Irish Minstrels branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann—became the first marching band from outside of Ireland to take home the top prize in the Senior Miscellaneous section, after a stunning performance in which they displayed both excellent musicality and well-honed marching drills.
This win was all the more impressive given the fact that—as highlighted in last month’s edition of The Irish Voice—the marching band has only been in existence for a mere five months, but also as it broke the stranglehold that Cloich Cheann Fhaola Senior had over the competition, with them expected to have claimed their sixth Senior All-Ireland title.
Tributes paid
In the wake of the historic victory, tributes poured in from the likes of Celtic FC manager Brendan Rodgers, Daniel O’Donnell, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Phil Coulter, former Celtic FC goalkeeper Packie Bonner and Deacon Blue singer Lorraine McIntosh.
There were congratulations offered from within the Scottish Parliament too, thanks to a motion supported by MSPs across the political spectrum namely: Bob Doris, Jackie Dunbar Colin Beattie and Kevin Stewart (SNP); Jeremy Balfour, Tess White and Annie Wells (Conservative); and Pam Duncan-Glancy (Labour).
However, while the external well wishes are greatly received, it would be remiss not to hear from the participants themselves, who were delighted and perhaps a bit taken aback by the win. They were only too happy to share their stories with The Irish Voice.
From stand-in to success
“I was only a ‘stand-in’ at the first rehearsal and five months later found myself marching in an international competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and in doing so, making history as part of the first overseas marching band to win an All-Ireland title,” Hugh Anderson McKnight said. “I am classically trained, so learning to play the tin whistle alongside these eminent Irish musicians took me out of my depth and nothing could have prepared me for the experience of this marching band!
“Irish music is an oral tradition—handed down from generation to generation through learning by ear. Being relatively new to the Irish music scene, the tunes were not familiar to me, so transcribing the tunes was a huge challenge. Despite an intense rehearsal schedule—and the daunting prospect of playing alongside such accomplished musicians—I got there and was incredibly proud that I was able to contribute to the band’s success. The winning performance itself was incredible and something I will never forget. It felt surreal—five months of work rolled into 12 minutes. I am grateful that the moment was captured and that I can relive the experience on You Tube any time I want—and I’m already doing that, more times than I'd like to admit!”
Walking in dad’s footsteps
“My dad was Padraic Hannah Mhor, who played in the Ranafast Marching Band, man and boy, and every year we'd travel the county cheering on our village band” Noreen Downs said. “So, when I got the opportunity to be part of the St Roch's Marching Band, I jumped at the chance. Alongside my daughter Siobhan, sister Theresa and niece Ciara. Three generations of our family have been students and volunteer tutors with Irish Minstrels CCÉ, helping preserve our culture in music, language and dance. For me, walking in our dad’s footsteps as part of the St Roch's Marching Band is a key opportunity to preserve the marching band culture that has always been part of my identity.”
A family affair
“I still can’t quite believe the opportunity, at my age, to compete at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann after attending St Roch’s for more than 30 years watching my children and grandchildren compete,” Mary Hunter said. “And the icing on the cake, to win the All-Ireland title! I've loved the family aspect. What a privilege it has been to perform with my two daughters. I was proud to carry the Feis Ghlaschú flag, as I won my first ever medal Irish dancing back in 1966. I love that the band consisted of all ages too, from 16-65! I have such respect for marching bands and the hard work and dedication it takes to put on such performances.”
Late addition
“My first experience of the marching band was as a stand-in, and It was evident that despite the long practices and hard work, everyone made it fun and enjoyable,” Mhairi McGregor said. “I was a late addition and incredibly nervous, but I was made to feel so welcome and at ease. I’ve got to know so many people from varying generations of the St Roch’s family and it's been a blast, either during rehearsals or enjoying the celebrations afterwards. Never in a million years did I imagine winning an All-Ireland medal, especially not in a marching band and I feel so lucky to be part of this fantastic experience making such great memories.”
Tailor-made involvement
“My brother Paddy and sister Martina signed up for the marching band, but I played fiddle so I wasn’t able to join,” Claire-Louise Vallance said. “However, I was added to the group to help with band uniforms that may need tailored. Next thing you know I am in a subgroup for whistles and attending a practice at St Roch's. The last time I played whistle was as an eight-year-old beginner—35 yrs ago! It was a huge challenge learning difficult tunes and the marching drills all at once. Tunes that were easy on the fiddle were much harder on the whistle, but my fellow band mates encouraged me to keep going. At a band night out my brother, Paddy said: ‘Yeah you weren't our first choice of band member.’ My siblings and two cousins—who are half my age—also took part and I've loved spending time with them and all my other bandmates. I still can't believe we won the All-Ireland! and I played the whistle.”
Individual successes and inspiration
St Roch’s also celebrated individual triumphs within the branch in Wexford. Grainne Canning took first place in the under-12 Flute, Orla Bruce earned second place in the 12-15 Piano Accordion and Accompaniment categories and Cara Conway secured third place in the 15-18 Accompaniment competition.
It is hoped that St Roch’s Marching Band’s historic win at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will not only inspire more international involvement in the competition, but also more young people coming to learn traditional music at the branch in years to come.
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